THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Chiang Rai - 2024 (with Photos) - Tripadvisor
Things to Do in Chiang Rai

Things to Do in Chiang Rai, Thailand - Chiang Rai Attractions

Things to Do in Chiang Rai


Book these experiences for a close-up look at Chiang Rai.

From quick jaunts to full-day outings.

Top Attractions in Chiang Rai

These rankings are informed by traveler reviews—we consider the quality, quantity, recency, consistency of reviews, and the number of page views over time.
Points of Interest & Landmarks
Modern temple with striking white architecture and reflective embellishments. Features cultural and pop-art elements, intricate designs, and a unique golden restroom. A blend of traditional and contemporary art.
This attraction description was created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for this description. Please read full traveler reviews for more details and information. If you believe something in this AI-generated description is inaccurate, please share your feedback.
Points of Interest & Landmarks
Monochrome temple adorned in blue and gold, offering serene visits and photo moments. Nearby markets and local food, including notable coconut ice cream.
This attraction description was created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for this description. Please read full traveler reviews for more details and information. If you believe something in this AI-generated description is inaccurate, please share your feedback.
Flea & Street Markets
Vibrant night market with live music and communal seating, serving an array of local cuisine including popular hot pot dishes. Stalls display local arts and crafts amidst a bustling atmosphere.
This attraction description was created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for this description. Please read full traveler reviews for more details and information. If you believe something in this AI-generated description is inaccurate, please share your feedback.
Points of Interest & Landmarks
Modern temple with a towering Goddess of Mercy statue and panoramic views, complemented by a dragon stairway and serene ambiance. Features cultural fusion architecture and tranquil gardens.
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Points of Interest & Landmarks
Iconic clock tower with an evening light show, set in the city center amidst a lively atmosphere and local cultural scene. Landmark honors national heritage.
This attraction description was created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for this description. Please read full traveler reviews for more details and information. If you believe something in this AI-generated description is inaccurate, please share your feedback.








*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.

What travelers are saying

  • macedonboy
    Glasgow, UK179,805 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This is just about the most beautiful Buddhist temple I've seen in all of Northern Thailand. The building foregoes the usual coloured glass or any colour at all. The building is completely in white to represent the purity of the Buddha. The building was designed by art master Chalermchai Kositpipat, so it's no surprise that there is plenty of art and artistic flourishes making a visit the perfect Instagram spot. The centrepiece of the complex is the ubosot white temple that is full of symbolism. These include the hands grasping for help from the Lord Buddha for an end to their cycle of suffering. Then there's the same single file bridge to the main temple. There's loads of other magnificent buildings and sculptures in the complex. It's a shame I only had an hour as part of a tour group. I could've easily spent half a day here.
    Written April 15, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • macedonboy
    Glasgow, UK179,805 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Named for the predominant colour of the temple which is blue and gold, the artist has created an awe inspiring place with not just a temple but artworks too. The entrance has two guardians at the front as is normal in Thai temples, but there were very friendly looking guardians. The main temple has beautiful murals of the life of the Buddha, while the high altar a giant statue of Buddha in white and is mesmerising against the blue background. The temple grounds. Also has a museum about the history of the temple and various artworks created by the artist. The steps up to the museum alone is worth the walk because of all the statues that adorn the staircase.
    Written April 17, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • macedonboy
    Glasgow, UK179,805 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    This place feels like both a touristy and local market. There’s a mix of stalls, shops, but the main attraction seems to be the food court. Most of the stalls sell clothes, although there are some selling souvenirs obviously aimed at tourists. It's not just foreign tourists though, there’s also a lot of Thai tourists. The food court is very popular with both foreigners and Thais. The seating is in the centre with food stalls arranged along either side. There’s also toilets and a stage at the eastern end of the food court. From I think about 7 onwards, there’s often performers on stage. Vegetarians can get a decent meal here too.

    A word of warning though. I would avoid during the rainy season as there's no cover and the thunderstorms are intense.
    Written April 16, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • marshaanddavid
    Singapore, Singapore31 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    A very pleasant, pretty, quiet and relaxing Wat decorated in the ‘usual’ style and set in nice gardens with few visitors early in the day. Not exceptional but definitely worth a visit if you are in Chiang Rai, quite central and can be easily combined with 2 – 3 other Wats close by, within walking distance. One part of it is closed at the moment for re-decoration which offers an opportunity to the visitor as for baht 100 you can buy a roof tile and record your/family name on the back – a practical and fun contribution as there is no entrance charge. The museum is made of lovely old wood, presumably teak, and the whole place is generally well maintained. Look out for the squirrels.
    Written July 13, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • James I
    New York City, NY575 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    A small but quaint temple inside a giant buddha offers some great views from the top. Can get a bit crowded and hot at times, but there are cars to take you to the top of the hill to save some energy. Nice to visit if you are in the area experiencing the other temples as well.
    Written February 25, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Alex H
    Port St. Mary, UK1,319 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Nice clock tower with pretty patterns. Recommend visiting at night time so you can see it light up in the darkness. Can take a photo but not much else to do with it.
    Written March 22, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • oblongdisorder
    London, UK7 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    A gallery complex storing the artist's work -animal skins, bones, carvings and woodwork. Some of it very phallic, comically so, it doesn't seem like the artist took himself too seriously so maybe his work can be appreciated in the same vein. The architecture reminded me of film and game horror houses, it was interesting and unique. I didn't find information on the procurement of the animal bodies so I hope it was done humanely after their natural death. I saw the buffalo that others have mentioned but not closely and don't know it's purpose or treatment. If anyone can shed any light on the animal treatment aspect that would be appreciated. Impossible to get a taxi to come pick you up (Oct) and there were no tuktuks there, although getting there by taxi is fine. You need to organise a driver or pay for a taxi to wait.
    Written October 6, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Joanne6861
    Ko Phi Phi Don, Thailand3 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Elephant lovers tour was so great! This is my first time seeing elephants, their living and how cute are they! The best experience ever!!!
    Written October 25, 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Ian Maitland
    Chiang Mai, Thailand61 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    The road is a steep climb up the mountain. Plenty of cafes and orange sellers align the road. I enjoyed the ' 888 ' restaurant, Chinese style. Plenty of Chinese atmosphere away from city.
    Written February 6, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Sanne R
    4 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This was my first hike alone in Thailand and I absolutely loved it. The route and the views were amazing.
    Written November 29, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Antöniö L
    Madrid, Spain169 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    A very pleasant garden, good for a long walk, with a selection of interesting works of art placed in the garden grounds (as of Jan 2024)
    Written January 7, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Mark
    37 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Stunning views stunning trek very authentic village visit.. Definately recommend lots of fun and see how the real Thais would live and waterfall is breathtaking and a welcome relief at the other end xx
    Written October 16, 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
The above attraction descriptions were created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for any of the above attraction descriptions. Please read full traveler reviews for more details and information. If you believe something in one of these AI-generated descriptions is inaccurate, please share your feedback.
Reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.