Chiang Rai is the capital of a province of the same name located in Northern Thailand. Due to its geographical isolation from the rest of the country, Chiang Rai has retained some traditional indigenous cultural practices. Chiang Rai is often chosen as an ideal starting point for excursions through the countryside in Northern Thailand. Chiang Rai is relatively quieter than Chiang Mai, and has fewer tourists, so this city is suitable for those who like a gentle, unhurried resort life.
The best time to travel to Chiang Rai
Unlike most provinces in Thailand, Chiang Rai has a temperate, fresh and extremely pleasant climate. Therefore, if you want to go on a self-guided tour of Thailand but cannot stand the heat, go to Chiang Rai to avoid the heat from February to June.
In the last months of the year, the weather in Chiang Rai is also extremely suitable for a self-guided discovery tour. In addition, if you are interested in the atmosphere of bustling festivals and want to learn more about Thai culture. Visit Chiang Rai in mid-April when the traditional Songkran festival and the attractive Thai water festival are taking place.
Note: You should limit your travel from August to September. Because this is the rainy season in Northern Thailand. So if you travel during this time, you will easily encounter extremely annoying floods!
How to get to Chiang Rai?
Chiang Rai has a small airport just outside the city. If you don’t have much time in Thailand, this is a good option. However, if you consider it, this is a good opportunity to go to Laos. Because flying to Laos is often quite expensive.
The easiest way to get to Chiang Rai is by bus from Chiang Mai. The journey takes about three hours. There are many buses running every day. Tickets are easily purchased on the spot.
Tuk Tuk
Tuk tuk is a “national” means of transport that you can easily find in any province in Chiang Rai. At the same time, Tuk tuk will be extremely convenient to take you to tourist attractions quickly. But the price is not too expensive. You can use Tuk tuk when traveling with family, friends or large groups.
Taxi
In addition to Tuk tuk, taxi is also a convenient means of transport suitable for independent travel with family, friends and large groups in Chiang Rai. However, if you travel alone, you should not choose a taxi because the cost is quite expensive. But if you want to get there quickly and have a comfortable space. Taxi will also be a suitable choice for you.
Motorcycle/ bicycle
The last two means of transport that Phuot would like to suggest to you are motorbikes or bicycles. With motorbikes, you can drive yourself to your desired location at any time. With bicycles, you can only go around the central area of Chiang Rai city. But the experience of cycling slowly on the roads will certainly make your journey more interesting and relaxing.
Hotels in Chiang Rai
Chiang Rai has many hotels, motels and dormitories located near the attractions. But if you like, you can also choose the homestay type. Or a guest house to be able to choose a nice room. In particular, room prices in Chiang Rai are also quite cheap.
You can refer to some hotels, homestays and resorts in Chiang Rai such as:
- B2 Chiang Rai : price from 200,000 - 700,000 VND
- Mpower Chiangrai : price from 300,000 - 1,000,000 VND
- Phufa Waree Chiangrai Resort : price from 700,000 - 1,500,000 VND
Top most famous tourist destinations in Chiang Rai
Chiang Rai is an attractive destination in Thailand tour , famous for its unique landmarks and beautiful scenery. Below are some famous Chiang Rai tourist destinations that visitors should visit once:
White Temple Wat Rong Khun
When traveling to Chiang Rai, visiting the White Temple of Wat Rong Khun is an experience not to be missed. Designed by artist Chalermchai Kositpipat, this temple stands out with its pure white color symbolizing the purity and wisdom of Buddhism. Visitors will be impressed by the unique architecture with elaborate decorative details and metaphorical images of life and liberation.
In addition to the main temple, visitors can also visit the ancillary structures such as the "rainbow" bridge leading to the temple with murals telling stories about the universe and the journey of the soul. This is one of the prominent destinations, attracting a large number of visitors every year.
Wat Rong Suea Ten Blue Temple
The Blue Temple of Wat Rong Suea Ten stands out with its distinctive dark blue color, giving it a mysterious and impressive feel. Built in 2005, this temple has a unique architecture, a combination of traditional and modern styles with sophisticated decorative motifs and impressive Buddha statues.
Tourists visiting Thailand will be attracted by the quiet space and mysterious beauty of the temple, along with sharp details such as dragons and Buddhist images. In addition, the campus of the blue temple Wat Rong Suea Ten also has murals depicting life and the journey to enlightenment, helping visitors understand more about Buddhist philosophy. This is an ideal destination for those who love to explore Thai art and culture.
Wat Klang Wiang Temple
When traveling to Chiang Rai, exploring Wat Klang Wiang Temple is a great experience for visitors to learn about Thai Buddhist architecture and history. Wat Klang Wiang Temple is located in the heart of Chiang Rai city and has traditional architecture typical of Northern Thai temples.
In particular, Wat Klang Wiang Temple stands out with its elaborately decorated walls and tiled roofs, showing a combination of traditional artistic elements and the influence of architectural styles from neighboring countries. In addition to the unique architecture, tourists on a Thailand tour can also admire the Buddha statues and precious worship objects in the temple. This will be an ideal place to learn about the culture and religion of Chiang Rai.
