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เชียงรายNorthern Thailand19.91° N · 99.83° E
Thailand's far north, home to the dazzling White Temple, the Blue Temple, tea-covered hills and the Golden Triangle on the Mekong. Here is how to see it well, and why one night is better than a rushed day trip.
Chiang Rai is Thailand's northernmost province, a land of rolling hills, tea and coffee farms and hill tribe villages that runs up to the borders with Myanmar and Laos. The city itself is small and easy-going, with a night market and a gilded clock tower, but most visitors come for a remarkable set of modern temples and artworks created by local artists.
The White Temple, Wat Rong Khun, is the star: a glittering white and silver fantasy designed by the artist Chalermchai Kositpipat. Nearby are the vivid sapphire Blue Temple and the Black House, a dark, unsettling collection of buildings by the late artist Thawan Duchanee. Further north, the Golden Triangle marks the point where Thailand, Laos and Myanmar meet on the Mekong River.
Many travellers see Chiang Rai on a very long day trip from Chiang Mai. It is possible, but it means about six hours in a vehicle and a rush between sights. One night, or better two, lets you see the temples at quieter times and add the tea hills or the Golden Triangle without hurrying.
Every journey below is private and tailor-made, so you can stay overnight in Chiang Rai, add the tea hills, or continue by slow boat into Laos.
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The experiences our travellers enjoy most, in order of what we would not miss.
A dazzling white temple decorated with mirrored glass and strange, symbolic sculptures, still being expanded by its creator. Arrive at opening time to see it before the coaches.
A newer temple painted in deep blue and gold, with a white Buddha inside. Smaller and calmer than the White Temple, and a short drive from the city.
Dozens of dark wooden buildings filled with bones, horns and hides, created by the artist Thawan Duchanee. Strange and thought-provoking, and not to everyone's taste.
The viewpoint where the Mekong and Ruak rivers meet, with Laos and Myanmar across the water. Combine it with a museum on the area's opium history for context.
Neat green rows of tea cover the hills of the far north. Doi Mae Salong, a mountain village settled by Chinese families, is known for its tea and cool air.
The golden clock tower, designed by the same artist as the White Temple, lights up in the evening. The night market nearby is relaxed and good for dinner.
A quiet riverside town near the Golden Triangle with old temple ruins and walls from an earlier northern kingdom, rarely busy with visitors.
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Customise My TripMost travellers drive up from Chiang Mai, often stopping at hot springs or the White Temple on the way. Chiang Rai also has its own airport with direct flights from Bangkok, which makes an easy route north to south: fly into Chiang Rai, drive down to Chiang Mai.
The temples and the Golden Triangle are spread out, so a car with driver is the easiest way.
Best for: SightseeingHandy for short trips around the city in the evening.
Best for: TownShort boat trips on the Mekong near the Golden Triangle.
Best for: The riverPlaces that pair well with Chiang Rai, with approximate travel times.
November to February brings clear, dry days and cool, sometimes chilly mornings, especially in the hills. March to May is hot and can be hazy from crop burning. From June to October the countryside is lush and green, with regular rain.
A general guide. Weather varies from year to year, and we plan each route around the season.
Quick answers from our local team. Anything else, just ask your travel specialist.
Ask us on WhatsAppYes, especially if you enjoy art and architecture. The White Temple, Blue Temple and Black House are unique, and the tea hills and Golden Triangle add variety. It suits travellers who want to see more of northern Thailand than Chiang Mai alone.
You can, but it is a long day with about six hours on the road and little time at each sight. Staying one night lets you see the White Temple early before the crowds and add the Golden Triangle or tea plantations at a relaxed pace.
One night covers the main temples. Two nights lets you add the Golden Triangle, Chiang Saen and the tea hills of Doi Mae Salong without rushing.
Cover your shoulders and knees, as at all Thai temples. Light long trousers or a long skirt and a T-shirt with sleeves are ideal. Inside the main hall, photography is not allowed.
It is worth a visit if you are already in the area. The viewpoint itself is commercial, but standing where three countries meet on the Mekong is memorable, and a museum on the history of opium in the region gives useful context. Combine it with Chiang Saen nearby.
The border crossing at Chiang Khong is about two hours by road from Chiang Rai. From Huay Xai on the Laos side, the slow boat takes two days down the Mekong to Luang Prabang, with an overnight stop in Pakbeng.
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