What’s special about a 3-day, 2-night Chiang Rai trip? How many days in chiang rai is enough, what to do in Chiang Rai in 3 days, how much does it cost to travel to Chiang Rai for 3 days and 2 nights? Let’s decode the gateway to the Golden Triangle through a detailed itinerary with a detailed Chiang Rai itinerary 3 days below!
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Chiang Rai, a gem in Northern Thailand, is famous for its wild beauty, unique culture and attractive attractions. Not as noisy as Bangkok or as commercial as Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai possesses a peaceful beauty, attracting tourists with impressive temples such as Wat Rong Khun (White Temple) and Wat Rong Suea Ten (Blue Temple), along with spectacular natural landscapes from lush green tea hills to crystal clear lakes.
Chiang Rai 3 Days 2 Nights Self-Guided Travel Itinerary
During a 3-day, 2-night Chiang Rai tour, you will be immersed in the majestic natural space, visiting famous destinations. Let’s explore a colorful Chiang Rai with Klook Vietnam through the detailed itinerary below!
Chiang Rai itinerary 3 days — Day 1: Chiang Mai – Chiang Rai
After arriving in Chiang Rai, you can choose to check in at the hotel and travel to visit famous tourist attractions in the city.
Visit the White Temple – Wat Rong Khun
Wat Rong Khun, also known as the White Temple, is one of the destinations not to be missed when visiting Chiang Rai. Not only a temple, Wat Rong Khun is also a contemporary work of art, reflecting the thoughts and soul of its founder.
This work was built as a declaration of the purity of Buddhism, with a design depicting the cycle of reincarnation (samsara) in Buddhism. In particular, the facade of the temple is decorated with images of skulls, hands with outstretched fingers, and modern characters such as Angry Birds, Gollum, and Neo from The Matrix, creating a space that is both familiar and strange. In addition to sightseeing and learning about spiritual culture, taking photos and checking in at the temple is also a popular activity here.
Chiang Rai White Black Blue Temple Full Day Tour from Chiang Mai
The entrance fee is 100 THB and the temple is open daily from 8am to 5pm. Visitors need to wear modest clothing, covering their legs and shoulders. If you forget, you can rent a sarong right at the temple.
Chiang Rai itinerary 3 days: Explore the Blue Temple – Wat Rong Seur Ten
Wat Rong Suea Ten, commonly known as the Blue Temple, is one of the most beautiful temples that you cannot miss when visiting Chiang Rai. With a unique blue color covering the entire space, this temple is not only a religious attraction but also a fascinating work of art.
The temple is named after the tigers that used to live in this area, meaning “home of dancing tigers”. The temple is guarded by naga snakes and surrounded by statues of mystical Buddhist figures and mythical creatures.
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Chiang Rai White, Blue Temple, Black House Museum, Hot Spring Tour
Step inside and you will be greeted by a pure white seated Buddha and a dramatic blue wall space with vivid paintings depicting the life of Buddha.
Wat Rong Suea Ten has no entrance fee and is open daily from 7am to 8pm.
Baan Dam Museum
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Baan Dam Museum, also known as the Black House, is a unique work of art created by talented Thai artist Thawan Duchanee. The museum grounds include many unique architectural structures, highlighted by the common theme of death and Duchanee’s vision of hell. Each work here, from the throne made from animal horns, to the snakeskin table, or the Buddhist stupas recreated with contemporary graffiti, has a dark but artistic tone.
Although not all buildings are open to the public, you can still admire many unique works of art. The museum is open daily from 9am to 5pm with an admission fee of 80 THB.
Explore Chiang Rai Walking Street at Night
On your first evening in Chiang Rai, you should not miss Chiang Rai Walking Street on the weekend. This is an opportunity to enjoy street food, from hot sate to traditional cakes, and explore the stalls selling handicrafts such as wooden furniture, batik clothes. Visitors can also enjoy live music and interesting street performances.
3 day in Chiang Rai: Day 2: Wat Huay Pla Kang – Singha Park – Chiang Rai Beach
On the second day in Chiang Rai, you can set out to explore the wonderful natural destinations of Chiang Rai.
