CHIANG RAI CITY
Chiang Rai is the artistic heart of Northern Thailand, known for its iconic contemporary temples and serene mountain landscapes. It sits near the legendary Golden Triangle.
This city is the gateway to the unique Lanna culture, offering a tranquil alternative to its southern neighbours. It is rich in spirituality and highland adventure.
Most Popular Attractions
Iconic Temples & Art:
Wat Rong Khun (White Temple): An astonishing, contemporary, all-white temple designed by artist Chalermchai Kositpipat, symbolizing purity.
Wat Rong Suea Ten (Blue Temple): A stunning modern temple characterized by its vivid sapphire blue color and intricate design.
Baan Dam Museum (Black House): An eccentric collection of traditional Lanna art, sculpture, and animal remains, created by artist Thawan Duchanee.
Wat Phra Kaeo: The temple where the revered Emerald Buddha was once housed, known for its beautiful Lanna-style ubosot and historical significance.
Wat Phra Sing: A beautiful Lanna-style temple housing a replica of the Phra Sing Buddha image, a major religious site.
Wat Ming Muang: An ancient Lanna temple in the city center with a beautiful wooden chapel and revered city pillar.
Clock Tower: A magnificent golden clock tower in the city center that performs a dramatic light and sound show each evening.
Doi Din Daeng Pottery: A highly respected pottery studio and gallery showcasing unique, nature-inspired ceramic works.
Historical Sites & Culture:
Golden Triangle: The historic meeting point of Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar, offering a viewpoint and historical significance related to the opium trade.
Hall of Opium: An engaging museum near the Golden Triangle detailing the history and cultural impact of the opium trade in Southeast Asia.
Mae Sai: Thailand’s northernmost town and a major border crossing into Myanmar, famous for its bustling border market.
Chiang Saen: An ancient city on the Mekong River with numerous old temple ruins and historical sites from the Lanna kingdom.
Chiang Rai Night Bazaar: A vibrant evening market for sampling local Northern Thai cuisine, browsing handicrafts, and enjoying live performances.
Mae Fah Luang Art & Cultural Park: A beautifully maintained complex preserving Lanna arts and artifacts, set in expansive gardens.
King Mengrai Monument: A tribute to the founder of the Lanna kingdom and the city of Chiang Rai.
Natural Wonders & Highlands:
Doi Tung Royal Villa: The former residence of the Princess Mother, surrounded by spectacular, temperate-climate botanical gardens.
Doi Mae Salong: A charming hill-top village settled by Kuomintang (KMT) Chinese immigrants, famous for its high-quality Oolong tea plantations.
Phu Chi Fa: A mountain with a distinct pointed peak, famous for its spectacular sunrise views over a vast sea of mist.
Khun Korn Waterfall: A beautiful, tall waterfall surrounded by lush jungle, accessible via a moderate 30-minute hike.
Singha Park Chiang Rai: A large agricultural park offering tea plantations, flower fields, a petting zoo, and various recreational activities.
Doi Luang National Park: A vast park featuring mountains, caves, and several large waterfalls, including the multi-tiered Namtok Pu Kaeng.
Mae Kachan Hot Springs: Natural hot springs on the highway south of the city, a popular rest stop for bathing and boiling eggs in the mineral water.
Activities & Experiences
Visit the White Temple (Wat Rong Khun): Explore the iconic, dazzling, all-white contemporary art exhibit and Buddhist temple designed by artist Chalermchai Kositpipat. (Entrance fee approx. $2.80).
Marvel at the Blue Temple (Wat Rong Suea Ten): Discover the stunning, modern Buddhist temple famous for its vivid blue and gold architecture and a serene white Buddha statue inside. (Entry is generally free).
Explore the Black House Museum (Baan Dam): Wander through the complex of over 40 dark wooden structures created by the late artist Thawan Duchanee, showcasing a mysterious collection of traditional and morbid art. (Entrance fee approx. $2.20).
Witness the Golden Clock Tower Light Show: Watch the ornate golden clock tower, designed by the White Temple artist, light up in a spectacular music and light show nightly at 7 PM, 8 PM, and 9 PM. (Free).
Shop and Eat at the Night Bazaar: Browse for local handicrafts, clothing, and souvenirs, and enjoy a vibrant dinner with cheap, delicious Northern Thai street food and live music in the heart of the city.
Take a Northern Thai Cooking Class: Learn to prepare classic Lanna dishes like Khao Soi (curry noodles) or Sai Ua (Northern Thai sausage) with local ingredients.
