Welcome to Chiang Rai. Chiang Rai is the northernmost province of Thailand. Chiang Rai was founded by King Mangrai in the 13th century. But soon after, it was conquered by the Burmese and was ruled by them until the 19th century when Thailand re-annexed this beautiful region.
In this article, we are going to share with you the most amazing things to do in Chiang Rai. There are a lot of stunning places to explore in Chiang Rai. Get ready for a real slice of northern Thailand.
Singha Park
If you’re wondering what “Singha” means in Thai, it’s the mythical Golden Lion.
One of the best things to do in Chiang Rai is to visit the ginormous Singha Park. It’s a 3,162-acre agrotourism attraction in Chiang Rai, famous for its beautiful tea plantation, beautiful flower fields, a giant lion statue, and many other activities.
It’s impossible to cover it all on foot, so you’ll need to hire either a buggy or a bicycle. There are so many different scenic spots to stop for photos and also where you can roam around tea plantations and even make your own tea.
Renting a golf cart will cost you around 700 Thai baht, where two people can sit for 2 hours.
But you don’t actually need a golf cart. You can take the hop-on-hop-off bus. That’s 150 baht per person. They say it takes around an hour and a half to do the whole park, so just keep that in mind.
Don’t miss the fun and thrilling activities like the heart-stopping zipline. You can zoom down from six floors up, and there’s also a little zoo where you can pet and feed friendly animals.
White Temple
The White Temple is one of the most unbelievable temples in Thailand. It’s located about 13 kilometers or 8 miles to the south of the city. This sparkling white modern Temple was designed and constructed by a local Thai artist in the late ’90s.
You’ll see there’s a bridge that symbolizes the cycle of rebirth, and after crossing the bridge, you get to the Gate of Heaven, then into the golden building, all of which have some symbolism relating to life, death, and rebirth in Buddhism.
The design of this architecture will amaze you for sure. The pointy and shiny designs look more beautiful when the sun shines on them. Apart from the famous temple itself, there are other buildings, artsy objects, and even a golden temple that you can walk around.
The best time to visit the White Temple is early in the morning right after opening time or right before closing time because there will be fewer people. But we recommend the early morning time to visit here.
The entrance fee is 100 baht per person for foreigners.
Blue Temple
The Blue Temple is another unique architecture like the White Temple in Chiang Rai. The Blue Temple’s official name is Wat Rong Suea Ten, which is the Temple of the Dancing Tiger. It was designed by Phuttha Karbkaew, a former apprentice of Mr. Chalermchai. The architectural marvel impresses visitors with its stunning appearance and deep religious symbolism.
The color blue is symbolic of purity, wisdom, and lack of materialism that Buddhists aspire to become like. The reason it’s called the Temple of the Dancing Tiger is because an ancient Temple that once stood here is said to have had tigers that roamed freely around the grounds when it was abandoned nearly a century ago.
The architecture is stunning, and the statues are outstanding. It’s really an amazing Temple to visit when you are in Chiang Rai. This should be on your bucket list for sure.
Tip: For the best experience, visit the temple at night, when it is illuminated.
Wat Huay Pla Kang
This temple stands out from really far due to its huge statue of Guanyin. You can even make your way up 25 stories to the top of Guanyin for more amazing imagery and views. The Temple is known as the Big Buddha of Chiang Rai, also known for its white statue of Guanyin.
The temple is in Chinese-style architecture since the white Buddha is of Guanyin (in Chinese means “Perceiver of all Sounds”), the goddess of Mercy.
You will see the nine-floor Pagoda at the front. There are 12 other different architectures to explore.
The City Center
Visit the City Center. You can go by your rented scooter or by a tuk-tuk. But make sure the tuk-tuk charges before you sit. The City center is the place where the Golden Tower is located. We suggest you visit in the afternoon as it looks more stunning.
You can also walk around the City Center area in the evening, and find some Chinese or Japanese restaurants. And the Japanese cuisine in the City Center is awesome.
You can try the food in “Wangcome Hotel,” which is a Japanese restaurant located near the golden clock tower beside 7-Eleven.
The Golden Tower
The incredible clock tower was installed in 2008 in honor of the king. It was designed by Chalermchai Kositpipat, the same man who designed the White Temple.
The clock tower comes alive, treating onlookers to a captivating 10-minute performance of synchronized lights and harmonious sounds. With its intricate design, the clock tower is widely regarded as one of Thailand’s finest landmarks.
Every day from 8 pm to 9 pm, you can witness an incredible light show here at the Golden Tower, which is free. We recommend you visit the clock Tower in the evening or at night.
Chiang Rai Night Bazaar
Chiang Rai Night Bazaar is a local market here. You’ll find a lot of clothing street shops and street food shops. Just walk around the area and enjoy the environment, observe the locals, and many more.
Don’t forget to try the street food in this market. You will see a lot more foreigners come to this market just to observe the locals and enjoy the street food.
The food is very cheap. You will find a lot more food items, multiple cuisines, seafood, and more. You can have your dinner as you will see a lot of people are eating around.
The Black House
The Black House, known to Thai locals as the Baan Dam Museum, is actually a temple complex or an art gallery created by the Thai artist Thawan Duchanee. The main goal of the house is to showcase the Thai-style home up here in Northern Thailand.
“Baan” in Thai means “Home,” and “Dam” in Thai means “Black.” Thawan was a famous artist in Thailand as well as an architect. The Black House is not only one architecture. It’s a collection of 40 black houses or architecture.
All the houses are made of wood, glass, concrete, bricks, or various styles of terracotta. If you are an animal lover, this is not for you because the artist used bones as a source of inspiration for his paintings.
Tip: The entrance fee is 80 Thai baht per person.
The Golden Triangle
The Golden Triangle is a fascinating destination where three countries converge: Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar. The area offers a captivating blend of history, culture, and stunning landscapes.
Explore opium museums to learn about the region’s controversial past and its impact on local communities. Browse through vibrant marketplaces for unique handmade crafts and local specialties.
While you are there, don’t miss the chance to indulge in delicious culinary delights at the diverse restaurants in the area.
Choui Fong Tea Plantation
Have you ever dreamed of exploring a huge tea plantation surrounded by breathtaking views? Welcome to Choui Fong Tea Plantation!
This picturesque hillside tea farm offers sightseeing and private tours, allowing you to experience the vibrant tea culture up close. Sample exotic teas directly from the plantation and indulge in delectable green tea cakes.
Photography enthusiasts will find numerous scenic spots to capture breathtaking images while learning about tea cultivation. This immersive experience offers a close encounter with nature and the chance to take home memorable souvenirs.
Additionally, explore the lush fields, breathe in the fresh mountain air, and embrace the tranquility of the surroundings.
Recommended Stay in Chiang Rai
The resort is called “La Luna.” It’s more like a jungle retreat inside the city. It’s just outside the city center, maybe 15 minutes away by foot, but it will cost around 35 dollars per room. And it’s worth more than the pricing.
Cost: 35 Dollars per night.
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