Is Chiang Rai worth visiting?
Yes, Chiang Rai offers many reasons for a visit. It's a city everyone should explore, and our experience here was wonderful. We didn't want to leave.
Whether you're a traveling as a family, a couple, or a backpacker, this city has a lot to offer. Any local will tell you what makes it special is the spectacular museums and attractions and terrific food.
Chiang Rai is loved by visitors for many reasons, and is routinely on national "best of" lists, including U.S. News Best Places to Visit in Thailand.
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.
Chiang Rai, Thailand
8 Reasons to Visit Chiang Rai
1. Museums and Attractions
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 Clock Tower is known for its elegant design and nightly light shows. (Free)
The Blue Temple is known for its vibrant blue exterior and elaborate artwork. (Free)
The White Temple is known for its stunning white architecture and intricate design. (Free)
Wat Phra Kaew is known for its sacred statue of the Emerald Buddha. (Free)
2. Food
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).
The Chiang Rai Night Bazaar is known for its lively atmosphere and diverse shopping options. (Free)
3. Historical Sights
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.
The Chiang Rai Night Bazaar is known for its lively atmosphere and diverse shopping options. (Free)
4. Shopping
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.
The Chiang Rai Night Bazaar is known for its lively atmosphere and diverse shopping options. (Free)
5. Nightlife
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.
6. Hiking
Head out of town to Khun Korn Forest Park Waterfall if you want to enjoy some hiking. It makes an easy half day trip.
7. The Costs
Depending on your budget, schedule, and travel style, Chiang Rai might be a very affordable destination for you. Check out the travel costs for Chiang Rai here or see if Chiang Rai is expensive here.
8. Authenticity
Chiang Rai has an authentic vibe where you can experience local culture, cuisine, and activities without the large tourist crowds of other popular destinations.
Related
What is Chiang Rai most famous for?
Chiang Rai is most famous for its intricate temples, unique cuisine, and being the gateway to the Golden Triangle. People visit this impressive city for its great museums and attractions and food. It's also known for historical sights and shopping. And many travelers come for the nightlife and hiking, as well. It is often described as friendly, charming, cultural, and beautiful.
What is the most famous sight in Chiang Rai?
The most popular sight in Chiang Rai is Wat Rong Khun (The White Temple). You can see prices and costs for this and other sights in Chiang Rai on our travel costs page.
Or, see tickets, activities, and tours for Wat Rong Khun (The White Temple) and other attractions here.
How touristy is Chiang Rai? Is it a popular city to visit?
Chiang Rai is more popular with local tourists than with international visitors. Here are some of the most popular activities and tours. (Prices in US Dollars)
- Half Day Cycling Tour to the White temple: $47
- One Day Group Tour Experience in Chiangrai: $43
- Explore City and Temples Experience: $83
- Private Tour: Incredible Temples of Chiang Rai: $131
- Chiang Rai Food & Night Market Walking Tour with Local Host: $114
- Half Day Chiang Rai City Tour with White Temple & Wat Phra Kaew: $129
- Chiang Rai Private Bespoke Sightseeing Tour: $86
- From 3 Temples, Golden Triangle Tour, Tea Plantation: $80
How long should I spend in Chiang Rai?
The ideal length of time for a trip to Chiang Rai is two to four days. Since Chiang Rai has a variety of activities such as museums and attractions and dining, most people need this much time to see and do everything here.
If you have a specific amount of time for your trip, see our advice about how much time to spend here: Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Chiang Rai? and Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Chiang Rai?.
More Things to Do in Chiang Rai
- Is The Blue Temple Worth Visiting?
- Is The White Temple Worth Visiting?
- Is Wat Phra Kaew Worth Seeing?
- Is The Clock Tower Worth Seeing?
- Is The Chiang Rai Night Bazaar Worth Visiting?
For guided and organized tour options, check out The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Thailand and The Best Wildlife Tours to Thailand.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.
Expert Advice from Local Travelers
We're asking our community members and registered users to contribute their experiences about Chiang Rai.
What makes Chiang Rai a budget-friendly destination? Or not?
It's a pretty small town with a lot of cheaper places to stay. I also found some cheap places to eat that were delicious and quick. Tours to the nearby jungle areas can cost a bit more, but it's still overall pretty cheap.
It's easy to get around the town without needing a car or motorbike, and the trekking tours and other activities were not too expensive. We also found a great place to stay that was very affordable.