Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Chiang Rai?
Should you spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Chiang Rai?
Most people spend two to four days in Chiang Rai during their visit. The beautiful city offers amazing highlights such as the famous sights and museums, the cuisine, the historic old town, and the shops and boutiques.
Chiang Rai, in northern Thailand, is surrounded by mountains and filled with beautiful temples. It sits on the borders with Laos and Myanmar and it is a gateway to the Golden Triangle.
Do you have 3, 4, or 5 days to visit Chiang Rai? Here's our comprehensive breakdown of how much time you might need for your trip along with some suggestions for things to do.
Is 3 days enough time in Chiang Rai?
As a small city, Chiang Rai offers plenty of activities and attractions for visitors. Three days is just the right amount of time to see pretty much everything in Chiang Rai. Most visitors prefer to spend two to four days here, and we have a few suggestions of things to do while you're visiting such as exploring the town and the surrounding mountains. Also, Chiang Rai is popular with families, couples, and backpackers which enjoy visiting because the city offers activities specifically for them.
How to spend 3 days in Chiang Rai
Chiang Rai is famous for it's world-class attractions, museums, and landmarks. You'll want to spend at least a day exploring one or more that you're interested in the most. The Old City is filled with breathtaking temples and cultural sites. Wat Rong Khun (the White Temple) is an iconic sight, but you should also visit the Black House, and Wat Rong Seua Ten (the Blue Temple). Wat Tham Pla is the Monkey Temple and has a dramatic effect with its steep staircase. It's a short drive from Chiang Rai, but worth the trip as it's overrun with monkeys.
The culinary scene in Chiang Rai is world famous, and draws visitors from around the globe. Make sure you spend time enjoying breakfast, lunch, and dinner at some of this city's best restaurants. And consider a food tour, too. Many are either a half day or just a few hours, so you can fit one into your schedule easily. The regional cuisine is famous for its unique dishes and flavors. It's slightly less spicy than the southern Thai cuisine and the dishes are rich in flavor. Northern Thai sausage is a must-try dish, as is Khao Soi Curry, and Khao Soi Gai Nong (coconut curry and chicken soup).
Chiang Rai is a walkable city and easy to explore on foot. With only a day in the city, you'll have no trouble seeing the local sights. The old city is easy to explore on foot.
Don't miss Wat Rong Khun (The White Temple) during your trip to Chiang Rai, as it's one of this destination's most well-known attractions. You should make sure to set aside enough time to see it.
The nightlife scene is very popular here. After dark, head out to one of the many venues around town. The small city has a laid back nightlife scene with a number of bars and cafes along Jetyod Road. You'll find a mix of expats and locals, without the usual backpacker crowds that are common in some cities.
The charming atmosphere and history of the old town area is worth exploring, so spend the day learning about the history and culture of the area. The Old City is filled with intricate temples and impressive beauty. The area is very walkable and you can easily visit the famed Wat Ming Muang, Wat Phra Kaew and Wat Phra Singh.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Romantic Walking Tour in Chiang Rai: Scenic Escapes ($169)
Chiang Rai is known to be such a beautiful destination, so just exploring and taking it all in should be one of the top things to do on your list. Surrounded by the mountains and filled with temples and impressive parks, this city is a beautiful place.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Chiang Rai: 2 Days 1 Night Slow Boat Transfer to Luang Prabang ($72)
- From Chiang Rai 3 Days 2 Nights Slow Boat to Luang Prabang,Lao ($102)
- Chiang Rai Day Trip from Chiang Mai Golden Triangle & Long Neck Tribe with Boat ($93)
Is 4 days enough time in Chiang Rai?
Four days provides ample opportunity to explore the entirety of Chiang Rai at your own pace to experience the famous sights and museums, the cuisine, the historic old town, and the shops and boutiques. Then you can use the city as a convenient base for venturing out to nearby mountain towns, hiking trails, or scenic viewpoints. There are also many exciting day trip options.
Chiang Rai, Thailand
How to spend 4 days in Chiang Rai
Having 4 days in Chiang Rai will provide you with more time to take in the best activities in the city.
Shopping in Chiang Rai is very popular, and it's easy to see why. Spend time exploring the many shops and boutiques to find the perfect gift, souvenir, or outfit. Local markets, night markets, and souvenir shops with handcrafted goods all make shopping a fun experience. Head to the Night Bazaar or the Walking Street for some of the best experiences.
There are plenty of restaurants you haven't tried yet, so don't miss another amazing meal at local places for lunch and dinner. Try to go out of your way to find the small, locally owned places that offer the charm and ambiance that can only be found in Chiang Rai.
Is 5 days enough time in Chiang Rai?
With five days at your disposal, you'll have more than enough time to take in all that Chiang Rai has to offer, giving you the flexibility to unwind in your hotel, spend more time hiking, or use Chiang Rai as a base for day trips to nearby mountain towns. You'll be able to relax while enjoying the famous sights and museums, the cuisine, and the historic old town at your own pace. We have some suggestions of things to do below, too.
How to spend 5 days in Chiang Rai
With 5 days in Chiang Rai, you'll have a bit more time to enjoy everything that the city has to offer.
Known for it's hiking, Chiang Rai sees plenty of visitors looking to get outdoors. Spend a day exploring the natural beauty and scenery on a nearby hike. Head out of town to Khun Korn Forest Park Waterfall if you want to enjoy some hiking. It makes an easy half day trip.
A few tour suggestions include:
- 1 Day Trekking Group Tour With Bamboo Cooking / Chiang Rai ($52)
- Akha private eco-trekking 2 days 1 night Chiang Rai ($125)
There are plenty of restaurants you haven't tried yet, so don't miss another amazing meal at local places for lunch and dinner. Try to go out of your way to find the small, locally owned places that offer the charm and ambiance that can only be found in Chiang Rai.
More Info
If you're looking for more information about Chiang Rai, we have even more advice to help you plan your journey.
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