Chiang Rai Thailand Guide: The Best 3 Places You Must Visit

What is Chiang Rai Thailand best known for

Chiang Rai is a well known destination in Northern Thailand among many types of tourists, with its main attraction being the famous “White Temple” or Wat Rong Khun.

The main town of Chiang Rai is a relatively small city with a population of about 70,000 residents and 200,000 in the metropolitan area, making it a nice walkable downtown area.

Among the popular destinations in Northern Thailand, Chiang Rai attracts a higher number of families with young children and many Chinese tourists. Chiang Rai is also a common destination for backpackers to visit as either a day trip, 3-4 hours away from Chiang Mai, or a short stop on their way to or from Laos.

How to get to Chiang Rai Thailand

Most visitors will come from Chiang Mai, or will visit Chiang Mai in addition to Chiang Rai. Because of this, taking a bus is the most common and practical solution. It’s quick enough, budget friendly, and is quite an experience if you haven’t taken a bus before in Thailand.

Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai

The bus service between Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai is the “Green Bus” running from Chiang Mai Bus Terminal 3 to Chiang Rai bus Terminal 1.

Chiang Mai’s bus terminal 3 is located about a 45 minute walk away from the city center. You can also take a Songthaew, one of the red pickup truck taxis, for about 30 baht to the station if you don’t feel like walking.

Chiang Rai’s bus terminal 1 on the other hand is right in the city center, making it a very convenient location.

The Bus ticket will cost between 180-300 baht depending on the time and type of bus you take. The express bus and the VIP bus run at different times.

You can check on 12go.asia, a popular transportation booking service, but while I was in Chiang Mai in March 2023, the app showed no tickets unless if booked days in advance, but the greenbus ticket booth at the station had tickets for every 30 minutes to 2 hours depending on the type of bus.

I had a scooter rented at the time, so I visited the station 2 days before and booked an express bus ticket for 196 baht, but you could walk to the station and book the next available ticket when you want to leave if you don’t have an easy way to get to the station.

For many new travelers, who are also overthinkers like me, this may sound daunthing and make you think of everything that could go wrong, but in most situations, you’ll wait at most a few hours for the next bus, but most likely will be able to book the next one within an hour. Just make sure to watch out for national holiday times where traveling may peak.

Laos / Chiang Khong to Chiang Rai

For those going to Laos or coming from Laos, this is a guide I made on the slow boat journey.

The way to get between Laos and Chiang Mai or Chiang Rai is Chiang Kong, the border town between Thailand and Laos in the North.

The bus is easy to find at the Chiang Rai bus station in the town center. There will be a red local bus with a sign out front advertising Chiang Rai to Chiang Kong / Laos / Friendship Bridge.

As of March 2023, the cost to get between Chaing Rai and Chiang Kong was 70 baht.

The earliest time of 6:00am posted on many old blog posts being canceled due to less tourism. The new earliest bus at the time was 7:30am, which would make it quite the rush try and catch the public slow boat from Huay Xai in Laos to Luang Prabang on the same day, which departs at 11am.

Does Chiang Rai have an Airport

Yes, Chiang Rai has an International Airport (CEI) also known as “Mae Fah Luang International Airport”.

For those either short on time or planning a detailed itinerary in advance (which I wouldn’t recommend to backpackers), the CEI airport can be useful.

If you are planning on traveling between Bangkok and the North of Thailand, Chiang Rai’s CEI airport can make a great entry or exit point from the north, with many ticket prices being discounted cheaper than Chaing Mai’s CNX airport on certain dates.

For most travelers, buses will be a much more affordable alternative, especially when planning transportation last minute.

Hitchhiking

Hitchhiking is usually the most affordable option when traveling. With transportation being quite affordable for the average traveler, most don’t consider this option.

However, hitchhiking will not only save you some cash for extending your travels, but will give you a very unique experience that I would recommend.

Thailand and most of Southeast Asia is a very safe place. If you’re patient and optimistic, you can get a buddy and start waving down trucks. Hopefully, you’ve been a respectful traveler and good person, and the universe will help you out a bit with the amazing hospitality of the Thai people.

The key to hitchhiking is like real estate, location, location, location. You have to find a road with only one direction for the best chances, and an easy shoulder to pull over to. But like real estate, even with a good location, you want to look somewhat presentable and inviting, not like a trap house.

