Beyond the Temples: Travel Chiang Rai Like a Pro
As a UNESCO Creative City of Design, Chiang Rai is a delightful mix of quiet, peaceful streets and colourful, imaginative creations. Its unique energy makes every corner worth exploring.
Whether you’re visiting for a few days or staying longer, this guide will help you navigate some of the city’s best spots. We’ve organised it around three simple themes—Art, Nature, and History—so you can mix and match to create your own perfect itinerary.
Want to check out why Chiang Rai is a perfect city for digital nomads? Take a deep dive into Chiang Rai’s affordability, safety, and diverse attractions here.
#1. Architectural Wonders and Artistry
From iconic temples to art exhibitions, each spot is a glimpse into the city’s vibrant contemporary culture where rich Lanna heritage still thrives. Now, we cannot begin without mentioning these three iconic structures that marked Chiang Rai as a city with a vibrant art scene:
Wat Rong Khun (White Temple)
Designed by Chiang Rai artist Chalermchai Kositpipat, Wat Rong Khun is a modern tribute to Northern Thai spiritual heritage. In its architecture and spirit, the pure-white building perfectly combines traditional Lanna Buddhist symbolism with surreal, contemporary elements.
⏱️ Opening hours: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Daily)
🛺 Travel time: 20-30 mins from Chiang Rai City
💵 Admission fee: 100THB
📍 Ease of access: Very easy
Wat Rong Suea Ten (Blue Temple)
Wat Rong Suea Ten presents a fresh, contemporary take on classic Lanna-style architecture. Both the exterior and interior are a striking deep sapphire blue, adorned with shimmering gold, and at the centre sits a pure white Buddha statue. The temple was designed by Phuttha Kabkaew, a student of the renowned Chalermchai Kositpipat.
⏱️ Opening hours: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Daily)
🛺 Travel time: 10-15 mins from Chiang Rai City
💵 Admission fee: Free
📍 Ease of access: Easy
Baan Dam Museum (Black House)
Created by Thai artist Thawan Duchanee, this striking complex of dark wooden buildings boldly explores themes of life, death, and spirituality, using Lanna architecture and provocative, symbolic art to guide the way. Part museum, part spiritual space, Baan Dam also houses Duchanee’s art, collected artefacts, and thought-provoking installations.
⏱️ Opening hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Daily)
🛺 Travel time: 25–30 mins from Chiang Rai City
💵 Admission fee: 80THB for adults; 40THB for children
📍 Ease of access: Easy
After spending time at these three staples, we have some more recommendations for travellers interested in Chiang Rai’s more contemporary side!
Doy Din Dang Pottery
Discover Chiang Rai’s exquisite pottery art form at Doy Din Dang Pottery (translates to “Red Clay Hill”), founded by Somluk Pantiboon, a renowned local pottery artist. Visitors can walk through the workshop and witness the entire process of creating these delicate ceramics. Browse a gallery of artistic pieces, and enjoy freshly-brewed coffee served in handcrafted ceramic ware at the cafe.
⏱️ Opening hours: 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
‼️ Closed on Sundays
🛺 Travel time: 20-30 mins from Chiang Rai City
💵 Admission fee: Free
📍 Ease of access: Easy
Chiang Rai Contemporary Art Museum
The Chiang Rai Contemporary Art Museum was established by National Artist Chalermchai Kositpipat (the creator of the White Temple). With a wide range of visual arts, including paintings, sculptures, and installations, this museum is home to modern and contemporary art, with rotating exhibitions of international and Thai art. Frequently hosting workshops, lectures, and cultural events, it’s an ideal place to engage with the local art community and foster artistic dialogue.
⏱️ Opening hours: 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM (Closed on Mondays)
🛺 Travel time: 11 mins from Chiang Rai City
🙌 Allocate at least 1-2 hrs for your visit
📍 Ease of access: Easy
#2. Nurtured by Nature
Can you hear it? Exactly, that’s the dreamy, calming sound of nature calling your name, waiting to give you a chance to breathe deeply and slow down.
