If you are seeking for a luxury experience, The Heritage Chiang Rai Hotel and Convention will be a good choice for you. Located in Chiang Rai, less than 1 km from Central Plaza Chiang Rai,the hotel provides accommodation with an outdoor swimming pool, free private parking, a fitness center and a garden. Being highly recommended by couples, this 5-star hotel offers room service with a terrace with city views. Visitors can enjoy a meal at the restaurant or a drink at the bar.
Blue Lagoon Hotel is located in Chiang Rai, 700 meters from Chiang Rai Clock Tower and offers city views. This 3-star hotel offers a shared lounge, concierge services and free WiFi. The hotel offers airport shuttle and car rental services. All air-conditioned rooms are equipped with a flat-screen cable TV, refrigerator, electric kettle, shower, free toiletries and a desk. The rooms have a private bathroom, hairdryer and bed linen. The hotel has a sun terrace. Visitors can enjoy activities in and around Chiang Rai, such as cycling.
If you are looking for a centrally located hotel, then we highly recommend the Chiang Rai hotel. The hotel is just a minute from the Clock Tower and also walking distance from the city's points of interest like the old bus station (Terminal 1) and the Night Bazaar. Although the hotel is small and economical, the rooms are large with cable TV which broadcasts some English speaking programs.
Chiang Rai Hotel
V. What To Do In Chiang Rai
1. Visit Wat Rong Kun
One of the activities that one cannot miss when coming to Chiang Rai is exploring Wat Rong Khun or the White Temple. This temple is far and away Chiang Rai’s premier attraction and probably the most famous and crazy temple in Thailand.
Wat Rong Kun
A work in progress designed and created by local artist Chalermchai Kositpipat, the entire temple is almost completely white with small mirrors embedded in the plaster. This makes the temple even brighter as if it were shining in the sun. It's an incredible sight that you won't find anywhere else in Thailand.
The cost to visit the temple is 50 THB for tourists, but free for Thai residents. Getting there is quite simple and prices will depend on your budget and available time. You can take a songthaew for 20 THB from the bus station, which will take about 30 minutes. The driver will take you right in front of the Temple, then just cross the road and follow the Stupa to get there. The tuk-tuk will charge you 200 THB (for 2 people) one way. And taxis cost up to 300 THB.
2. Wat Rong Suea Ten ( The Blue Temple)
Blue Temple is instantly recognizable by its brilliant and rich sapphire color. The temple's walls, roof and surrounding statues are all covered in this beautiful color, an unusual decorative choice in a country where most temples are made of gold. This color symbolizes the purity, wisdom and absence of materialism that Buddhists crave. The temple is a fascinating combination of traditional Buddhist values and classical Thai architecture with ultra-modern design choices. This modernism makes sense: The Blue Temple was designed by Putha Kabkaew, a student of the artist who built the eccentric White Temple.
Blue Temple- One of the most famous temples in Chiang Rai
The Blue Temple has no entrance fee and is open from 7Am to 8Pm. The easiest way to get here is by motorbike, taxi or tuk tuk, and the best way to explore all the landmarks around is to hire a guide to drive you and give you valuable information.
3. Black House (Home of a Thai National Artist at Baan Dam Museum)
The Baan Dam Museum or Black House is the home and studio of the late Thawan Duchanee, a National Artist of Thailand famous for his paintings and architecture. It’s considered Duchanee’s architectural masterpiece and consists of a collection of about 40 buildings spread out over a landscaped garden. Located north of the city, you can visit the Baan Dam Museum on the same day trip as Wat Rong Khun.
There are many styles; several wooden buildings are decorated with very elaborate carvings built in the traditional Lanna style; Some modern structures resemble white igloos.
Black House in Chiang Rai
The most comfortable way to get there is by taking a metered taxi.Tuk tuk prices depend on your negotiation skills. A round trip from Chiang Rai city, including waiting time, will cost between 400 and 500 THB. The Black House is open daily from 9am to 5pm, and the entrance fee is 80 THB/ person.
4. Explore Chiang Rai city
Beside the famous Temples, there are plenty of Temples in Chiang Rai itself, access a bike and ride around, xplore the temples here, with unique architecture that will not make you feel bored.
Chiang Rai's Golden Clock Tower
Chiang Rai's main attractions may be outside the city limits, but you'll find some within the city as well. For example, there's the Golden Clock Tower and lesser-known temples like Wat Phra Kaew, Wat Phra Singh and Wat Klang Wiang are all worth a visit if you have the time. If you're staying in Ching Rai city center, you can easily walk to each of these locations from your hotel.
After the sun sets and you've toured the temples, it's time to head to the Night Market for some shopping and a late dinner. Chiang Rai Night Market is a small outdoor market selling the usual items like hill tribe jewelry, elephant pants and silk scarves, but the highlight is the food. More about this in the next section of this guide.
5. Enjoy the trip with your family
Chiang Rai has a lively night market, along with plenty of museums and temples that will provide an insight into Thai culture. With several family-friendly attractions in or close to the city center, it's a good choice for families looking to enjoy a laid back holiday in Thailand.