Visit Wat Huay Pla Kang (Big Buddha/Goddess of Mercy): See the massive statue atop a hill, offering panoramic views. You can take an elevator inside the structure for an up-close look. (Elevator fee approx. $1.10).
Hike to Khun Korn Waterfall: Take a refreshing, short trek through lush jungle to one of Chiang Rai’s most beautiful and tallest waterfalls. (Entrance is free).
Cycle and Taste Tea at Singha Park: Rent a bike (or e-bike approx. $8 for 2 hours) or take a tram tour to explore the vast park featuring tea plantations, flower gardens, and scenic viewpoints.
Take a Day Trip to the Golden Triangle: Journey north to the historical spot where the borders of Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar meet, often including a visit to the Hall of Opium Museum to learn the region’s history.
Discover an Authentic Hill Tribe Village: Go on a guided tour to learn about the unique cultures and traditions of various local ethnic groups, such as the Akha or Karen (Long Neck) tribes.
Soak in a Natural Hot Spring: Relax in the warm, mineral-rich waters at a spot like Pong Phra Bat Hot Springs, a perfect break from temple touring.
Local Tips & Transport
City Center is Walkable: The immediate city center, including the Night Bazaar, Bus Terminal 1, and Clock Tower, is easily explored on foot.
Tuk-tuks & Songthaews:
- Tuk-tuks are available in the city center for short distances. Always agree on the price with the driver before getting in to avoid being overcharged.
- Songthaews (shared red or blue pickup trucks) run on fixed routes and are the cheapest local option for longer distances or common routes like to Bus Terminal 2. The Blue Pickups often go to the White Temple and Black House from Bus Terminal 1 (cost approx. $1).
Ride-Hailing (Grab): Grab (the main ride-hailing app) is widely available and a convenient way to travel longer distances, such as to the major temples, Singha Park, or the airport, with fixed, fair pricing.
Motorbike Rental: For independent travelers wanting to visit the temples, waterfalls, and tea plantations outside the city (where public transport is infrequent), renting a motorbike is a popular and affordable option (approx. $6-$10 per day). An international driving permit is highly recommended.
From the Airport (CEI): Taxis, Songthaews, and Grab are available. The city is a short, affordable ride away (approx. $3-$5).
Temple Dress Code: When visiting any temple, including the major attractions, ensure your shoulders and knees are covered. While the White and Blue Temples are contemporary, they are still religious sites that demand respect.
The Lanna Kitchen: Chiang Rai’s food is part of the Lanna cuisine of Northern Thailand, which is characterized by earthier, less sweet, and herbier flavors than central Thai food.
- Must-Try Dishes: Don’t miss Khao Soi (spicy, rich egg noodle curry), Sai Ua (aromatic Northern Thai sausage), and Gaeng Hang Lay (rich, pork belly curry with Burmese influence and no coconut milk).
- Sticky Rice: Northern Thai food is traditionally eaten with sticky rice (Khao Niao), which is generally eaten with your hand, not utensils.
Dining Times: Locals eat dinner much earlier than in Spain. While the Night Bazaar and city center restaurants stay open late for tourists, you’ll find local eateries closing or winding down after 8 PM or 9 PM.
Cultural Art Trinity: Chiang Rai is famous for its ‘Three Colors’ art complex: The White Temple (Buddhist-inspired art and purity), the Blue Temple (modern Buddhism and serene beauty), and the Black House (dark, mysterious, and death-themed art). Visiting all three provides a deep, often contrasting, artistic experience.
Hidden Gems:
- Wat Phra Kaew: An unassuming but historically significant temple in the city center where the revered Emerald Buddha was originally discovered.
- Chiang Rai Beach: Not a true beach, but a popular local spot along the Kok River with bamboo huts and local food stalls, perfect for a relaxing afternoon lunch.
- Oub Kham Museum: A small but rich museum dedicated to the artifacts and royal treasures of the ancient Lanna Kingdom and Northern Thai principalities.
- Chiang Rai Walking Street (Saturday): A larger, livelier night market than the daily Night Bazaar, filled with unique local handicrafts and community performances.
Top Restaurants
Larb Sanam Keela (ร้านลาบสนามกีฬา) [$10-$20] – A highly-regarded, no-frills, open-air local favorite famous for authentic Northern Thai (Lanna) cuisine, especially its various laab (minced meat salad) dishes and deep-fried fish with a mountain of garlic.
Lu Lam Restaurant (ร้านหลู้ลำ) [$15-$25] – An excellent, more formal sit-down restaurant overlooking the Kok River, offering a vast menu of Northern Thai dishes, including regional specialties like loo (raw pig’s blood soup, for the adventurous) and fantastic laab moo khua (minced pork salad).