Singha Park
Singha Park is an ideal destination for those who love nature and outdoor activities. Located about 15km from the center of Chiang Rai city, this large park is a perfect combination of beautiful natural scenery and diverse recreational activities. Tourists on a tour of Thailand will be able to visit colorful flower gardens, enjoy green spaces, quiet lakes and trails for walking and cycling.
Singha Park also has an area for sports activities such as golf, off-road racing and visiting a mini zoo with typical animals. In particular, visitors can also enjoy local cuisine at the restaurants in the park. Singha Park is a great place for you to relax and explore the natural beauty of Chiang Rai.
Chiang Rai Golden Clock Tower
Chiang Rai Golden Clock Tower is a prominent landmark in the center of Chiang Rai city, where visitors can explore its unique and impressive architecture. Designed by famous artist Chalermchai Kositpipat, this clock tower is imbued with Thai culture with a combination of traditional and modern architecture. The 70m high tower with a sparkling golden color, especially prominent at night when the surrounding yellow lights illuminate.
Every evening, the Chiang Rai Golden Clock Tower will emit special music and lights, creating a magical scene that attracts visitors to check in. The Golden Clock Tower is not only a symbol of the city but also an ideal destination for visitors to admire the perfect combination of art and unique architecture.
Doi Chang
Doi Chang is a great tourist destination for those who love nature and exploring coffee plantations. Located at an altitude of about 1,400m above sea level, Doi Chang is famous for its high-quality coffee plantations, especially Arabica coffee grown in a cool climate and fertile soil. Coming to Doi Chang, visitors can join a tour of coffee farms, learn about the production process and enjoy fresh coffee right at the source.
In addition to enjoying coffee, Doi Chang also offers beautiful natural scenery with green hills, fresh air and trails suitable for walking or climbing. This is an ideal place for visitors to relax and immerse themselves in the natural beauty of Chiang Rai.
Chiang Rai Night Market
Chiang Rai Night Bazaar is a must-see destination when visiting this city. Located right in the city center, Chiang Rai Night Bazaar opens every evening and is an ideal place for visitors to experience local culture. Here, you can find all kinds of goods from handmade souvenirs, jewelry, art to delicious street food.
Chiang Rai Night Market is also famous for its stalls selling a variety of products made from brocade fabrics, decorative items and exquisite handicrafts that are imbued with the cultural identity of Chiang Rai people. In addition to the shopping experience, visitors also have the opportunity to enjoy specialties such as mango sticky rice, grilled meat or traditional Thai dishes. The bustling and vibrant night market space will definitely be a great place for you to explore and enjoy the Thai atmosphere at night.
Karen Village Chiang Rai
Karen Chiang Rai in Chiang Rai is a great destination for tourists on a tour of Thailand to explore the unique culture of the Karen people - one of the famous minority tribes in Thailand. In Karen Chiang Rai village, tourists can visit traditional villages where Karen people live in houses made of wood and bamboo, creating a peaceful and ancient space.
One of the most unique things about Karen villages is that the women have long necks, which they use to lengthen from a young age. Visiting this village, visitors can learn about the customs and daily life of the Karen people, as well as shop for handicrafts such as brocade and jewelry made by the locals. This is a great opportunity to better understand the culture and customs of a unique community in Thailand.
What to eat when traveling to Chiang Rai?
When traveling to Chiang Rai, in addition to experiencing famous places, tourists on a Thailand tour should not miss the opportunity to explore the unique cuisine here. Some delicious dishes that you should try are:
Khao Soi
Khao Soi is a famous noodle dish of Northern Thailand, especially popular in Chiang Rai. This dish consists of soft egg noodles served in a rich curry broth, often with chicken or beef. Khao Soi is garnished with fried onions, pickles and a squeeze of fresh lime. The spicy, fatty and aromatic taste of the broth blends with the noodles to create a unique flavor that visitors cannot miss when coming to Chiang Rai.
Kaeng Hang Lei
Kaeng Hang Lei is a typical curry dish of the Northern Thai people, with the main ingredient being pork. This curry dish has a rich, slightly sweet and slightly spicy taste, cooked with spices such as turmeric, galangal and garlic. The pork is stewed until soft, well-seasoned, combined with a delicious broth to create an extremely attractive and warming dish on cold days.
Mango Sticky Rice
Mango Sticky Rice is a famous Thai dessert that you cannot miss when coming to Chiang Rai. This simple but extremely attractive dish consists of sticky, sweet sticky rice combined with ripe, soft mango. The sticky rice is mixed with rich coconut milk, creating a perfect blend of the sweetness of the mango and the richness of the sticky rice, making this dish an ideal choice for those who love sweets.
Chiang Rai city is a wonderful tourist destination in Thailand that promises to bring visitors many interesting experiences. Hopefully, with the sharing from the Travel Company , you will have a complete and memorable trip to Chiang Rai!
