TH · Chiang Rai · 19.91°N 99.83°E

chiang rai

Laid-back north with the White Temple, Blue Temple and tea hills nearby.

Best time
November to February is cool and dry, with chilly mornings in the hills. From around February to April, smoke from crop burning can bring heavy haze.
How long
2–3 days
Getting there
Fly from KL to Chiang Mai (about 3 hours), then take a bus or drive about 3 hours north. Or fly via Bangkok straight into Chiang Rai.
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TH · Chiang Raichiang rai19.91°N 99.83°Egowherelah.com
Dear group chat,Laid-back north with the White Temple, Blue Temple and tea hills nearby.— gowherelahTo: whoever’s drivingChiang RaiTH, Chiang Rai
KLchiang rai
≈ 1,876 km from KL, as the crow flies
Photo of Chiang Rai

Photo: Unknown · Public domain

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Photos: Wikimedia Commons, credited on each.

Thailand's northernmost big city is smaller and slower than Chiang Mai. Most people come for the striking modern temples around town, then head into the hills for tea plantations and the Golden Triangle, where Thailand, Laos and Myanmar meet.

Makan

  1. Khao soiCurry noodle soup with crispy noodles on top, the north's signature bowl.Map ↗
  2. Khanom jeen nam ngiaoRice noodles in a tomato and pork broth, a northern favourite.Map ↗
  3. Sai ouaHerby northern Thai sausage, sold at markets around town.Map ↗

Things to do

  1. Wat Rong Khun (White Temple)The all-white temple covered in mirror glass, just south of the city.Map ↗
  2. Wat Rong Suea Ten (Blue Temple)A newer temple painted deep blue and gold, close to town.Map ↗
  3. Baan Dam (Black House)A dark, strange collection of buildings and art by the late artist Thawan Duchanee.Map ↗
  4. Golden TriangleThe viewpoint over the Mekong where three countries meet. An easy day trip north.Map ↗
  5. Doi Mae SalongA hill village of tea plantations, settled by Chinese Nationalist soldiers who stayed after the civil war.Map ↗

Good to know

  • Cover shoulders and knees at the temples.
  • Visit the White Temple early, before the tour buses from Chiang Mai arrive.

Last checked October 2026. Things change, so check opening times, fees and transport before you go.