Chiang Rai
What you need to know before you go
Chiang Rai is a Thai city and province nestled among mountainous regions in the north, offering ancient royal temples, stunning artwork, museums, culture and education. Among the most significant sites here is the Wat Phra Kaew royal temple, which once housed the famed Emerald Buddha, a legendary jade statue. Today it displays a replica rather than the original. The Navel City Pillar is a common attraction for photographers, a monument comprised of over 100 pillars in the Khmer style. To further explore ancient culture, the Mae Fah Luang Art and Cultural Park offers a museum with Lanna artifacts.
For traditional night market culture, the Chiang Rai Night Bazaar offers not only dozens of stalls vending food, arts, crafts, souvenirs and gifts but also hosts live entertainment regularly. The Longneck Karen Village allows you the chance to explore a famous settlement of the indigenous Karen culture. The Clock Tower Chiang Rai is a beautiful golden clock tower standing in the center of a roundabout that’s sure to light up your social media feed.
What to see & do in Chiang Rai
Featured stories & fun stuffChiang Rai things to do are plentiful, and you can discover ancient temples with stunning architecture and fascinating history, urban and nature parks, museums, unique cultural villages, art galleries and more. The iconic Wat Phra Kaew is a royal temple that once housed an iconic jade Buddha statue but now features a replica. To see Lanna Kingdom artifacts, head to the Mae Fah Luang Art and Cultural Park museum. For... Read more
10 Best Things to Do in Chiang Rai
This guide to the best things to do in Chiang Rai is essential reading for anyone thinking of making their way to this must-see destination of north-central Thailand. It's a great place for those who like to stroll...10 Best Temples in Chiang Rai
Chiang Rai is home to some of the most iconic temples in all of Thailand, with their unique stylings representative of the architecture of the Lanna Kingdom. When you visit these temples, you'll be able to take in all the...11 Iconic Buildings and Places in Chiang Rai
The iconic buildings and places in Chiang Rai are steeped in history and heritage. Once the epicenter of the Lanna Kingdom that ruled Northern Thailand, the city counts thousands of years of human past. But it's also wild and modern...10 Best Family Things to Do in Chiang Rai
The best family things to do in Chiang Rai offer a glimpse into the real Thai way of life. Tourists come to Thailand’s northernmost major city to visit the famed Golden Triangle, but the city itself also has much to...
Where & what to eat in Chiang Rai
Chiang Rai food and dining culture offers a wide range of sit-down restaurants and takeout street food, so you can expect to enjoy both local delicacies and international cuisine. Along Walking Street, you’ll find many vendors selling takeout street food. For vegetarian and vegan cuisine, check out Kunda Vegan Vegetarian, which takes no reservations and serves no tofu. It’s just laid-back vibes and great veggie cuisine. Lung Eed... Read more
10 Great Restaurants in Chiang Rai
Great restaurants in Chiang Rai run from American-style BBQ rib houses to riverside restaurants serving exotic Southeast Asian cuisine. This Northern Thailand city might not hit the headlines like Bangkok and the islands of the gulf, but this off...10 Best Local Restaurants in Chiang Rai
This guide to the best local restaurants in Chiang Rai homes in on the kitchens that champion the region's own cuisine. This city certainly has plenty to make you hungry. From the hubbub of the vintage clothes stores down Walking...
Where to shop & what to buy in Chiang Rai
10 Best Places to Go Shopping in Chiang Rai
The best places to go shopping in Chiang Rai include local-frequented markets, gift shops, galleries, and malls. Thailand’s mountainous city might be most well-known for its royal temple and cultural attractions, but it has excellent venues selling just about anything you’d need. Here are our top picks for Chiang Rai’s shopping experiences. From street food and handcrafted souvenirs...
Where to go & what to do at night in Chiang Rai
10 Best Things to Do After Dinner in Chiang Rai
The best things to do after dinner in Chiang Rai combine great beer, great music, and a totally chilled atmosphere. This compact city has a relaxed nightlife scene, which makes it easy to mix with locals. Night markets are filled with snacks, beer, local crafts, live music, and dance performances. You can dance the night away in local bars or...
Useful information
Chiang Rai Travel Essentials
Our Chiang Rai Travel Essentials guide includes the details you need to enjoy an unforgettable vacation in Thailand's northernmost city. You'll learn all about the local climate as well as the currency, the outlet types, emergency phone numbers and more, in addition to the best ways to get to Chiang Rai and explore once you arrive. This city is best...