Tong Tung Restaurant [$10-$20] – Known for authentic Northern Thai dishes and whole steamed fish, this casual, Lanna-themed tavern is popular with locals and offers traditional curries and stir-fried vegetables.
Mae Sai Hang Le [$5-$15] – A very local spot known for what many consider the best Gaeng Hang Le (Burmese-style pork belly curry) in the city, an essential Northern Thai dish.
Mae Jai’s Northern Food [$5-$15] – A small, authentic local eatery focusing on staple Lanna dishes, perfect for an inexpensive and traditional lunch.
Khao Soi Thao Gae Ek [$5-$10] – Highly-rated by locals for its exceptional Khao Soi (Northern Thai curry noodles), offering delicious chicken or beef options, and also great Khanom Jeen Nam Ngiao.
Aroi Dee Khao Soi [$5-$10] – Another fantastic, highly local option for traditional and inexpensive Khao Soi, a must-try for this regional specialty.
Ja Jaroenchai (ร้าน จ.เจริญชัย) [$10-$20] – One of the best Thai-Chinese restaurants in Chiang Rai, beloved by locals for its extensive menu of expertly stir-fried dishes like stir-fried eggplant with minced pork and crispy pork belly.
Por Jai (ร้านพอใจ) [$5-$15] – A well-loved local spot, often recommended by residents for a satisfying and authentic meal.
Chiang Rai Roast Duck Shop [$10-$20] – Highly recommended for some of the best roast duck in the city, a local favorite for Thai-Chinese style cuisine.
Nakhon Pathom Restaurant [$10-$20] – Famous among locals for its authentic Chinese food, offering classic dishes in a bustling, traditional setting.
Khao Lung Fried Chicken (ร้านข้าวมันไก่หลุง) [$5-$10] – A simple, highly popular local favorite for excellent Thai-style fried chicken, often served with sticky rice.
Chakrapad Chicken Rice [$5-$10] – A local go-to spot for delicious Khao Man Gai (Thai-style poached or roasted chicken rice).
Im Pochana [$10-$20] – Located outside the main city in Mae Salong, but worth the trip for its authentic Yunnanese Chinese cuisine with a Thai twist, including slow-braised pork leg and Yunnan-style noodles.
Roti Pa Yai (ร้านโรตีป้าใหญ่) [$5-$10] – A decent restaurant serving affordable Halal food, famous for its excellent roti (fried bread) prepared in various sweet and savory ways.
Khun Yai’s Grilled Meats [$5-$15] – A local street food style favorite known for its simple but delicious grilled meats, a perfect evening snack or small meal.
Mae Sai Market Food Stalls [$5-$10] – Located near the border, this market area is a hub for very local, inexpensive food stalls serving Northern Thai and border-region dishes.
Sai Oua Mae Oun (ไส้อั่วแม่อุ่น) [$5-$10] – A local, family-run stall or small shop specializing in Sai Ua (Northern Thai pork and herb sausage), a must-try appetizer.
Kanom Jeen Paen Din [$5-$10] – Popular for its fresh Kanom Jeen (fermented rice noodles) served with a selection of different Thai curries and fresh vegetables.
Jia Tong Heng (เจียตงเฮง) [$15-$25] – A long-standing and respected local restaurant known for classic Cantonese and Thai-Chinese cuisine, often frequented by local families for celebrations.
Tam Tung Ting [$5-$15] – A local haunt specializing in Som Tum (Papaya Salad) and other Northeastern Thai (Isaan) specialties, offering the strong, spicy flavors of the region.
Huen Boran (เฮือนโบราณ) [$15-$25] – A restaurant with a traditional Lanna house setting that serves authentic Northern Thai food in a beautiful cultural atmosphere.
Nang Lae Laab (นางแล ลาบ) [$10-$20] – A local, out-of-the-way spot highly praised for its laab dishes and other authentic Lanna fare.
Khao Pad Baan Chan (ข้าวผัดบ้านฉัน) [$5-$10] – A simple local eatery that excels in different varieties of Khao Pad (fried rice) and other wok-fried Thai staples.
Chivit Thamma Da Coffee House, Bistro & Bar [$15-$30] – A charming, family-owned establishment in a beautiful riverside setting with vintage decor, offering a mix of creative Thai and European food and excellent coffee and cakes.
Moommai Restaurant [$15-$25] – Features a unique garden and ceramic caricature decor, serving a good selection of Northern Thai specialties with a focus on ambiance, often accompanied by live folk music.
