Thailand’s most northern province Chiang Rai holds many hidden gems and surprises you must explore. While many tourist attractions are convenient to visit in Chiang Rai City, the broader province also boasts some spectacular sightseeing and visit-worthy experiences.
In bygone years, it was all about the opium trade, but so much has changed. Be beguiled by the beautiful mountain scenery, cascading waterfalls, and hillside farmlands. Delve into the hill tribes and their fascinating history. Explore top-notch attractions and dive into the delicious local cuisine.
Around Mueang Chiang Rai (City)
Must-visit temples:
- The White Temple (Wat Rong Khun) is designed like a Buddhist temple, blending modern and traditional Thai styles and visually striking.
- The Blue Temple (Wat Rong Sear Tean) glistens with shades of blues and gold with story-telling murals.
- Wat Huay Pla Kang impresses with the enormous white Goddess of Mercy statue and the fantastic view from the Goddess’s eyes on the 25th floor.
Markets, Eating and Entertainment
- Fresh markets provide an insight into daily life and local foods. In the city area, wander the undercover Municipal Fresh Market, Kad Luang, or Sirikorn Fruit and Veg Market.
- For fabulous street food, handicrafts, souvenirs, clothes, and entertainment, check out the Saturday Night Market on Thanalai Road and Sunday Night Market on Happy Street. The Night Bazaar near the bus station is open nightly.
- Sankhongnoi Road, or Happy Street, is popular with visitors and expats. You’ll find many restaurants and bars around the Clock Tower.
Museums and Culture:
- Mae Fah Luang Art & Cultural Park is home to two traditional teak timber buildings with the province’s most extensive collection of Lanna artefacts, lush, well-maintained gardens and a fantastic gift shop.
- Oub Kham Museum features a staggering array of collectables, including royal regalia, antiques, and handicrafts, displayed in intriguing rooms surrounded by restful gardens.
- Hilltribe Museum focuses on the province’s six hill tribes, showcasing costumes, tools, relics, and artefacts with a video providing insight into their lifestyle.
Other Amusements
- Kok River and Chiang Rai Beach: much loved by locals, it is great to relax and chill in a sala, savour local dishes, sip cool drinks, and watch the world go by.
- Singha Park is a vast recreational park with extensive walking and cycling tracks, water activities, rock climbing, ziplining and hot-air ballooning. IG fans love the flower gardens and rolling tea plantations. And yes, lots of cafes and restaurants.
- Khun Korn Waterfall ties in nicely with a visit to Singha Park. Take a meandering 30-minute walk through the bamboo forest to the 70-metre drop fall. Check with the National Park Rangers first if you want to swim at the base of the falls.
Around Chiang Rai Province
On a day trip, many destinations can be made, but you are just scratching the surface. Make up your own itinerary and see some extraordinary places to visit.
Phu Chi Fah. Sunrise is the highlight, with many hiking 750 metres to the summit to enjoy commanding views from the cliff edge overlooking Laos. Winter is popular with chilly air and clouds rolling through. The scenery on the hilltops is stunning, and on particularly clear days, you may see the Mekong River in the distance below. 
Chiang Saen, to the north of the city, was established in the 14th century and has a turbulent and long history. It is located on the Mekong River and features many old city ruins, an informative Chiang Saen National Museum, and a laid-back riverside vibe.
The Golden Triangle has a sad and uplifting past. Obligatory photo stop - the junction between Thailand, Laos and Myanmar. To understand the region, visit the Hall of Opium Museum. This highly interactive and informative museum explains how Royal-sponsored interventions turned the region away from the illegal opium trade to one embracing high-value farming and reforestation. People are now living in healthier and happier communities.
Doi Tung demonstrates much of the change initiatives explained at the Hall of Opium Museum. Whole communities grow profitable crops of coffee and macadamia nuts and produce exquisite textiles, clothing, handicrafts, ceramics and souvenirs. While visiting, wander the Mae Fah Luang Garden (especially attractive in Winter), the Royal Villa, and Doi Tung Tree Top Walk. Enjoy a famous Doi Tung coffee and be tempted by beckoning boutiques.
Mae Salong is a famous tea-growing region with hair-raising winding roads and magnificent views. These long-time Akha hill tribe communities now have a strong Chinese influence, as many settled here after the Communist Revolution in 1949. Visit the Chinese Martyrs’ Memorial Museum, marvel at the views from Phra Boromathat Chedi, and sample tea at the tea plantations.
A Dream Destination …
These are just some of the region’s treasures. Not only a paradise for travellers, but many expats living in Thailand also choose Chiang Rai as a quiet spot to retire, work, or perhaps have a weekend getaway from Bangkok.
Are you pondering about moving to Thailand? Thinking of somewhere with a solid infrastructure, good recreational facilities, plenty of nature and culture, a more local Thai experience, and a low cost of living, Chiang Rai is worth considering. Contact our Lazudi team and discover some excellent value property options in Chiang Rai.