5.1. Nava Land Water Park
Nava Land Water Park is a popular park for families in Chiang Rai. Water slides, bouncy castles, and wave pools will keep kids entertained. Outside of the water, anyone interested in paleontology can enjoy dinosaur models. With poolside dining and plenty of sun loungers allow parents to relax while the kids have fun. Like most water parks, weekends can be the busiest, so plan your visit during the week if possible. Nava Land Water Park is a 20-minute drive west of central Chiang Rai.
Nava Land Water Park
5.2. Garden of Reeds
Garden of Reeds is one of the most beautiful parks in Chiang Rai. With its abundance of flowers and small waterfalls, it is a popular spot for families who want to take a walk along the Kok River. Mature groves provide pleasant shade during the heat of the day.
Beautiful garden with plenty of colorful flowers
Winding paths lead to an authentic English rose garden and spectacular chrysanthemums, lilies, cyclamen begonias and azaleas. Ornamental plants give structure and shape to your garden. Children will especially appreciate the on-site playground and fountain.
5.3. Khun Korn Forest Park Waterfall
Chiang Rai is a dream for those who love hiking. Come to Khun Korn Forest Park Waterfall to enjoy easy hiking for the whole family. A mostly flat hiking trail winds from the park’s parking spot through stands of mature bamboo, though it gets a little steeper and rockier as you near the waterfall. The gorgeous waterfall is a great reward for your efforts – its clear water is a cooling treat after the hike.
Suitable hiking for the whole family.
VI. Where To Eat In Chiang Rai
1. Khao Soi Phor Jai ( Pho Chai)
- Add: 1023, 3 Jetyod Rd, Tambon Wiang, Mueang Chiang Rai District, Chiang Rai
A trip to Chiang Rai or Chiang Mai should begin with Khao Soi. Considered a Burmese-influenced dish, it consists of crunchy, soft egg noodles in a creamy curry-like sauce made from coconut milk and meat, usually chicken or beef. It is usually served with a side dish of chopped red onion, pickled cabbage, and lime. If you only eat one thing in Chiang Rai, it's Khao Soi. It is a typical dish from northern Thailand. It is located just a short walk from the Clock Tower and is easily accessible on foot.
Khao Soi Phor Jai
2. Ran Lab Sanam Keela
- Add: No.22 151/3 Naarsanarmkeera Rd, Mueang Chiang Rai District, Chiang Rai
Ran Lab Sanam Keela
Ran Lab Sanam Keela is a well known local restaurant in Chiang Rai, serving mostly northern Thai dishes that are heavy on meat, herbs, and overall just packed with flavors.
Many Thai dishes are served in baskets full of fresh herbs and vegetables, but in the far north (and south) of Thailand, baskets are taken to the extreme and served with a variety of colorful herbs and vegetables. often. But even though it's full of fresh herbs and vegetables, northern Lanna Thai cuisine is known to be very meat-heavy, and Rabo Sanam Keira doesn't shy away from meat. If you are ready for a meaty feast, enjoy your meal at Lab Sanam Keela
3. Lu Lam Restaurant
- Add: 188/8 Moo 20, Talat Chiang Rai market, Kwai Wai Rd, Rob Wiang Sub-District, Mueang Chiang Rai District, Chiang Rai
Lu Lam is also one of Chiang Rai's most popular local restaurants. Located along the Cock River, it offers beautiful water views. Lu Lam specializes in northern Thai cuisine and is the perfect place to try classics like larb (minced pork), sai ua (northern Thai sausage), and this nam prik ong (chili-based dip).
Lu Lam, like Ran Lab Sanam Keela, is located on the outskirts of town, along the Kok River, so it might be best to arrive by taxi, tuk-tuk, or Uber. Having a tuk tuk drop off after visiting Wat Rong Khun and Baan Dam Museum
Lu Lam Restaurant
4. Chiang Rai night Bazaar
Chiang Rai Night Bazaar is a night market held every night in the city. If you're staying in the city, you can easily walk to Night Bazaar as it's right next to Chiang Rai Bus Station 1 in the city.
Bustling night market
Like other night markets in Thailand, Night Bazaar is a great way to enjoy Thailand like a local and sample local street food. Here you can find a variety of street food, Thai dishes, and drinks. We also sell a variety of products including fabrics, household items, clothing, and souvenirs.
VII. Final Words
A sojourn in Chiang Rai unveils a lesser-known gem in the vast landscape of Thai tourism. This enchanting city showcases the beauty of tradition, the allure of spirituality, and the wonder of natural landscapes. From the awe-inspiring temples to the vibrant markets and the warmth of the hill tribe communities, Chiang Rai beckons travelers to embrace an adventure that is as enriching as it is enchanting.
Hope that you will ẹnoy this Chiang Rai Travel Guide blog. If you want to know more, we have more Thailand travel stories to share with you at
VietnamStay blog.
You can thoroughly immerse yourself in the beauty and culture of this wonderful city by sending your Chiang Rai tour
request with VietnamStay. You can maximize your time in this beautiful territory and generate priceless memories with the help of our knowledgeable guides and custom itineraries.