Location: Chiang Rai
Top Things to do in Chiang Rai
Top Restaurants in Chiang Rai
10 Free Things to do in Chiang Rai That You Shouldn't Miss
Located about five hours from Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai is a community not to be missed. The area offers a variety of cooking classes, beautiful views, markets, resorts and restaurants. In addition, visitors can get a feel for true northern Thai culture during their visit.
Restaurants in Chiang Rai
1. Rai Ruen Rom Organic Farm
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 103 reviews
Reviewed By _N8960QH
This is one of my favorite place in Chaingrai province because of the great service, healthy food and fresh atmosphere you even cannot find in any places in Thailand. Not only above i mentioned but also has a lot of activities to do with your family, friend or who you come with. Besides there is the souvenir, cafe zone, room and camp service to serve you all. Do not forget to add this travel place in your trip lists.
2. Wat Phra Kaeo (Temple of the Emerald Buddha)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 922 reviews
This was the original location of the Emerald Buddha, now housed in Bangkok's Wat Phra Kaeo.
Reviewed By Bryan1701 - Indianapolis, United States
Beautiful temple and historic site in northern Thailand. Worth visiting if going to Thailand. We were there as part of a small group tour with World Spree.
3. Doi Mae Salong
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 625 reviews
Doi Mae Salong is a primarily Chinese community that offers a variety of activities. Visitors can take in a morning market, tour General Tuan's Tomb, go to a memorial museum and take in tea tastings while visiting the village.
Reviewed By karenw436 - Perth, Australia
Very beautiful mountain top village, known for its tea plantations x i stayed 3 nights, wished i stayed longer to explore the surrounding villages more so. AMA MAESALONG accommodation was top class, great views and delish breakfast x
4. Wat Rong Khun
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 7,762 reviews
Reviewed By 618barryt - Gosnells, Australia
The White Temple looks amazing the detail on the Temple buildings is incredible and there is a lot of modern themes in the paintings and sculptures in the complex the ablution building is an art piece on its own it’s painted gold as a contrast to the white.The White Temple is definitely one of a kind and if you have the chance to get there you’ll be rewarded with something that you have never seen before
5. Khun Korn Waterfall
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 326 reviews
Reviewed By W81SErobertd
Great hike for any outdoorsy type or seasoned hiker, it is an easy ramble. I am 62 and did not have a problem, and I am getting fat and lazy. But for the rest of us…It is still a 1400m hike up hill or 1.4 Kilometer and a round trip of say 3 kilometers! And it gets steep at times…You might need both hands and feet to navigate the more difficult areas. I had a few people that wanted to turn back and met a family from India that were struggling, I encourage them on with only 500m to go. Still, it is well worth the pain, and there is no danger. The treat at the end when you arrive at the falls is a swim and shower. With COVID you may very well have the place to yourselves………………
6. Art Bridge Chiang Rai
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 56 reviews
7. Saturday Night Walking Street
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 157 reviews
Reviewed By 974kathu - Singapore, Singapore
Other night markets will pale in comparison. This goes on for miles. Just when you thought it was over, there's another stretch! What I liked about this market was that it was for the locals, not just for the tourists (unlike Chiang Mai's night market). If you are in Chiang Rai on a Saturday- you need to go to this night market - and you can also watch a free line dancing show.
8. Wat Phra Singh
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 133 reviews
Reviewed By webme - Beckenham, United Kingdom
For me there are three or four wats in central Chiang Rai that are really worth seeing and this is one of them. Great roof, some lovely carvings and Buddha images. Very quiet when we were there. Still has that genuine 'revered' feeling you sometimes loose with temples full of tourists.
9. Cherntawan International Meditation Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 41 reviews
Reviewed By thorisay - Cupertino, United States
We went with our friends and toured around the temple. Many visitors came with big tour buses. The temple staff gave free snacks and coffee to everyone who visited the place. The Abort was so famous around the World. He educated in England and wrote several books in Thai and English. People can go to meditation classes/ camp but we were late to book at the time. However, we bought several books that the abort writes from the temple bookstore.
10. Wat Huay Pla Kang
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 501 reviews
Reviewed By guyth0mps0n - London, United Kingdom
Not many places mention this, but this should be in everyone's top 3 along with the Blue Temple & White Temple. Set on a hillside about 15 minutes from Chiang Rai is Huay Pla Kang Temple With a huge statue of the goddess of mercy - Guan Yin, although its known as Chiang Rai's Big Buddha (damn those lazy tourists!) It is quite new in terms of temples, but it is still amazing! The area is free into the area, which includes a white temple hall and the 9 story Pagoda which you can climb up! No lift though! But the main attraction is the 90 meter Guan Yin which is how and you can get the lift up to the top. 40baht (£1) but there is no stair option! Those who are not fans of lifts, they are new and very smooth. It is a matter of seconds inside! But it is worth it! Once at the top of the statue inside is a moral of religious scenes and status all in white, some of which have jewels adorning them. It truly is memorising. You can also see our through her eyes and third eye, looking out over the landscape. It is beautiful! There are some food stalls and shops dotted around inside the grounds. Also there is a free shuttle bus that will take you from the car park to the base of the statue. Definitely a must when in Chiang Rai! Rules for all temples : Dress properly (knees and shoulders should be covered) Take off your shoes when entering the buildings Be quiet Don't hug or kiss Don't point your feet to Buddha's image Don't smoke