Admire the Giant Buddha at Wat Huay Pla Kang
Wat Huay Pla Kang, a must-see destination when traveling to Chiang Rai, is an architectural masterpiece that blends Chinese and Lanna styles. The highlight of the complex is the giant statue of Guanyin sitting on a lotus pedestal. Visitors must climb a long staircase guarded by two nagas to reach the foot of the Buddha. From there, they can choose to take an elevator to the head of the statue for panoramic views of the lush countryside.
Next to the Guanyin statue is a Thai temple and a nine-story pyramid-shaped pagoda, each floor guarded by Chinese dragons. Wat Huay Pla Kang is not only a spiritual place but also a great sightseeing spot, attracting visitors with its beauty and serenity. Wat Huay Pla Kang is free to enter, but the elevator will cost 40 THB.
Check-in Singha Park Farm Park
Singha Park, located in Chiang Rai, Thailand, is not only a regular amusement park but also a large farm complex. With its vast open space, Singha Park is famous for its thousands of green tea rows and endless purple lavender fields, giving visitors the feeling of being lost in a brilliant paradise.
The houses and cafes in the classic European architectural style interspersed among the hills, along with the cool climate of Chiang Rai, create a peaceful setting, ideal for relaxing and immersing yourself in nature. Singha Park also has a breeding area with many animals such as zebras, giraffes and Watusi cows, where visitors can visit and feed the animals. The park is also the venue for the colorful hot air balloon festival, attracting thousands of visitors every year.
Stroll Along the Chiang Rai River
Located in the peaceful scenery of Chiang Rai, the city’s riverside is an ideal stop for those who want to enjoy a quiet space next to the clear blue water. You can relax on the benches around the area, enjoy a great lunch with a view of the river at the nearby restaurants, or even experience Thai massage and aromatherapy at the treatment booths.
The riverside is also a safe place to swim, although you need to be careful of the strong currents during the rainy season. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit Wat Tham Phra, a small temple located in a cave nearby.
Discover Chiang Rai Clock Tower
Located in the heart of Chiang Rai city, the Clock Tower is not only an architectural work but also a unique artistic symbol, designed by Chalermchai Kositpipat – who created many other famous works of art in the area.
Built to honor King Bhumibol Adulyadej, this clock tower is both an important traffic point and a charming work of art. The highlight of the Clock Tower is the light show that takes place three times every night at 7pm, 8pm and 9pm, lasting 5 minutes each time. This performance is free and attracts many tourists as well as locals. Under the lights, the Clock Tower appears sparkling and magical with shimmering gold details, creating an attractive scene that cannot be missed on your journey to explore Chiang Rai.
What to do in Chiang Rai in 3 days: Shopping at Night Bazaar
Chiang Rai Night Bazaar is an ideal destination for tourists who want to explore the unique cultural and culinary life of Northern Thailand. Here, you can enjoy a variety of Thai dishes from somtam, pad thai, mango sticky rice, to international dishes such as sushi or Japanese pancakes.
In particular, the atmosphere at the market in the evening becomes even more bustling with vibrant performances. Chiang Rai Night Bazaar is not only a place for shopping but also a rich cultural exchange space, demonstrating the hospitality of local people.
What to do in Chiang Rai in 3 days: Day 3: Wat Phra Kaew – Chiang Rai – Chiang Mai
Day 3 is also the last day of your journey to explore Chiang Rai, you can visit two other famous temples here before returning to Vietnam.
Visit Wat Phra Kaew Ancient Temple
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Wat Phra Kaew in Chiang Rai, is not only one of the oldest temples but also one of the most important spiritual sites in the city. Famous for the story of the Emerald Buddha, Thailand’s most sacred symbol, this temple is where the statue was discovered in 1434 after a fire broke off the plaster surrounding it, revealing the precious statue inside. Today, visitors can admire an exact replica of the Emerald Buddha at the site where it was found.
Admire Wat Ming Muang
Wat Ming Muang, an architectural masterpiece located in the heart of Chiang Rai, is a must-see destination for those who love historical beauty and architecture. Although modest in size, this temple stands out with its splendid decoration, reflecting the subtle combination of Thai and Burmese architecture.
