There are few places as dynamic as Northern Thailand. One minute, you’re engrossed in scenic mountain views with a profound sense of inner peace. Fifteen minutes later, you’re back in a buzzing city, weighing your options from local artisans and street food vendors, absorbing the sounds of the local bazaar.
The city of Chiang Rai, in the northernmost part of Thailand, is among those exceedingly rare “best of both worlds” places: The ones that offer peace and discovery in equal measure — just take your pick.
Say hello to northern Thailand. (Photo Credit: Priyanuch Konkaew)
Looking for both peace and discovery? You’ve found it. (Photo Credit: Teodor Kuduschiev)
Colorful temples, brilliant mountain landscapes, delicious local fare, special handicrafts, and some of the kindest people in existence are just a few of the things you’ll love about Chiang Rai. While you’re there, here are a few things to add to your itinerary.
The Blue Temple
Talk about a stunning hue of blue. A relatively new addition to Chiang Rai’s temple scene, you’ll know you’re at the Blue Temple when you arrive. Blue both inside and out, the interior is also filled with Buddhist art and a giant white porcelain Buddha statue.
He sits with one hand pointed to the ground, a representation of the moment he achieved enlightenment. You’ll feel that sense of stillness as soon as you cross the threshold of the Blue Temple.
A visit to the magnificent Blue Temple is an absolute must. (Photo Credit: Anicka Martin)
Tip: Remember to bring temple-appropriate clothes for this and all temple visits, which means covered shoulders and pants or a knee-length skirt.
The White Temple
One of the most iconic temples in Thailand, the White Temple takes you on a journey (literally, over a bridge) from the underbelly of the afterlife to the divine. Visitors are struck by its dazzling white exterior, adorned with highly intricate sculptures.
Perhaps even more iconic than the Blue Temple? The White Temple. (Photo Credit: Miguel Urieta)
We promise you’ve never seen anything like it. (Photo Credit: Sacha Jittananusart)
To add to the wow-factor, the temple’s reflection is mirrored on the reflective surrounding pond. Oh, and did we mention that it sparkles with mirrored glass accents on almost every sculpture? You won’t want to miss it.
Singha Park
The perfect place to take in the lovely mountain views of Chiang Rai over a cup of local tea exists. Singha Park, which was previously a barley and wheat farm harvesting crops that helped produce Thailand’s popular Singha beer, is now filled with rows upon rows of tea leaves, flower gardens, and various outdoor activities.
Swing by Singha Park for panoramic views. (Photo Credit: Note Thanun)
It also has panoramic views of the mountains surrounding Chiang Rai. The park is lined with cute little outdoor cafes to stop by and sample the tea and beer, and even trails for biking and running.
The Clock Tower
As night falls, make your way downtown to visit the gold clock tower at a roundabout on the busy Pai Walking Street. During the day, the clock’s intricate carvings draw visitors in, but at 7pm, 8pm, and 9pm each night as the clock strikes the hour, it also displays a light show with music.
Pick up a banana roti and watch the clock do its thing before heading to the night bazaar.
The Chiang Mai Night Bazaar
Open daily from 6pm – 11pm and situated on two streets in central Chiang Rai, the night market sits below twinkling string lights and offers colorful merchandise, from handmade crafts to unique textiles.
There’s no telling what treasures you’ll find at the night bazaar. (Photo Credit: Retno Dwinika)
Once you’ve had your fill of shopping, relish in live music, loads of food stalls, and a crisp Thai beer. While the market area is often full of people strolling and browsing, it has a decidedly more laid-back feel than some of the other famous night markets in Thailand.
Doi Tung Royal Villa and Mae Fah Luang Garden
If you love pops of vibrant color, this is your place. You’ll find stunning, colorful flowers and lush trees everywhere you look.
Take a moment and bask in the lush garden landscape of northern Thailand. (Photo Credit: Thanchanok Sawetjaruthat)
We bet you won’t want to leave. (Photo Credit: Matt Anderson)
This villa was once the home of the king’s grandmother, who did remarkable work preventing Thai deforestation (which only adds to the feel-good quality of this place). The gardens, teaming with unique blossoms, sit adjacent to several swan-dwelling ponds, large botanical statues, and plenty of charming places to sit and unwind.
Phu Chi Fa
Hope you’re a morning person, because catching the sunrise from the breathtaking vantage point at Phu Chi Fa is absolutely spectacular. Located two hours from Chiang Rai and on the border of Laos, Phu Chi Fa literally means “peak pointing to sky,” because the highest peak seems to point right into the clouds.
At least once, make it a priority to take in that gorgeous sunrise. (Photo Credit: Darcey Beau)
Watching the sun rise over a sea of mist might just be one of the most awe-inspiring things you do in Thailand. Your hotel will likely be able to pair you with a guide who can lead this early (but worth it) excursion.
Wat Huay Pla Kang and the Goddess of Mercy Statue
About 5 miles north of downtown emerges a mountain, atop which sits the Goddess of Mercy of Chiang Rai, next to yet another striking temple. While impressive to behold from afar, the site only gets more interesting the closer you get.
Unlike most other temples in the region, the architecture of this temple has Chinese influences – you’ll see striking reds, yellows, golds and greens inside, as well as a pair of Chinese dragons guarding the stairs to the pagoda structure next door.
Whether visiting temples in the city center or high up in the mountains, Chiang Rai has something for everyone. (Photo Credit: Marc Mintel)
It’d be impossible to miss the enormous Goddess of Mercy statue, though. It is believed that she achieved enlightenment, but chose to stay here in the physical world to help the rest of humanity achieve enlightenment too. (How noble!) Be sure to take the elevator up to the top of the pagoda to see one of the best areal views of the city.
Are you still here, or did you switch tabs to book a flight to Northern Thailand? It’s easy to get a domestic flight to Chiang Rai from Bangkok and other Thai hot spots, or you could fly the 14.5 hours direct from London.
If you’re planning multiple stops in Thailand, private transfers and coach buses are great options as well. However you get to Chiang Rai, you’ll get so much out of your visit there — it’s the best of both worlds.
Stay tuned for Kimpton Chiang Rai Golden Triangle in 2025.
