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 & sights 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 & Sights
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.
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).
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.
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.
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 & sights 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: $46
- Guided Full-Day Highlights tour with Lunch: $46
- Full Day Group Tour in Chiang Rai: $38
- Private Tour: Incredible Temples of Chiang Rai: $111
- Half Day Chiang Rai City Tour with White Temple & Wat Phra Kaew: $94
- Ancient City Tour from Chiang Rai including Golden Triangle and Royal Villa: $169
- Chiang Rai Food & Night Market Walking Tour with Local Host: $79
- Private Customizable Chiang Rai Tour from Chiang Rai - Full Day: $70
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 & sights 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?.
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.
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