Here’s an idea for a day trip while you’re in Chiang Rai. It can be used for a day of relaxation, a two- to three-day trip, or to add to your bucket list of places to visit in Chiang Rai.

Chiang Rai is the northernmost province of Thailand. It’s only 3 hours north of Chiang Mai. The weather and countryside setting make this a wonderful place to spend a few days.

I used to live in Chiang Rai for three years, working there for three years and returning three times. (The miracle of number 3.) The local people are welcoming and friendly. I live in a nice and safe neighborhood.

I hope my experience will be useful and that you enjoy your stay. This city has so much to do that you’ll surely find something to entertain you.

How is the weather?

You may be lucky with gorgeous weather and lots of sunshine. It feels like the same Chiang Mai weather if you travel to the right place at the right time, but cooler by 2-5°C. Both Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai have the same best time to visit. Yes, it sure has 3 seasons too.

Things to do in Chiang Rai

When you have a free day, try to choose a place in the city within walking distance. As for places outside the selection, you may need others transportation. Or if you come with me, plan to go together.

• City tour and walkable downtown
  • King Mangrai Monument
  • Wat Phra Kaew (Emerald Buddha)
  • Wat Phra Singha
  • Hilltribe Museum
  • Clock Tower, Chiang Rai
  • Chiang Rai Municipal Market
  • Sirikorn Fruit and Vegetable Market

• The outskirts
  • Pong Phrabat Hot Spring
  • Wat Rong Suea Ten (Blue Temple)
  • White Temple
  • Baan Dam Museum (Black House)
  • Long Neck Karen Village
  • A boat trip along the Kok River to Karen Village (C.R. Pier)
  • Singha Park

Most of the countryside accommodations are in the mountains. It was wonderful to sleep there.

• Countryside
  • Phu Chi Fah, Doi Pha Tang, and more places in the same mountain range.
  • Doi Tung and continue to Mae Sai.
  • Mae Salong and the Tea Plantation

Chiang Rai also has the Flower Festival Seasonal during New Year’s Eve = Dec – Jan. That is a lot of beautiful flowers blossom and become a major event in Chiang Rai. If you come during that, don’t miss out.

Where to stay in Chiang Rai

Most of the new attractions extend to the outskirts of the city. I also discovered something new throughout every trip and every time come over here.

• A newly interested
  • Ahsa Farm Stay
  • Ryokan Café

Shopping

These two places should be enough to buy and see local products for tourists. If you come on Saturday, go to Walking Street Chiang Rai. Thai people will buy other products at Mae Sai Market.

• Walking Street Chiang Rai on Saturday, 4–10 p.m.
• Chiang Rai Night Bazaar daily, 6–11 p.m.

Dinner in Chiang Rai

You can enjoy variety locations of fusion cuisines, such as the Clock Tower zone, and regular street food area, or into the Night Bazaar. If you found my bucket list, let’s try.

• Salungkham (sa-lung-kam)
• Lu Lum Restaurant
• Khao Tom Charoenchai (cha-roen-chai)

I will frequent update.

There are always new places popping up, local restaurants hidden away from tourists. I will try to come back regularly for more. Or we can go to discover it together. It’s very welcome.