Jatujak Gallery and Restaurant [$15-$25] – An interestingly decorated restaurant filled with antique pieces and artworks, offering a mix of creative Thai and Chinese fusion dishes.
Me Charm Kitchen [$15-$30] – A popular, modern spot that serves elevated and well-presented Thai dishes, known for its creative approach to classic flavors.
Farm to Table [$15-$25] – Focusing on fresh, local, and organic ingredients, this restaurant offers a creative menu that often changes based on seasonal availability.
Melt in Your Mouth [$20-$35] – A stylish café and restaurant with a modern, clean design, known for excellent coffee, a selection of Western food, and creative Thai dishes with beautiful presentation.
Connect Cafe and Restaurant [$15-$25] – A sleek, contemporary spot that offers both local Thai and international cuisine, often with a modern, fresh twist.
The Wanderer [$20-$35] – A bistro-style restaurant known for blending Thai ingredients with international cooking techniques, creating a refined and creative dining experience.
La Patisserie Chiang Rai [$10-$20] – While primarily a bakery, their savory menu items and quiches are excellent, featuring a light, European-inspired touch that feels modern in the local scene.
The Garden Restaurant [$15-$30] – Set in a lush, green garden, this restaurant offers a more sophisticated take on Thai and fusion cuisine in a relaxed but stylish setting.
The Old Clock Tower Cafe [$10-$20] – A modern, hip café and bistro near the famous Clock Tower, serving creative drinks and light, modern fusion dishes.
Locus Native Food Labs [$50-$80] – Often described as a hidden gem for fine dining, this spot is known for its experimental and sophisticated approach to Northern Thai ingredients and cuisine, often focusing on tasting menus.
Sala Rim Nam at The Legend Chiang Rai [$40-$70] – An elegant, open-air restaurant overlooking the Kok River, serving elevated traditional Thai favorites and international dishes in a beautiful resort setting.
Phu Lae Restaurant [$30-$50] – Considered one of the more upscale traditional Thai restaurants, offering high-quality ingredients and a refined atmosphere.
The Heritage Restaurant [$30-$60] – Located within a high-end hotel, this spot offers a more formal dining experience with a menu of beautifully executed Thai and Western classics.
Chef’s Table at Singha Park [$50-$100+] – While often requiring a reservation and a set menu, this experience uses the park’s own produce for a hyper-local, high-end, and creative multi-course meal.
Wine Casa and its Terrace [$30-$60] – A sophisticated dining option at a boutique resort, offering a concise menu of quality international and Thai dishes, specializing in pairings and a fine dining atmosphere.
Chiang Rai Night Bazaar Food Center [$5-$15] – Not a single restaurant, but a large food court with countless stalls offering local Thai, Lanna, and international street food, known for its lively atmosphere and nightly performances (a must-visit, despite being touristy).
Pai Rong Lom (Cabbage & Condoms) [$15-$25] – Part of a social enterprise, this unique restaurant supports development programs and serves excellent Thai cuisine with a focus on fresh, local ingredients in a memorable, theme-decorated setting.
Kha Lung Fried Chicken [$5-$10] – A small, local spot highly regarded for its traditional, simple Thai fried chicken and sticky rice—authentic and non-touristy.
Forest Baan Doo [$15-$25] – A unique restaurant set in a lush, forest-like garden with small waterfalls and streams, offering a serene atmosphere with a diverse menu of Thai and Western food.
Oasis Garden Home [$15-$25] – A hidden gem offering delicious Thai food in a beautiful, relaxed garden setting, feeling more like dining at a welcoming home than a formal restaurant.
Lalitta Cafe [$10-$20] – Though primarily a famous and often-visited café, it has a beautiful, whimsical setting with waterfalls and mist, offering a memorable, unique atmosphere for a lighter meal or coffee.
The Roastery By Roj [$10-$20] – Known as the top-tier spot for coffee lovers, they also offer light bites and simple meals in a modern, specialist café environment.
PunPao Bakery [$5-$10] – Popular for its freshly baked goods and steamed buns (salapao), offering a quick, unique snack or breakfast option.
Chomporae [$10-$20] – Known for its delicious fish cakes and a menu featuring a good mix of Thai seafood and local dishes in a simple, casual setting.
Akha Ama Coffee [$5-$10] – A highly ethical and quality-focused coffee shop run by the Akha hill tribe, offering excellent coffee and a few light, local snacks in a friendly, community-focused environment.
Lanzhou Noodles [$5-$10] – A great local option for authentic and delicious hand-pulled Chinese-style noodles, often specializing in beef noodle soup.