Phu Chi Fa
Up for an easy hike? This breathtaking mountaintop view is a short climb away. The 1-kilometre trail treats you to sweeping views of lush green peaks and a sea of dreamy clouds on a lucky day. If you want to explore further, the trail also connects to other scenic routes within the Doi Pha Mon sub-range, bordering Thailand and Lao PDR. For 360-degree views of the region’s beautiful landscape, you can also head towards Phu Chee Duen and Phu Chee Dao nearby.
⏱️ Opening hours: 4:30 AM – 6:00 PM (Daily)
🛺 Travel time: 2-3 hrs from Chiang Rai City
🥾 Estimated hiking time: 20-40 mins
🌄 Best time to visit: Start your hike early at dawn to catch the sunrise!
‼️ Trail Difficulty: Easy
Phu Chee Duen and Phu Chee Dao
If you’re up for even more exploration after hiking up the Phu Chi Fa trail, head up Phu Chee Duen and Phu Chee Dao for a 360-degree panoramic view of the mesmerising sea of mist with a stunning sight of mountains and the Mekong River. Situated 10 kilometres from Phu Chi Fa, it’s an amazing stop for a full day of natural exploration.
🛺 Travel time: 20 mins from Phu Chi Fa, about 2 hrs from Chiang Rai City
🥾 Estimated hiking time: 1-2 hrs
🌄 Best time to visit: Hike up at Sunrise for the best views
‼️ Trail Difficulty: A moderate hike for adventure-seekers
‼️Take note: Requires a local 4x4 service due to steep & rough roads, costs 100 baht per person
Wild Himalayan Cherry Blossoms
From January to February, Doi Pang Khon bursts into shades of pink with a beautiful showcase of Wild Himalayan Cherry trees—also known as Thai Sakura or Nang Phaya Suea Khrong in full bloom. Situated about 40 kilometres from the city, this hidden gem guarantees a unique experience in Chiang Rai that most tourists don’t know about.
🛺 Travel time: 45-60 mins from Chiang Rai City
🌄 Best time to visit: Morning for a gentle breeze and daylight
📍 Ease of access: Moderate, private transportation is recommended
Mae Salong Tea Trail
Are you both a hiking expert and a tea lover? This is the perfect adventure for you! Beginning at Ban Mai Santi, this scenic trail leads you through peaceful forests and tea plantations nestled in the valley. Though it’s a steep trail said to be challenging to hike, the trek has drawn visitors for its natural beauty and cultural charm.
⏱️ Opening hours: Tea shops and plantations along the trail are generally open from morning till late afternoon
🛺 Travel time: 1hr 15 mins from Chiang Rai City
🥾 Estimated hiking time: 1-1.5 hrs
‼️ Trail difficulty: Hard, steep trails recommended for experienced hikers
Huay Kaew Waterfall Extended Loop
Are you a more experienced hiker? This 11-kilometre trail packs breathtaking views as you make your way towards the waterfalls. Through dense forests, rivers, tea plantations, and even a local village, there’s so much to see along the way. It’s an immersive experience of Chiang Rai’s natural beauty and sense of community. Popular for birdwatching and camping, this is the perfect spot for a full day of nature immersion.
⏱️ Opening hours: Accessible 24 hrs, perfect for a full-day exploration or overnight camping
🛺 Travel time: 45 mins to the trailhead from Chiang Rai City
🥾 Estimated hiking time: 4 hrs for a full hike
‼️ Trail difficulty: Moderate, recommended for experienced hikers
Khun Korn Forest Park
Up for a quick natural escape from the city? This forest park is the perfect spot for a beginner-friendly hike to the breathtaking Khun Korn Waterfall. As you make your way through the trail, spectacular views of bamboo groves and birds gliding through the forest will greet you with every step. A distance of only 1.8 kilometres of hiking, it’s perfect for a quick and refreshing adventure.
⏱️ Opening hours: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
🛺 Travel time: 40 mins from Chiang Rai City
🥾 Estimated hiking time: 1 hr
‼️ Trail difficulty: An easy hike perfect for beginners
Pha Hee Village
Known for its scenic beauty and exceptional coffee beans, this humble Akha village is tucked along the Thai-Myanmar border, where you can sip freshly brewed cups with panoramic views over misty valleys. Immerse yourself in the community’s local life, where the aroma of beans roasting fills your heart.