I was traveling with a lovely Italian couple at the time, and we hitchhiked from the White Temple back to the city center, and within 20 seconds, we got picked up from the white temple and were taken all the way to Central Plaza mall where our driver had to turn. Our next attempt from the Mall to the bus station 1 took about 20 minutes.

For reference, The ride from the bus station to the White temple was 100 baht for a Bolt sedan, which only cost 33 baht or 1usd split between 3 people. For the fun shoestring backpackers, $2 can be spent on a good meal and drink as opposed to transportation costs.

There are many pickup trucks in Thailand that are willing to let you in the bed of the truck. The more enjoyable hitchhiking experiences however are those longer distance trips where you get to have conversations with the drivers.

How to Get around Chiang Rai

There aren’t as many Songthaew in Chiang Mai, but you can still find them in Chiang Rai. The city center around the bus station is easy enough to navigate on foot, but getting to the famous White temple is not recommended by foot as it is around 13 km away.

Many people recommend “Grab”, which is the Uber or Lyft of many regions in Southeast Asia. I have found that “Bolt” is an alternative app that has almost half the cost in many areas. Chiang Rai is somewhere where Bolt is supported and can get you some affordable rides if needed.

Again, hitchhiking is also an option, although with shorter distances, and within a city, it will be difficult and not as practical.

Lasty, and for a reason, you can rent a scooter. It’s one of the best ways to explore in Southeast Asia, and I’ve met many who even rented a scooter in Chiang Mai and visited Pai and Chiang Rai on one, but you should know the dangers of riding a scooter in Southeast Asia, especially if this is your first time, or you are unlicensed.

How many days in Chiang Rai is enough

If you are just there to experience the main attractions, it can be done in a day trip if you’re limited on time. But, two days will give you time to walk around the downtown areas and get more of a feel for the city.

If you want to explore the province outside of the city, you can stay for many more days and rent a scooter or car to visit the many natural landscapes.

Hotels Chiang Rai / Where to Stay in Chiang Rai

Best Budget Hostel Chiang Rai: TT Hostel

TT hostel is a great place for the price. It’s well located, downtown, on a backstreet close to the night market.

There’s breakfast included which is toast with real butter and real jam, which is great for a budget hostel!

Many budget hostels in Thailand with a breakfast will have edible yellow puddy and red chemicals that taste like fruit.

They also have 24/7 coffee, tea, hot/cold water, and bananas.

Quite a bargain for only around €3 a night.

Location

Agoda

Booking

Hostelworld

What are the best months to visit Chiang Rai

Chiang Rai Weather patterns and climate of the North of Thailand.

There is a goldilocks time of not so hot, smokey, or rainy time at the end of the year towards the beginning, November-January, which is an optimal time to travel in Northern Thailand for weather, but more crowded because of this.

Then the dry season or burning season between February and May (with the worst in March in April), and then the rainy season right after, starting in May to around October, give or take a month.

Dry season or burning season makes Northern Thailand the most polluted air quality in the world during peak burnings. To learn more about the burning season, you can read the article “Northern Thailand Smoky And Burning Season: Should You Go”.

Rainy season will have most mornings with clear or cloudy skies, and a coinflip weather it will rain in the afternoons to evenings and nights. Some weeks will be clear and others will be pouring all day, but most of the time, you can still have time to explore, and benefit from cheaper accommodation prices.

Things to do in Chiang Rai:

Chiang Rai is known by tourists for its unique temples. Chiang Mai has a multitude of many beautiful temples, but Chiang Rai has a few modernized, but very unique temples. The downtown area is also well put together with lights and lanterns, making a night walk to the markets ideal.

Is Chiang Rai cheaper than Bangkok

Yes, in general, the North of Thailand is cheaper than the capital, Bangkok. For those living in each location, Chiang Rai will provide noticeable savings. For the average traveler, you may be inclined to spend less between temple fees and other attractions and activities.

For the traveler on the tightest budget, you’ll find that Bangkok has many more options for cheap meals under 40 baht, and snacks for 10-20 baht all over the city, while it is hard to find a meal under 60 baht in Chiang Rai.

When traveling on a very tight budget, the transition from the amount of street food and prices in Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai was instantly noticeable. Even details such as the cars on the streets seemed to be nicer and newer in Chiang Rai.