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Having gone through 700 years of history, Wat Ming Muang still retains its splendid beauty, from the ornately decorated walls to the majestic elephant statues guarding the temple gate, instead of the usual nagas. Located just a 5-minute walk from Wat Phra Kaew, Wat Ming Muang is an ideal place to admire the harmony of art and spirituality, enriching your travel experience in Chiang Rai.
After visiting the temples, you can take a taxi to the airport to check-in for your flight back to Vietnam.
Guide for Chiang Rai 3 Days 2 Nights Self-sufficient Travel Itinerary
Travel Guide From Vietnam to Chiang Rai
To travel to Chiang Rai from Vietnam, you have two main options. The first way is to fly from Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City to Bangkok, then continue your journey by plane to Chiang Rai and finally rent a car from the airport to the city. The second way is to fly to Chiang Mai and then travel by road to Chiang Rai.
Means of Transport in Chiang Rai
When traveling to Chiang Rai, you can choose from many different means of transport to explore this beautiful and peaceful city:
- Songthaews: This is Chiang Rai’s traditional means of transport, suitable for short trips within the city. You should discuss the specific cost before getting in the car to avoid being “ripped off”!
- Taxi: Suitable for traveling from the airport to the city center, but other means of transport are often preferred when visiting tourist attractions in the city.
- Rent a car: A private driver makes it easy to explore tourist destinations, especially remote areas and winding mountain roads. Rent a car with driver between Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai with Klook’s Suggested Itinerary for convenient and economical travel!
- Bike: Cycling around the countryside is a fun experience, allowing you to breathe in the fresh air and admire the beautiful scenery.
- Walking: After a long day of exploring, walking around the city in the evening is a great way to enjoy the local atmosphere and shop at the night markets.
Popular Hotels in Chiang Rai Thailand
Chiang Rai, with its peaceful beauty and unique culture, is an attractive destination for those who want to explore life in Northern Thailand. From idyllic riverside resorts to artistic boutique hotels, Chiang Rai offers you a variety of options to enjoy your vacation to the fullest. Here are some suggestions for your 3-day, 2-night Chiang Rai trip.
One Budget Hotel Chiang Rai
One Budget Hotel Chiang Rai is an ideal destination for travelers who want to explore Chiang Rai without worrying about the cost. With a convenient location near the city center and modern amenities, One Budget Hotel offers a comfortable and economical experience for all travelers.
Located in the heart of Chiang Rai, just a 5-minute drive from Mae Fah Luang International Airport and close to popular attractions such as the White Temple, Blue Temple, Baan Dam Museum, Chiang Rai Night Bazaar, One Budget Hotel is a convenient starting point for exploring the city. (klook, agoda)
- Address: 181 Moo.17, Baan Du, Muang-chiangrai, Chiang Rai, Thailand
- Reference price: From 385,000 VND/night
Sann Boutique Hotel Chiang Rai
Sann Boutique Hotel offers a comfortable and convenient vacation space with rooms designed in a modern style, fully equipped with amenities such as flat-screen TV, air conditioning, refrigerator, free wifi… Private bathroom with shower and free toiletries.
Sann Boutique Hotel received many positive reviews from visitors on online booking sites such as Booking.com and Agoda. Visitors are especially satisfied with the cleanliness, comfort of the rooms, the friendliness of the staff and the convenient location of the hotel.
If you are planning a trip to Chiang Rai, do not miss Sann Boutique Hotel. This will definitely be a great stopover, helping you have a memorable and complete vacation. (klook, agoda)
- Address: 5 moo 14 Mueang Chiang Rai District.(Chiang Rai)
- Reference price: From 1,317,000 VND/night
Sann Hotel Chiang Rai
Located in the city center, Sann Hotel Chiang Rai is just 400m from Chiang Rai Clock Tower and 10 minutes walk from Chiang Rai Night Bazaar, providing easy access to the city’s famous attractions, shopping and entertainment.
