Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings
Top Things to Do in Chiang Rai, Thailand - Chiang Rai Attractions
Things to Do in Chiang Rai
Popular things to do
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- Points of Interest & Landmarks
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- Private Day Trips
- Sacred & Religious Sites
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Book these experiences for a close-up look at Chiang Rai.
Top Attractions in Chiang Rai
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Religious Sites
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Nature & Wildlife Areas
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Points of Interest & Landmarks • Religious Sites
Mountains • Nature & Wildlife Areas
Parks • Art Museums
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Neighbourhoods • Points of Interest & Landmarks
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Farms
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Monuments & Statues
Historic Sites • Bodies of Water
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Tours, activities and experiences bookable on Tripadvisor, ranked using exclusive Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, popularity, user preferences, price, and bookings made through Tripadvisor.
What travellers are saying
- Simis29Bangkok, Thailand303 contributionsBeautiful white temple..can clik pics from outside if u dont wanna buy 100 baht tkt to enter..looks like u are walking on way to heaven..loved the feeling..a must go in Chiang RaiWritten 5 May 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- Simis29Bangkok, Thailand303 contributionsLovely temple..free entry..pictorious place..Beautiful Lord Budha idol inside..highly recommended if in Chiang Rai.Written 5 May 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- EleniLondon, UK6 contributionsI spent a lovely day at this elephant-friendly sanctuary. I went for the Elephant Safari option which included half a day at the elephant sanctuary and half a day at another location where elephants are rehabilitated in their natural environment. I investigated a lot in advance and I am so proud of choosing this particular sanctuary... Everything is about the elephants' well-being; no touching, no bathing, nothing human-focused. During the first part of the tour we were not allowed to reach them closer than 15m and, as they cannot see further than 8m, we were observing them while enjoying life. Our guide was very knowledgeable and spent a lot of time with us answering all kinds of questions. Due to the recent drop in tourism I was privileged to be the only one spending the second part of the tour(the actual safari) with the sanctuary's manager, Jack. Jack shared a lot of information and insights of his project with me and I believe he is a unique individual with a pure vision. I was touched to be part of this project with my contribution, fellow travelers I would strongly recommend that you research in advance and invest your money in projects that really have a positive impact on this world, such as this one. The food offered was really tasty and the whole sanctuary space is a paradise on earth. Thank you Jack and Team, good luck with your efforts!Written 7 April 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- Lee GrintNewcastle upon Tyne, UK317 contributionsStunning temples here, highly recommended a visit. I would recommend spending anytime between 1 or 2 hours here, especially if you wish to climb the stairs. Easy for tourists to navigate around, tourist bus also available to reach the top of the statue.Written 30 November 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- melkeetIpoh, Malaysia1,361 contributionsWe walked to the night market in Chiang rai from our Baanmalai hotel. It is near the Chiang Rai Bus station. There were all sort of merchandise being sold and includes fabrics, housewares, clothes, souvenirs, food and drinks. You can relax here while sipping a beer or two. There was a stage, on which local artist were performing some number. We spent 2 hours here.Written 31 December 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- ReslimpanProvidence, RI2,752 contributionsThe journey to Doi Mae Salong is perhaps more about the journey as such than the final destination. Incredible scenery along the spaghetti roads leading there. Once in Mae Salong an opportunity to buy tea, coffee, nuts, dried fruit and mushrooms. Take the opportunity to visit a tea plantation to savor some excellent oolong tea.Written 3 January 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- skyisbluMontreal, Canada2,538 contributionsA large, very much functional Wat in the north of Chiang Rai. The map at the entrance explains the function of the various buildings in the compound, but the focal point here is the temple towards the back, housing a replica of the emerald buddha that is found at Wat Phra Kaew in Bangkok. This one is made of Canadian Jade, so I feel a particular attachment to it. The room where the statue sits glows in a beautiful green, with beautiful murals on the surrounding walls.