Top Cocktail Bars and Clubs
Turntable Jazz Bar: A haven for jazz aficionados, this cozy, intimate bar, an in-house spot at a local hotel near the Night Bazaar, offers a soothing atmosphere with a vast collection of old jazz records and books.
Chivit Thamma Da Coffee House, Bistro & Bar: Located a bit outside the main center along the Kok River, this beautiful riverside establishment has a tranquil, vintage charm, serving European and Thai food alongside a refined selection of wines and cocktails.
Leelawadee: Situated right on the banks of the Mae Kok River, this modern restaurant bar provides a scenic escape with garden and canopy seating, offering cocktails, wine, and local beer, often featuring live pop and traditional folk music.
Cat Bar: Right in the city center on Jetyod Road, this friendly spot is known for its relaxed vibe, run by a local couple, and hosts nightly live music and jam sessions, making it a favorite for both locals and travelers.
Reggae Home & Bar: Find your chilled-out Rasta rhythm on Jetyod Road. This bar is a hub for reggae lovers, featuring live bands, open mic sessions, and a lively social atmosphere in its outdoor back area, complete with a pool table.
Hangover Corner (aka Steve’s Bar): A buzzing spot recently refurbished on Jetyod Road, this bar features live bands a couple of nights a week and is a popular meeting point for tourists and Thais looking to let loose.
Peace House Bar (aka Peace Bar): Another chill reggae-themed spot, also on or very near Jetyod Road, known for its relaxed atmosphere, a back garden for hanging out, and spontaneous live music/jam sessions a few nights a week.
Bar Lamyai: Offering some of the most affordable prices in the area, this comfortable spot is just 50 meters south of the Clock Tower, serving beers, vodka, and a casual environment with a pool table.
Coconut’s Bar: A cozy pub with an international feel near Jetyod Road, known for its varied menu of international food, colorful cocktails, and entertainment like pool and live sports on a big screen.
Casa Mio Music & Wine Bar: Discover a blend of fine wines and captivating live music at this refined venue in the heart of Chiang Rai, perfect for a sophisticated evening.
Vinyl & Wine: As the name suggests, this unique bar in the city center combines the enjoyment of fine wine with the appreciation of music played on vinyl records for a classic, cultured night out.
O’Kane’s Irish Pub: Located centrally, this spot provides a classic pub atmosphere, offering Irish cuisine, refreshing drinks, and a lively, welcoming environment with entertainment.
Tamarind Bistro and Music House: Housed in renovated old wooden houses, this romantic and elegant venue transitions from a cafe/restaurant by day to a music house at night, featuring soft yellow lights and live acoustic music.
Poc Bar: A stylish central bar offering a unique blend of local brews and creative, handcrafted cocktails in a modern setting.
Secret Bar Chiangrai: A hidden gem in the city’s nightlife scene, known for its unique, often inventive, drinks and inviting, intimate atmosphere.
Mon Bar: A lively spot where locals and tourists often mingle, offering a great atmosphere for a fun evening with drinks.
Rosebar: Experience a vibrant night out with a lively atmosphere and great drinks at this popular city spot.
SITSIP Bar & Coffee House: A comfortable spot that serves as a café by day and a lively bar at night, known for its local beverages and a dedicated karaoke area for entertainment.
Chill Bar: A luxurious and relaxed poolside bar within the Le Meridien Chiang Rai Resort, offering a variety of local and Western cocktails in a classy, modern wooden-furnished environment.
The MOON Chiangrai: Discover a lively atmosphere and local charm at this bar, a must-visit for tourists seeking an authentic night out.
Tawan Daeng (Tawandang): A hugely popular Thai-style nightclub and music hall, often located near the Central Mall, known for its massive scale, excellent food and drinks, and epic live singing and dancing performances that run late into the night.
Par Club: A proper nightclub that attracts a mixed crowd of Thais and tourists, featuring an upbeat, lighthearted atmosphere with live shows and DJs spinning an eclectic mix of international music and inexpensive drinks/promotions.
Suksaran The Retro Chiang Rai: A club that offers a retro vibe and has been consistently improving, featuring live music, singers, Thai food, and even separate karaoke rooms for a fun, energetic night out.
Open Air Beer Garden (at Night Bazaar): While not a traditional club, this open lounge within the Chiang Rai Night Bazaar is a central hub for nightlife. It features food stalls, mini-bars, and often has a stage with live music, creating a lively, festive club-like atmosphere for sitting, eating, and drinking.
Central Mall Area (General): The area around the Central Mall sometimes features additional Thai-style discos or music venues that cater to a local crowd, often playing a mix of Thai pop and electronic dance music.