Located at the Golden Triangle, Chiang Rai is the northernmost cities of Thailand. The city of Chiang Rai shares borders with Myanmar and Laos. The city was founded in 13th century and is extremely rich in culture and traditions of Thailand. There are a number of things which can attract tourist to this small yet astonishing province, Chiang Rai. There are a number of things to do Chiang Rai since you can find a huge variety of things such as monuments, beaches, art bridges, clock tower, temples, mountain ranges, waterfalls, hot springs and what not. The list seems endless, so here is a list of some of best things to do in Chiang Rai.
Things to do in Chiang Rai on your trip
This mountainous province in the northern Thaialnd
1. Street food: Gorge on Khao Soi and other mouthwatering delicacies
Street food delicacies are worth tasting- Usually, people opt for fancy restaurant dinner menus but when in Chiang Rai go for amazing street Northern Thai food delicacies served on the street. One of the quintessential northern Thai Dish named Khao Soi is rich in great flavours of Thailand and is very popular in the streets of Chiang Rai. No overpriced cafes, no burning holes in pockets and you are good to go. Khao Soi is made up with soft egg noodles chicken drumstick, put in a creamy coconut broth and is accompanied with chopped red onions, pickled cabbage and a small slice of lime on its side. After tasting some dishes here, you’ll know how Thai cuisine contributes to Thailand Tourism.
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2. Homestays: Experience the life of Thailand’s countryside
Goodbye to resort stays- There are a number of indigenous hill tribes residing in the mountainous region of northern Thailand mainly in the Chiang Rai province. The tribes settled in this region about a century ago but they are still very much connected to their roots, hence have nicely maintained the rural villages and give you a brief insight into the cultural side of the ethnic minorities of the place. The place also offers nice and cheap home stays for travelers to get an experience about the lifestyle of the Akha people. The Akha Mudhouse Maesalong is one of the most vibrant hill tribes of the city.
Hot spring Cooking ideas- Have you cooked eggs in Hot springs? No. Well, then if you are visiting Chiang Rai province and its neighbouring city Chiang Mai in the south, then you should definitely stop at hot springs located in the region. All you need is to put your eggs in a basket and lower your baskets into the water into hot springs on a pole and get your freshly and naturally boiled eggs in your hands within a few minutes. Some of the hot springs in the region are – Pong Phrabat Hot Spring, Huay Mak Lium Hot Spring, Pong Phra Soet Hot Spring, Fang Hot Spring and Bonus Hot Spring.
Must Read: 17 Floating Markets In Bangkok That Exhibit Country’s Preserved Culture And Must Be Visited
3. White temple: Feel the colours and vibrancy of the majestic temple
Enter into the land of Superman, minions and many more- One of the most beautiful tourist spots of Chiang Rai is its Wat Rong Khun, the white temple. Don’t confuse yourself with the term “temple” coming into the picture. The white temple is the most unconventional temple one can ever come across. The temple is built by the national artist of the country named Chalermchai Kositpipat with a theme of man’s journey from hell to heaven presented all around. The interior murals in the temple are dotted with the exquisite painting of reflecting the popular culture of Thailand. The walls are decorated with the finest images of Superman, everyone favourite Minions as well as the images of the king of pop, the Michael Jackson.
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4. Tea farms: Explore the exotic teas of Choui Fong
Sip Exotic tea coming straight from tea plantation- If you have a strong bent towards flavoured teas or types of ice teas, then a visit to the Choui Fong tea farm is a must. You can sip freshly brewed tea from the exotic tea plantations located on the outskirts of Chiang Rai province. The flavour of the top quality tea served here will travel on your taste bud throughout your trip.
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5. Shopping: Stroll at the Night Bazaar and bring home souvenirs
Colorful, entertaining night bazaar is one of the major tourist attractions of Chiang Rai. At the bazaar you can have glimpses of the best of Chiang Rai has to offer – folk dances, local music, delicacies, traditional garbs. Also every Saturday there is a special night market – which is much bigger and more entertaining – not to be missed.
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6. Golden Clock Tower: Enjoy the musical performances at the tower
Light, music and tick tock, tick tock- Located in the centre of Chiang Rai province, the golden clock tower is an iconic landmark of this amazing town. The incredible spot showcases a short musical performance every day at 8 PM sharp transforming the dusty city streets into glitzy talent junction for that particular period of time. This is a must visit especially for music and dance lovers, the place is amazingly awesome giving you the quick taste of city culture.
Chiang Rai holds a promise for a thrilling journey – a journey which shouldn’t be missed in this lifetime and is a must at least once. If you also want to explore the gorgeous Chiang Rai, book a Thailand tour package with us.
Further Read: This Upcoming Cave Museum In Thailand Might Become Its Biggest Tourist Attraction!
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Frequently Asked Questions About Things To Do In Chiang Rai
Is Chiang Rai worth visiting?
Chiang Rai is a place which is super-interesting and bizarre where people can wander through. All this makes this city a perfect place to visit and enjoy the beauty of the place. Alongside that there is the night market and some magnificent temples to add in the list.
What is there to do in Chiang Rai?
There are a lot of things to do in Chiang Rai which includes visiting the White Temple, exploring the Black House and Blue Temple. Alongside that one can try to dodge the monkeys at the Monkey Temple. And by the night go and explore the famous night market.
Is Chiang Rai safe?
Chiang Rai is considered to be a very safe city and quite an easy place to travel. Whether its from health or personal safety aspect, this city is the best to visit. But still the travelers have to be cautious while they are in a foreign land.
How many days are enough to stay in Chiang Rai?
Chiang Rai is located at the Northern Thailand and should be on the list of every traveler visiting Thailand. To explore this entire city, 2 days are enough to witness the beauty of the temples, villages, forests and markets.
How long does it take to reach Chiang Rai from Chiang Mai?
It takes around 3 hours to reach Chiang Rai from Chiang Mai by driving alongside the beautiful mountain areas.
What does Chiang mean?
The word ‘Chiang’ means city in Thai language and thus Chiang Rai means “the city of (Mang) Rai”.
How to reach Chiang Rai?
For the people traveling by train, Chiang Mai is the nearest city from Chiang Rai from there one has to take the green bus. Chiang Mai is located around 200 km away from Chiang Rai and it takes around 3- 3 and a half hours.
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