As one of the most visited provinces in Northern Thailand, Chiang Rai is full of nature trails and cultural experiences. Here we give you a list of Chiang Rai’s attractions in the north, center, east, and south of Chiang Rai. Read on to get an idea of where to visit in Chiang Rai!
1. North of Chiang Rai
1) Doi Tung Royal Villa & Mae Fah Luang Garden
Doi Tung Royal Villa was the former residence of Srinagarindra, the royal mother of the late Thai monarch; King Bhumibol Adulyadej. The villa stands high up on a hill.
Originally built as a summer residence for Srinagarindra, it now houses a museum and displays her works to improve the quality of life of local tribespeople. You can walk into the palace to see the royal bedroom and more. But be aware that cameras are not allowed in this museum.
The Mae Fah Luang Garden is a botanical park on the slopes below the royal villa. Beautiful flowers and plants grow among rock formations scattered around the garden.
2) Golden Triangle
The Golden Triangle is where the Thai, Myanmar and Lao borders converge. You can see the river flowing through and trisecting the borders of the 3 counties. Historically the Golden Triangle has been an area well-known for the cultivation of opium.
3. House of Opium Museum
Not far from the Golden Triangle, you will see The House of Opium. You’ll get to know everything you ever wanted to know about opium that you never dared ask. The exhibit displays tools used to plant, harvest, and trade opium, including pipes, scales, weights, knives, and scrapers. There are also lovely poppy flowers on display, the source of opium production. Perhaps to your disappointment, no opium is actually being grown here nowadays.
2. Center of Chiang Rai
1) Wat Rong Khun (White Temple)
Wat Rong Khun or ‘White Temple‘ is a Buddhist temple where you can see unique architecture and unconventional art, designed by contemporary artist Chalermcai Kosipipat.
The highlight of this temple is the bridge of “the cycle of rebirth”, regarded as the icon of this temple. In the sunlight, the temple’s decorative glass pieces shimmer through, creating a dazzling sight for all its visitors.
The White Temple has thankfully just been reconstructed after an earthquake and is constantly undergoing more additions, for you to fully enjoy arguably the most gorgeous temple in Thailand.
2) Baan Dam (Black House)
Baan Dam or ‘Black House‘ is a collection of more than 40 houses in black color and various shapes, and also a collection of dead animal skins, bones, teeth, and taxidermy. This place is a museum, art studio, and traditional house all in one, which is designed and styled like a temple with multiple buildings and structures. As the name ‘Baan Dam’ suggests, the general theme of this “house” is dark and mysterious.
3) Wat Rong Sear Tean (Blue Temple)
The Blue Temple (Wat Rong Sear Tean) is a temple painted in blue, both inside and out, with a painting style reminiscent of the artwork seen in The White Temple. The name of the temple, “Sear Tean”, translates literally into “dancing tiger” because legends say there were tigers that used to jump over the river.
The hall inside is spectacular with beautiful paintings and a huge white Buddha is in the center which you can truly marvel at, making this temple one of the most beautiful ones in Chiang Rai.
4) Long Neck Hill Tribe Village
Many tribes live in the hills far to the north of Thailand. The most famous tribe out of all of them is known as the ‘Long Neck Hill Tribe’. Visit their place to learn their culture of farming, camping, trekking, or doing other activities such as sightseeing and riding a cart pulled by a water buffalo.
5) Singha Park
Singha Park is a family-friendly attraction with a park, a huge tea plantation, a strawberry farm, and a cycling course. You can also rest in a cafe, a bakery, restaurants, and more. This place holds numerous festivals every year, such as a Balloon Festival or Bike Racing Festival.
3. East of Chiang Rai
1) Phu Chi Fa
Phu Chi Fa is a national forest park in a mountainous region of Thailand. The name of this place translates to ‘The mountain that points to the sky.’ It is one of the best locations in the Thai mountainous regions to view the sunrise, and a glimpse of the ‘Sea of Mist’, a view of the fog-surrounded mountains.
4. South of Chiang Rai
1) Chiang Rai Hot Spring Village
Also known as ‘Mae Khachan Hot Spring’, this place is considered the most beautiful hot spring in Thailand. Located in Wiang Pa Pao district, in the south-westernmost point of Chiang Rai. This district is less well-known to foreign tourists. Amongst the locals and drivers who drive long distances, the hot spring is a popular rest stop. You can relax and recharge by dipping your feet into one of the hot springs and eating some boiled eggs.
Book Trazy Tours to Explore Chiang Rai!
- Chiang Rai White Temple + Black House + Blue Temple 1 Day Tour – from Chiang Mai (Join-in/Private)
- Chiang Rai White Temple & Golden Triangle 1 Day Tour (+ Don Sao Boat Trip/Hill Tribe Villages options) – from Chiang Mai
- Chiang Rai Highlights: Guided 1 Day Tour (+Thai Lunch)
And as always, don’t forget to check out Trazy.com for more updates on fantastic tours you could go to in Thailand!
[Photo Credits]
- Pgmark1 (Flickr)
- Official Facebook of Singha Park Chiang Rai
- Myanmar Lake Inle D3x_0830 via photopin (license)