Chiang Rai, Thailand: A Complete Travel Guide
Updated: Jul 7, 2023
Chiang Rai is the northernmost province in Thailand. Filled with lush hills, fine local food, an abundance of temples, and cultural sights, this is one of the country’s most fascinating regions. And although it’s located right next to the well-trodden Chiang Mai, this province doesn’t receive as many tourists. In fact, most people visit Chiang Rai as a day trip from Chiang Mai, but we recommend spending at least a few days here to fully soak in the unique culture. Chiang Rai City is the main hub to explore the hidden corners of the region from. But the city itself also has a wide variety of attractions. In travel guide, we highlight the best things to do, the best places to eat and drink, and places to stay.
Check out our video about Chiang Rai to see the best things to do through our camera!
Best Things To Do In Chiang Rai
Watch Sunset From Wat Phrathat Doi Khao Kwai
Experience The Weekend Night Market (Thanalai Road on Sunday - Sankhongnoi Road on Saturday)
Spend Time At Singha Park
Day Trip To The Tea Plantations (Take route 1130 and visit Tea Plantation 101)
See The Art At Baan Dam Museum
Hike To Khun Korn Waterfall
Ascend The Statue At Wat Huay Pla Kang
Eat At The Night Bazaar
Visit The Tham Luang Cave
Visit The White Temple (Wat Rong Khun)
Admire The Blue Temple (Wat Rong Suea Ten)
Visit The Golden Triangle
Places To Stay In Chiang Rai
Homey Dormy Chiangrai: This is where we stayed and we loved it. Rooms were clean and comfy, price quality was excellent, free breakfast included. It's a bit outside the city center, so only book if you can easily get there (maybe if you have a rental car or scooter)
Sooknirund Hotel: Located in the heart of Chiang Rai City. Clean, comfy, and fairly new!
Kanlaya Place: 2-minute walk from Walking Street, Night Bazaar and Jed Yod Temple. Great value for price!
MaanFah Homestay: This accommodation is not in Chiang Rai city, but ideal if you're planning to explore the cave and mountains. We stayed here as well and the view at sunrise is amazing!
Places To Eat And Drink In Chiang Rai
Kunda Café: vegan burgers & food
Nakhon Pathom Restaurant: Thai Food
Rongsri Rooftop: cheap local place for food and drinks
Night Bazaar: lots of hot pot options
Siam Corner Restaurant: Thai food
Kalae Cafe Nangnon Coffee: coffee, sweets, and all kinds of food
Bavarian Beer House: drinks & pub food
Thanalai Road: go for the Sunday Night Market
Sankhongnoi Road: go for Saturday Night Market
Map Chiang Rai
Find all the places to go, eat, drink, and stay in Chiang Rai on Google Maps. To follow and save the list, do the following:
Tap on the link to open it (click button below)
Tap Save. This list will now be added to the group of lists you follow.
Optional: To unfollow a list someone shared with you, tap the list Saved.
If you follow the list we made, all our saved places of Chiang Rai will show up in Your Places. The places will also appear as suggested locations in Google Maps.
Use These Websites To Save Money On Your Trip To Chiang Rai
Booking.com for places to stay
Skyscanner for cheap flights
GetYourGuide for local tours
Rentalcars.com for affordable car rentals
Are you having a hard time planning your trip to Chiang Rai? Get our Interactive Travel Planner to keep it all organized.
Need more travel inspiration? Check out our other destinations and articles on Thailand:
