Chiang Rai travel blog — The fullest Chiang Rai travel guide for first-timers

Chiang Rai is a land of ancient values of Thailand because this land and Chiang Mai were the centers of the glittering Lanna dynasty hundreds of years ago. Today, although it is not as famous as Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai is still an ancient, colorful space of Thailand with a lot of activities to explore the cultural quintessence, the trip to discover the green forest along with the full of interesting surprises. So, is Chiang Rai worth visiting, what to do in Chiang Rai and how to plan a perfect budget trip to Chiang Rai for the first-time? Let’s check out our Chiang Rai travel blog (Chiang Rai blog) with the fullest Chiang Rai travel guide (Chiang Rai guide) from how to get there, best time to come, where to stay, best places to visit, what to eat and top things to do to find out the answer!

Living Nomads will find out Chiang Rai travel experience for self-sufficiency trip and make your trip more complete. Let’s explore the beautiful city through this Chiang Rai travel blog and guide — The fullest guide for a budget trip to Chiang Rai, Thailand with some tips for saving budget tips for a trip to Chiang Rai, best places to visit, top things to do in Chiang Rai.

Chiang Rai blog: When to travel?

With pleasant climate all year round you can visit Chiang Rai at anytime you want, but the good time to come here is in April, in particular from 13th-15th every year is the traditional Thai New Year Water Festival called Songkran.

Chiang Rai travel guide: Cost of self-sufficient trip to Chiang Rai

Cost of transport

Getting to Chiang Rai: You can choose to move to Chiang Rai in many ways. In particular, the most popular way is Bangkok and then fly to Chiang Rai airport. Every day, there are dozens of flights servicing this route and usually, you only take tens of minutes – few hours to move between the two cities. The usual cost for a flight with airlines such as Nok Air, Thai Lion Air or Air Asia is usually between $105 to 125/person/round trip. You can book tickets for 3 – 6 months for a better price.

Or you can take a train from Hua Lamphong (Bangkok Railway Station to Chiang Mai) then from Chiang Mai you can take a bus, taxi or motorbike yourself to Chiang Rai.

Getting around Chiang Rai: Along with the plane, you can also choose to travel by land. If you are traveling from Bangkok, you can pick a bus, train to get Chiang Mai, and then catch the bus to Chiang Rai. The average price for a trip by road is only about 18 – 21 dollars (about 400 thousand).

After arriving in Chiang Rai, you can rent motorbikes to explore every corner of the city. Or if you are not comfortable driving, the songthaews, tuk-tuks, and buses are always ready to serve you.

Cost of eating

Like Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai is a typical northern Thai cuisine. Coming here, you can enjoy local dishes such as chicken soup, pork salad or egg noodle,… The cost for the dishes is also quite cheap from a few dozen to less than 3 dollars. If you want to eat hearty meals, you only take about 12 – 15 dollars.

Cost of stay

Traveling to Chiang Rai you can choose to stay in one of the areas such as Chiang Rai, Amphoe Mueang, Ban Doi Hang or Mae Sai. Homestays, hotels, and homestays in the central area of Chiang Rai have cost from 300 to 400 thousand per night. In particular, some resorts or luxury resorts will have cost between 800 million and 1.5 million per night.

Chiang Rai travel blog and guide: Some tips to save budget for a self-sufficient trip to Chiang Rai

Moving by land

The flights will take you to Chiang Rai from Bangkok quickly. However, this kind of moving is quite expensive. Therefore, if there is no time constraint, you should choose to go by train or bus to Chiang Mai, and then you can take the bus to Chiang Rai. This way is time-consuming but it takes less than 30 dollars. In addition, travel by these ways helps you to discover the beauty of the city in the most authentic way.

Renting a motorcycle/bicycle

Chiang Rai is an ancient city and so quiet, so you can choose to rent a bicycle to explore the space here. Or, if you are afraid of going far away, you can always rent motorbikes at prices ranging from 15 dollars (for normal scooters) and 36 to 46 dollars for large cars or terrain vehicles.

Choosing popular restaurants

Like other areas of Thailand, Chiang Rai cuisine, especially street food is extremely varied and also extremely delicious. Instead of finding expensive restaurants, you can find affordable eateries and spend about 3 to 5 dollars maximum for a casual meal.
Booking for entertainment activities

Reservations for things to do, tours, activities

The entertainment places in Chiang Rai are mostly temples, religious buildings as well as historical sites. But there will also be natural exploration activities such as going to Mae Sai or the golden triangle. You can find these providers after coming to Chiang Rai, however, the prices for these activities may be inconsistent and you may find it difficult to determine the quality difference between them. The best way to find this information is before you go, so you can find the right options and control the amount of money you spend on entertainment activities.

Chiang Rai blog — Experience: Best places to visit and top things to do in Chiang Rai

Wat Rong Khun

Wat Rong Khun is also known as the White Pagoda, where it features with its pure white color. Represent the essence and purity of Buddhism. Although the temple is recently established but has attracted a large number of visitors. Wat Rong Khun is a collection of architectural works with fine lines.

You can come here to visit the areas such as the Rebellion – Rebirth Gate, the Gate of Heaven, … Here, you can admire the unique features of the layout and display of statues and sculptures. Sure, this unique temple will make you unforgettable.

Wat Rong Khun

Address: San Sai, Mueang Chiang Rai, Chiang Rai 57000, Thailand
Opening hours: Full day
Telephone: +66 53 673 579

Chiang Rai Clock Tower

This clock tower is extremely unique and splendid with details engraved in gold. It is highlighted at the intersection of Phaholyothin Road and Banpaprakan Road, the tower was built in 2008 to honor King Bhumibhol Adulyadej. You can come here to admire talents in the art of carving by Thai artists.

Chiang Rai Clock Tower

Address: Moo 3, Pa Or Don Chai Maeung, Chiang Rai, Thailand
Opening hours: Full day

King Mengrai Monument

King Mengrai who suggested the establishment of Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai, opened a flourishing and glorious period in the Lanna Kingdom. His monument is also a highlighted place and welcomes you to the northern city of Chiang Rai. If you have come to the city, surely you can not miss taking photo with this famous statue.

King Mengrai Monument

Adress: Tambon Wiang, Chiang Rai, Thailand
Opening hours: Full day

Oub Kham Museum

The Oub Kham Museum is one of the places to store and display Lanna artifacts. Dating from hundreds of years, you will have the opportunity to admire the royal costumes, statues, ancient artifacts and rare items.

In particular, the Oub Kham Museum is also home to the throne of Chiang Tung, which is created exquisitely from teak with traditional Lanna carvings and gorgeous gilding. Also, if you have come here, you do not forget to visit the artificial zone, one of the unique showrooms in Thailand.

Oub Kham Museum

Address: 26 Nahkhai Rd, Tambon Rop Wiang, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Rai, Chang Wat Chiang Rai 57000, Thailand
Opening hours: From 9 am to 6 pm

The Navel City Pillar of Chiang Rai

Including pillars which create six concentric circles, the Naval City Pillar represents the cosmos and people of ancient Khmer and Lanna cultures. As mysterious as Stonehenge stone pillars, or stone statues on Easter Island, the Chiang Rai stone pillar owns ancient beauty and is well worth a visit.

The Navel City Pillar of Chiang Rai

Adress: Rop Wiang, Mueang Chiang Rai, Chiang Rai 57000, Thailand

Wat Phra Kaew Chiang Rai

If you’ve ever been to Wat Phra Kaew Bangkok, don’t miss the same name temple in Chiang Rai. This is the place where the Emerald Buddha – the famous national symbol of Thailand. Today, the temple is worshiping a closed-perfect copy of the famous statue.

Wat Phra Kaew Chiang Rai

Address: Amphoe Mueang Chiang Rai, Chang Wat Chiang Rai 57000, Thailand
Opening hours: Full day
Telephone: +66 53 711 385

Wat Phra That Doi Chom Thong

It is the home to Wat Phra That Doi Chom Thong, one of the most sacred places in Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai. Thai legend says that King Mengrai has followed the footsteps of the elephant and made the decision to establish these two cities. Today, when visiting Doi Chom Thong, you can immerse yourself in the tranquil natural air, see the city with the Kok River far away or visit the golden chedi of Wat Phra That Doi Chom Thong.

Wat Phra That Doi Chom Thong

Address: Rop Wiang, Mueang Chiang Rai, Chiang Rai 57000, Thailand

Wat Klang Wiang

Wat Klang Wiang is one of the most prominent and flowering architecture in Chiang Rai. You can come here to see the complex of Lanna-style temples, or buildings with white and red domes and works are decorated meticulously.

Wat Klang Wiang

Address: Wiang, Mueang Chiang Rai, Chiang Rai 57000, Thailand
Opening hours: Full day
Telephone: +66 53 768 187

Wat Phra Sing, Chiang Rai

Its feature is the gate with the description of four land-water-wind-fire elements and legendary creatures such as Garuda, lions, snakes, and elephants. Wat Phra Singh brings you a wonderful world of Lanna art 6.7 centuries ago.

Wat Phra Sing, Chiang Rai

Address: 2415 Ruangnakron Rd, Tambon Wiang, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Rai, Chang Wat Chiang Rai 57000, Thailand
Opening hours: Full day
Telephone: +66 53 711 735

Rai Mae Fah Luang

Mae Fah Luang Art and Culture Park are located 5 km west of Chiang Rai. It is one of the largest exhibits of Lanna artifacts and cultural heritage. Coming here, you can visit the gardens and lakes with teak – the best and most shelf-life Thai wood. In addition, more than 400 years of Lanna history you can see through ancient specimens, artifacts, and art.

Rai Mae Fah Luang

Address: Rop Wiang, Mueang Chiang Rai, Chiang Rai 57000, Thailand
Opening hours: From 8:30 am to 4:30 pm
Telephone: +66 53 601 013

Museum of Ethnic Minorities

Chiang Rai is not only the cradle of Lanna culture but also the home of many ethnic minorities in northern Thailand. This includes the long neck Karen people, Hmong, Yao, Lisu, Lahu, Lawa, Akha … You can go to this museum to look at the costumes, learn etiquette as well as customs of the mountainous people in the north. A trip to the museum is especially suitable for those who want to visit the village.

Singha Park

Singha Amusement Park is an amusement and agricultural tourism destination in Chiang Rai, Thailand. The park has many interesting activities along with great landscapes. Joining with the journey, you not only see the large farm but also participate in all kinds of entertainment games. Having the adventurous zip line trails to the scenic bike ride or strolling with colorful balloons. All make the experience of entertainment extremely exciting and exciting for all ages.

Singha Park

Address: Mae Kon, Mueang Chiang Rai, Chiang Rai 57000, Thailand
Opening hours: Full day
Telephone: +66 91 576 0374

Chiang Rai Night Market

When night falls, Chiang Rai becomes more bustling. Come to the night markets and you’ll be spoiled to meet new friends, shop, relax and enjoy the fresh atmosphere. Here you will be spoiled for choice of the finest fresh food in Thailand along with unique souvenirs.

Karen Long Neck Village

This is the village of the Karen people, where any visitor will be attracted. First of all is the natural scenery of the Chiang Rai mountain forest. The second is the long necks of the Karen women. From the old lady to the little girl, everyone wears bright metal bracelets, creating a unique beauty that is certainly no place in the world can be. Take lots of pictures, but do not forget to take the time to join this friendly community.

Karen Long Neck Village

Address: Baan Tong Luang, Mae Raem, Mae Rim 50180, Thailand

Golden Triangle

This was a notorious place of the brothers and sisters in the past, where the poppy flowers are larger than rice fields. Today, coming to this land you will be amazed at what you see. Like a newly cultivated land with a wild beauty. Coming to the golden triangle, watching the scenery and enjoy the cool breeze will definitely be a very unique and new experience.

Golden Triangle

Address: Sob Ruak Village, Chiang Saen 57150, Thailand

Doi Tung

The journey will take you to the highest mountain of Chiang Rai at an altitude of 2000 meters – Doi Tung. In the flower season, you will like the step into a huge sea of flowers. The place attracts you with all the scent of “botanical” color and landscape is extremely brilliant. In the normal season, you will also be blessed with the green color and diversity of the plant is extremely rich.

Doi Tung

Address: Mae Fa Luang, Thailand

Royal Villa

Thai Somdet Phra Srinagarindra Boromarajajonani initiated the construction. It is open to improving the lives of people here. You will be able to visit some of the villa’s main rooms, along with some interesting stories about the life of the Empress Dowager.

With many Buddhist sites, nature and Lanna culture, Chiang Rai is a paradise for those who want to find some peace and discover new things. Once you come to this land, you will surely love the rustic land that is no less interesting.

Chiang Mai travel blog: Where to stay?

Below we recommend more best budget, mid-range and upscale hotels with good ratings and reviews you can refer to.

• The Heritage Chiang Rai Hotel and Convention – SHA Extra Plus (Agoda, Booking)
• The Riverie by Katathani (Agoda, Booking)
• Nak Nakara Hotel-SHA Extra Plus (Agoda, Booking)
• Blue Lagoon Hotel (Agoda, Booking)
• MORA Boutique Hotel – SHA Extra Plus (Agoda, Booking)
• Le Meridien Chiang Rai Resort, Thailand (Agoda, Booking)
• Nakaraj Princess Chiang Rai – Walking Street (Agoda, Booking)
• The Legend Chiang Rai Boutique River Resort & Spa (Agoda, Booking)

Check out more top & best hotels in Chiang Rai on Agoda.com or Booking.com

Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in and from Chiang Rai you can refer to

• Chiang Rai & The Golden Triangle
• Chiang Rai One Day Tour from Chiang Mai
• Chiang Rai Full Day Private Tour with White Temple, Blue Temple, Black House, and Singha Park
• Private Car Charter Between Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai
• Chiang Rai Half Day Private Tour with White Temple, Blue Temple, and Black House
• [SALE] 4G Sim Card (Thailand Pick Up) for Thailand
• 4G SIM Card (BKK Airport Pick Up) for Thailand (Unlimited Data)
• 4G Pocket WiFi (Bangkok and Phuket Airports Pick Up) for Thailand
• 4G Portable WiFi for Thailand from Uroaming (Unlimited Data)

Are you looking for more Chiang Mai travel guide and top things to do in Chiang Mai? Let’s read: Chiang Mai travel blog — The fullest Chiang Mai travel guide for a great trip to the “Rose of the North” of Thailand. And Chiang Rai itinerary 2 days — How to spend 2 days & what to do in Chiang Rai in 2 days.