Experience the best of Chiang Rai
Chiang Rai, in northern Thailand, is a relaxed city known for a white temple of glass and plaster and as the base for the Golden Triangle.
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Chiang Rai was founded in 1262 by King Mengrai, who later moved his capital to Chiang Mai, and it still feels more like a market town than a city. The golden clock tower at the central roundabout, the night bazaar and the Kok River set the tone. Wat Rong Khun, the White Temple, an elaborate modern temple of white plaster and mirrored glass by the artist Chalermchai Kositpipat, lies just south of the city.
The Blue Temple, Wat Rong Suea Ten, is a temple of deep blue and gold, and the Black House, Baan Dam, is a cluster of dark wooden buildings made by the artist Thawan Duchanee. In the hills to the north, Doi Tung has a royal garden and villa, Mae Salong is a tea-growing hill village settled by Chinese Nationalist soldiers and their families, and the Golden Triangle is where Thailand, Laos and Myanmar meet at the Mekong. Chiang Saen has ancient stupas by the river.
Khao soi, curry noodles topped with crisp fried noodles, is the northern classic, with sai oua, a herb-rich sausage, and nam prik chilli dips. Oolong tea and coffee come from the hills, with Doi Chang and Doi Tung among the best-known coffee names. The cooler months from November to February are the pleasantest.
- 3 skip-the-line tickets
- Free cancellation on 88% of experiences
- 4.9 across the top 10
Top 8 attractions in Chiang Rai
Special offers in Chiang Rai
Was/now prices come from the operator, never from us.
![Private Chiang Rai Temples & Golden Triangle Tour from Chiang Mai]()
11% offFree cancellation
Go beyond Chiang Rai
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Luang Prabang · 241 kmPak Ou Caves
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Phonsavan · 355 kmPlain of Jars
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Vientiane · 362 kmPatuxai (Victory Gate)
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Vientiane · 362 kmPha That Luang
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Mandalay · 451 kmMandalay Hill
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Mandalay · 451 kmShwenandaw Monastery
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Sapa · 500 kmMt. Fansipan
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Sapa · 500 kmCan Cau Market (Cho Can Cau)
Questions about Chiang Rai
- What is there to do in Chiang Rai?
- We list 134 experiences in Chiang Rai. The largest groups are day trips (42), city tours (31).
- What are the top attractions in Chiang Rai?
- Ranked by the experiences that visit them, the top attractions in Chiang Rai are White Temple (Wat Rong Khun), Wat Rong Seur Ten (Blue Temple), Hall of Opium Museum, Choui Fong Tea Plantation.
- What is the most popular experience in Chiang Rai?
- By number of traveller reviews it is "Sightseeing Join Tour Chiang Rai / PICK UP ONLY IN CHIANG RAI", rated 4.7 out of 5 from 406 reviews.
- How long do tours and tickets in Chiang Rai take?
- The typical experience in Chiang Rai lasts about 8 hours; the middle half run between 4.5 hours and 10 hours.
- Can I cancel a booking in Chiang Rai?
- The operator lists free cancellation on 88% of the 134 experiences we hold for Chiang Rai. The cut-off differs by experience and is shown on each product page before you choose a date.
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