Featuring a modern, sophisticated design and top-quality service, Sann Hotel Chiang Rai is an ideal destination for those looking for a perfect stay and resort experience in the beautiful city of Chiang Rai. (klook, agoda)
- Address: 390 Thanon Baanpa Pragarn Rd
- Reference price: From 1,151,000 VND/night
Homestay Chiang Rai
Unlike luxury hotels, Homestay Chiang Rai gives you the opportunity to live with local people, learn about culture, customs and enjoy special traditional dishes. You will be welcomed with friendly smiles, hospitality and interesting stories about life here. (klook, agoda)
- Address: 240 Soi 5 Moo 2 Ban Hong O (T. Doi Hang A.Muang)
- Reference price: From 786,000 VND/night
Le Patta Hotel Chiang Rai
Le Patta Hotel Chiang Rai is a high-class 4-star hotel located in the center of Chiang Rai city, Thailand. The hotel is designed in a modern, luxurious style, bringing visitors wonderful resort experiences. (klook, agoda)
- Address: 610 Phahonyothin Road T.Wieng
- Reference price: From 1,416,000 VND/night
What to eat when traveling to Chiang Rai for 3 days and 2 nights on your own?
Chiang Rai not only captivates visitors with its beautiful natural scenery and ancient temples, but also conquers the most demanding food lovers. Let your taste buds speak up and discover 4 famous specialties of this northern land of Thailand
Khao Soi
Khao Soi egg noodle soup is a “specialty” of Northern Thailand, with golden, soft noodles mixed in a rich, fragrant coconut curry broth. Khao Soi is often served with tender chicken or beef, along with fresh green onions and herbs, creating an unforgettable harmony of flavors.
Khanom Jeen Nam Ngiao
Cool fresh noodles, mixed with a spicy tomato broth, a little bit of lemon and the aroma of raw vegetables, will surely awaken all your senses. Don’t forget the crispy fried pork skin, the perfect highlight for this dish.
Lap Moo
A rich minced pork salad, combined with fish sauce, lime, chili and fresh herbs, brings a new culinary experience, stimulating the taste buds. You can also replace the pork with beef, chicken or fish depending on your preference.
Kaeng Hang Lei
A spicy pork curry dish, rich in the flavors of Northern Thailand. The perfect combination of tender pork, fragrant curry, spicy chili, warm ginger and mildly sour tamarind will bring you an unforgettable culinary experience, especially in the cold weather of Chiang Rai.
Don’t miss the opportunity to explore these special dishes when coming to Chiang Rai. Let your taste buds experience and immerse themselves in the unique flavors of Northern Thai cuisine.
Chiang Rai 3 Days 2 Nights Travel Cost Reference
How much money do you need to prepare for a 3-day, 2-night trip to Chiang Rai? Below is an estimated cost table for a 3-day, 2-night trip to Chiang Rai for one person, helping you have a clearer view of the budget needed for your upcoming trip.
| Category | Estimated cost (VND) |
|---|---|
| Round trip airfare | 4,000,000 - 8,000,000 |
| Hotel room (2 nights) | 600,000 - 3,000,000 |
| Getting around Chiang Rai | 500,000 - 1,000,000 |
| Eat and drink | 900,000 - 1,500,000 |
| Sightseeing tickets | 300,000 - 600,000 |
| Shopping | 200,000 - 1,000,000 |
| 4G SIM on Klook | 117,000 |
| Other costs (medical, insurance) | 300,000 |
| Total cost: | From 7,000,000 to 15,600,000 VND |
(*) Note: Round-trip airfare: Ticket prices may vary depending on the travel season and time of booking. Tickets from Vietnam to Bangkok are usually cheaper than tickets to Chiang Mai. Actual costs may vary depending on personal choice and other factors.
Chiang Rai is a great destination for those who want to explore the beauty of Northern Thailand. With majestic landscapes, ancient temples and rich culture, this city is a must-see destination on your trip.
Through a 3-day, 2-night trip to Chiang Rai, you can explore interesting places such as Wat Rong Khun, Wat Phra Kaew, Baan Dam Museum. Besides, you also have the opportunity to enjoy typical dishes and experience the unique culture of the local people.
Let’s travel to Chiang Rai for 3 days 2 nights today to enjoy a meaningful and interesting experience!
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.
