11 Fascinating Places to Visit in Chiang Rai, Thailand

Wat Rong Khun or The White Temple is a privately-owned art center created in the style of a Buddhist temple whose architectural design has been inspired by both heaven and hell. Interestingly, if you look close enough, you will notice contemporary superheroes, cartoon characters, etc., depicted in the temple paintings.

Wat Rong Suea Ten or The Blue Temple is one of Chiang Rai’s newer temples. Since it has been constructed recently, it’s not as well known as the others. The temple is in blue and gold, with a white statue of Buddha in a seated position.

The same architect, who designed the White Temple, has designed this decorative clock tower as well. Watch the golden clock tower glow in different colors every evening when the clock strikes 7, 8, and 9 pm.

Also known as the 9-tier temple, after its 9-story pagoda in the temple complex, this temple is a depiction of the complexity of Thai architecture. Although it’s often referred to as a Big Buddha Statue, this 23-story high statue is actually that of the Goddess of Mercy, Guan Yin.

This 10 acre garden showcases numerous exotic flower varieties, rock arts, fountains, and sculptured wooden masterpieces. A 295m long treetop walkway, at a height of 30m from the ground, is also available here for a more adventurous experience.

The hot springs found here are a lot of fun. You get to soak your feet in a warm water hot spring well, which is extremely relaxing.

In another higher temperature hot spring, you can boil quail eggs. The eggs are placed in little woven baskets and submerged into the hot spring water for 3 minutes.

During the month of February, from Feb 14-18, Singha Park hosts the International Hot Air Balloon Festival.

Hot air balloons of a variety of themes, shapes, and colors fill this place and are a true treat to be seen floating into the skies. The festival is also marked with lovely entertainment and food.

Shopping in Thailand is always a memorable experience, even more so at the night market of Chiang Rai. Besides all kinds of souvenirs and artifacts, enjoy authentic Thai street food at the numerous food stalls set up here.

Chiang Rai is home to many large tea plantations. Enjoy their scenic beauty and also enjoy a cup of tea prepared from the freshest brewed tea leaves.

Ziplining over the tea plantation is also made available here, which will definitely be an experience you’ll treasure all your life.

Every Saturday, the 1.5km stretch of Thanalai Street is converted into an open-air shopping zone. Take home some of the finest tea, coffee, Thai silk, Thai spices, herbal spa products, ethnic crafts, etc.

Almost all kinds of food combinations imaginable are available on sticks in Thailand. Try out fried bugs – silkworms, grasshoppers, beetles, etc.

Hygiene is an important concern while traveling, so keep an eye out for the Clean Food Good Taste Logo displayed at the restaurant and street vendor.