Elsewhere on the site, you can observe turtles in the pond, see the tall golden Pagoda in the center of the compound, ring the temple bells. You will see many monks here, performing their daily chores or otherwise going about their business - this is their home, and you are simply a visitor, so be respectful. Towards the exit, there is a large table where you can make donations of money, either directly to the temple, or to buy robes or supplies for the monks. Since there is no entrance fee, this is a nice gesture to show appreciation for visiting.Written 4 June 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC. - Dean PKo Kret, Thailand5 contributionsA steep climb of 1,400 meters through the gorgeous jungle on a well-maintained trail yields a lovely waterfall setting. Have lunch sitting in the stream afterward.Written 23 April 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- Fenella H7 contributionsBeautiful golden clock, worth seeing day and night for light show. Great for a pit stop walking around the city. Delicious cafes nearby especially Fika for Instagram lovers.Written 16 February 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- Alain KBangkok, Thailand357 contributionsBeautiful collections, amazing buildings, everything well presented and well explained, in beautiful surroundings, not to be missed.Written 5 April 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- Mark SChiang Rai, Thailand20 contributionsMy most enduring memory of Thailand is this wonderful experience. The botanical gardens are truly beautiful and the museum recently added to the grounds bring emotional tears to the eye with an amazing insight into the country's history. As a farang luckily married to the most beautiful local girl I just simply love this visiting place as often as I can.Written 27 December 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- PhotoCatTravelerSouthside, FL477 contributionsMaybe the pandemic has made things worse. 2 friends and I were the only visitors there... felt too touristy for me but maybe on a day with more visitors it improves.Written 23 January 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- nantaphon d1 contributionIt’s good for family group in winter season or any time that would you like to giving nature and this place has many activities to do such as make century egg and natural tie dry cloth workshop.Written 19 October 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- EHinOzMargate, Australia804 contributionsIt's rather special to visit the confluence of three countries - and on the mighty Mekong as well. The town is rather low key, but none the worse for that. There are the usual souvenir shops and a variety of places to eat, all very close to the impressive Golden Buddha, elephant figures and land based ship. There's also, not surprisingly, an opium museum, but we weren't tempted inside. A very pleasant trip in the country and well worth a visit.Written 21 March 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- Rocky RoadChiang Rai, Thailand1,648 contributionsOK, if you come in the afternoon, especially on a Sunday parking takes a little while. I like Tops, which has hard to find foreign foods like German Rye bread, Dutch Zero Alcohol beer, Italian Decaf coffee, etc.
I prefer the first floor food court, which has very reasonably priced "street food". Two people can eat like a king for 200B.
Also the local foods area on the first floor has some healthy food worth trying. I bought some rice powder made from Black rice, which is loaded with phytonutrients to add to smoothies, yogurt, waffles, etc.
Tops also has an OK salad bar. Tried Sizzler once-not as good as America. Also the Starbucks in Central is more expensive than Starbucks in America. There's also a couple sushi restaurants, which are quite expensive by local standards. I would guess not as good as mom & pop sushi joints in LA.
Clothes here are outrageous expensive, but even in America, who's dumb enough to shop at malls for clothes? Either people with more money than sense or Shopaholics up to their eyeballs in credit card debt.
Overall a great experience, highly recommend if you spend extended time in the city.Written 4 January 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Frequently Asked Questions about Chiang Rai
- The top attractions to visit in Chiang Rai are:
- Wat Rong Khun
- Wat Rong Seur Ten (Blue Temple)
- Elephant Valley Thailand
- Wat Huay Pla Kang
- Chiang Rai Night Bazaar
- The best outdoor activities in Chiang Rai according to Tripadvisor travellers are:
- Elephant Valley Thailand
- Khun Korn Waterfall
- Doi Mae Salong
- Mae Fah Luang Art and Culture Park
- Chiang Saen
- The best day trips from Chiang Rai according to Tripadvisor travellers are:
- Chiang Rai Temples Private Tour from Chiang Mai with Lunch
- Chiang Mai-Chiang Rai:White+Black+Blue Temple+Golden Triangle+Boat Trip
- Chiang Rai : Small-Group Day Trip from Chiang Mai City with Golden Triangle
- Sightseeing Join Tour Chiang Rai / Pick up only in Chiang Rai
- Chiang Rai One Day: Hot Spring,White Temple, Golden Triangle, Yao&Akha Hilltribe
- The most popular things to do in Chiang Rai with children according to Tripadvisor travellers are:
- Tad Kwan Village Park & Waterfall
- Elephant Valley Thailand
- Rai Ruen Rom Organic Farm
- Wat Huay Pla Kang
- Wat Rong Khun