Wat Rong Khun “White Temple” Chiang Rai

Wat Rong Khun, or the “White Temple”, is the most well known temple in Chiang Rai. There is a good chance that you are reading this article on Chiang Rai because you saw or heard about the white temple and became interested.

This contemporary temple was only recently built up and open to the public about 25 years ago. The styling and dedication is towards buddhism, which is the predominant lifestyle or religion of Thailand, and many of its neighboring countries.

The styling is very unique, and quite different to many ancient temples found around the region. Some ancient temples in Thailand and Cambodia have their roots from Hinduism, and even newer temples when buddhism became the main religion, still have stylings inspired from hinduism such as the Naga. The white temple is a beautiful modern interpretation of a classic buddhist temple done by the hometown artist, Chalermchai Kositpipat,.

Here is the Wikipedia article for more information about symbolisms and the history about the temple,

How to get to the White Temple

From Chiang Rai’s city center, it is about 13 km or a 20 minute ride away. How you get there is up to you. You can get a Songthaew, one of the red pickup truck taxis, get a Grab or Bolt ride, or hitchhike.

There are Songthaews around town or parked around the bus terminal, and you can try negotiating with them, especially if you have multiple people.

A ride on Bolt will cost around 100 baht one way.

Hitchhiking is a good option that I’ve taken on the way back, since many people will be driving to the city center or in the direction. Getting to the white temple may be just as easy since it’s off the main highway going South, however, you will be trading your time.

Best time to visit the White Temple

The temple opens from 8am to 5pm.

I arrived in the morning, which is heavy in foot traffic. The temple is a very touristy one, probably one of the most touristy in Southeast Asia, so it will be hard to get there at an “ideal time”. The best for less crowds will be near closing time, according to google maps.

I can believe it, as many tour groups start with the White temple, so you won’t be able to “beat the crowd” in the morning if you plan on visiting during open hours.

Does the White Temple have an entrance fee

Yes, the entrance fee to walk into the temple is 100 baht. You can, however, walk around the premises, surrounded by a small moat, for free. The temple is still worth a visit, even if you don’t plan on paying the 100 baht to enter up close and personal.

Wat Rong Suea Ten “Blue Temple” Chiang Rai

The Blue Temple is another well known and beautiful contemporary temple of Chiang Rai, but often overlooked by the more internationally famous White Temple. Similar to the White Temple, the Wat Rong Suea Ten is a recent creation to replace an old temple.

The Blue Temple is not as heavily marketed, as it was opened more recently, becoming open to the public in 2015. Development on the temple grounds still continues today.

How to get to the Blue Temple

The Blue Temple is about 3 km, a 10 minute ride away, or a 40ish minute walk, north, from the city center and bus terminal.

Yes, walking is an option for this temple, although like many places in Southeast Asia, there is no sidewalk, the road is your oyster.

Does the Blue Temple have an entrance fee

The Blue Temple is free to enter.

This is great news for the tight budget backpackers still trying to see some beautiful attractions.

Downtown Chiang Rai

Staying overnight for at least a night is recommended as the downtown area is neatly decorated with colorful lights and lanterns over the streets and night market.

The clocktower is a sight to see during the day, but colorful lights surround the monument at night, adding to the scenic city views.

Food / Where to Eat in Chiang Rai

You can head to the night market, which is conveniently located in the downtown area near the bus terminal 1 as well.

There were many restaurants around the streets with true restaurant prices, but if you are looking for cheaper food, it’s more difficult to come by in Chiang Rai, but not impossible. The night bazaar meals start at around 70 baht, but this includes the amenities that come with it such as a restroom available and a stage where there is often live music or even traditional dances being performed.

For a good budget meal, Por Jai Restaurant has good 40 baht meals for breakfast and lunch as it’s open from 8am-4pm.

For a dinner on a budget, Khao Soi Restaurant has a good 50 baht Khao Soi (60 baht as of July 2023), on a street between the night bazaar and the bus terminal.

Chiang Rai vs Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai has a bigger city than Chiang Rai, and it is noticeable in many aspects. My favorite things about Chiang Mai were the multitude of night markets and street foods, and live music everywhere. I found that there are much fewer street food options in Chiang Rai as opposed to Chiang Mai, where you can walk in any direction and find something cheap and great to eat.

If you’re looking at comparing the two, it’s a different reason to go to each, and I would definitely recommend visiting both towns as they have their own charm.