🛺 Travel time: 1 hr from Chiang Rai City
🌄 Best time to visit: Early morning or late afternoon for a beautiful scenic drive
📍 Ease of access: Moderate, private transport is needed to access the village
#3. Head First into History
Step back in time and discover Chiang Rai’s journey from its Lanna roots to the vibrant city it is today.
Doi Tung Development Project
Beyond high-quality coffee, Doi Tung is a key reason why Chiang Rai was designated a UNESCO Creative City of Design. As you take a sip of coffee straight from the source, walk through a thriving community transformed under the guidance of the Princess Mother, who envisioned improving local livelihood and restoring the environment through creative problem-solving.
You can explore the Doi Tung Royal Villa, the former home of the Princess Mother Srinagarindra, who was instrumental in preserving and reviving Northern Thai culture through sustainable development. The villa overlooks a 10-acre flower oasis, the Mae Fah Luang Garden. Once a barren land, it is now a beautiful landscape of flowers, exotic plants, and artistic pieces maintained by the local community.
⏱️ Opening hours: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Doi Tung Royal Villa & Mae Fah Luang Garden)
🛺 Travel time: 1hr and 20 mins from Chiang Rai City
🙌 Allocate at least 2-3 hrs for your visit
📍 Ease of access: Moderate, private transportation is recommended
Chiang Saen Old Town
Founded during the early Lanna Kingdom (14C), Chiang Saen is a remarkable archaeological and cultural site. Some recommended must-visit sites include the Chiang Saen National Museum, the old town area, the Golden Triangle, and Wat Phra That Pha Ngao and its height-defying skywalk!
⏱️ Opening hours: While you can drop by the Old Town anytime, select spots are only open at certain times:
🗿Chiang Saen National Museum: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
🚶🏻♂️Chiang Saen Skywalk: 7:30 AM - 5:00 PM
🙏Wat Phra That Pha Ngao: 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM
🛺 Travel time: 1-1.5 hrs from Chiang Rai City
🚍 Public Bus: Take a local bus from Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 1
📍 Ease of access: Easy, whether by private transportation or local bus—just take note of its timetable!
Mae Fah Luang Art and Cultural Park
This is one of the most significant places in Chiang Rai for anyone interested in Lanna heritage. It houses the region’s largest collection of Lanna artefacts, including ancient Buddha images, wood carvings, textiles, and ceremonial objects. The Haw Kham (Golden Pavilion) is a stunning example of traditional Lanna architecture, built from reclaimed teakwood in homage to old Northern palaces.
⏱️ Opening hours: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM (Tuesday – Sunday)
🛺 Travel time: 20–25 mins from Chiang Rai City
💵 Admission fee: 200THB
📍 Ease of access: Easy
Wat Phra Kaew Chiang Rai
One of the oldest temples in the region and the original home of the Emerald Buddha, Thailand's most revered religious image. The temple's architecture and art-steep multi-tiered roofs, intricate woodwork, and local symbolism-reflect classic Lanna design. The onsite museum also contains many Lanna religious artefacts.
⏱️ Opening hours: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Daily)
🛺 Travel time: 5-10 mins from Chiang Rai City
💵 Admission fee: Free
📍 Ease of access: Very easy
Oub Kham Museum
Founded by a local historian and art collector, this private museum showcases the multicultural roots of Lanna civilisation, extending beyond Thailand to include Tai peoples from Myanmar, Lao PDR, China, and even Northeast India. Historical textiles, jewellery, lacquerware, and royal regalia collected here offer a deeper, more academic insight into Lanna history.
⏱️ Opening hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Daily)
🛺 Travel time: 10–15 mins from Chiang Rai City
💵 Admission fee: [Thai] 200THB for adults; 100THB for children, [Foreigner] 300THB for adults; 200THB for children
📍 Ease of access: Easy
So, what are you waiting for? Chiang Rai won’t explore itself—let’s get that itinerary rolling! If you have space left, don’t forget to check out the PATA About Chiang Rai page for more recommended Chiang Rai destinations, food, travel tips, and more.
