Top 16 Chiang Rai Attractions You’ll Don't Want to Miss

16 Best Things to Do in Chiang Rai

1. Amazed by all the architectures at Wat Saeng Kaeo Phothiyan

As I told you before, Chiang Rai is so much more than the White and Blue Temples, and we start this list off with one of the most colorful temples you've never heard of: Wat Saeng Kaeo Phothiyan.

Wat Saeng Kaeo Phothiyan is a new temple built only in 2006 with a mix of Lanna Burmese architectural styles and a ton of colorful mythical creature statues and other beautiful structures that may make you think it was built way back in the day.

There is so much to see in Wat Saeng Kaeo Phothiyan, starting right out of the gate where you enter through this beautiful white arch into a courtyard filled with colorful characters, from the simple-looking deva to the hipster demons smoking cigarettes.

They really took the creativity of these structures to the next level. As you walk further in, you will see several stunning architectures all scattered throughout the temple grounds like this intricately designed ordination hall. It will take you at least half an hour to see them all.

Walk further in, and you will find more statues. This time, it's the statue of three seated monks as tall as a building. When I was there, they were still completing the construction, but I could already see just how epic it would be when it is completed.

When you walk into the main ordination hall at the center of the temple grounds, you will be surrounded by the breathtaking gold decor, and you will see an example of how the temple drew inspiration from Burma with the Buddha image built in the Burmese style, often seen in places like Mandalay, Myanmar.

Wat Saeng Kaeo Phothiyan's opening hours are between 6 AM and 6 PM, and the admission fee is none! It's free to enter for both foreigners and Thais. Hurray!

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2. Be Blown Away by the Details of the White Temple (Wat Rong Khun) ❤️ Must Visit

And of course, a trip to Chiang Rai won't be complete without a visit to one of its most popular tourist attractions, the White Temple or as the Thais call it Wat Rong Khun.

Wat Rong Khun is the most popular landmark in Chiang Rai for a reason. Its uniquely designed structure is full of extremely detailed sculptures and carvings and, unlike any other temples, it is all covered in glass and painted in blinding white.

Back in the late 20th Century, Wat Rong Khun in its original state was nowhere near as beautiful as what you see here. In fact, it was in a very poor state of preservation until the renowned local artist, Chalermchai Kositpipat, decided to completely rebuild the temple in his own unique design.

Chalermchai Kositpipat went on to become one of the most talented artists in the world, and he continued to build and hone his craft on many different projects in Chiang Rai and around the country.

One of the most interesting parts of the White Temple is the hell park at the entrance of the main ordination hall, where you will find hundreds of hand sculptures emerging from the ground, depicting people who suffered in the afterlife.

The White Temple's opening hours are between 8 AM and 6 PM, and the entrance fee is 50 THB per person. Since this is a temple, you will need to be dressed respectfully, which means no revealing clothes like tank tops or shorts. So please dress accordingly.

3. Take Photos with the All-Blue Temple (Wat Rong Suea Ten)

Another well-known temple in Chiang Rai is the all-blue temple of Wat Rong Suea Ten. The entire temple is covered in sapphire blue paint both on the outside and inside, making it one of the most unique temples in the country.

Right at the entrance of Wat Rong Suea Ten, you will be met with two magnificent statues of devas with massive nagas wrapping around them as pillars of the entrance. As you continue on, you will arrive at the main ordination hall where two naga sculptures will lead you up inside.

The inside is as beautiful, if not more beautiful than the exterior of the Blue Temple. The hall is painted entirely in blue color, something you don't see every day in a temple, with Buddhist-style patterns and illustrations of Buddha's life cycle, depicting hell and heaven.

If you look up, you will find a big, all-white-colored Buddha Image and the beautifully painted patterns on the ceiling, which are one of my favorite features of the Blue Temple.

The Blue Temple's opening hours are between 6 AM and 6 PM, and the entrance fee is free. If you want a nice photo of the facade, it is best to visit the temple in the morning for the best light, as the temple is facing east. In the afternoon, the facade will be in the shade.

4. Check Out the Emerald Buddha Image at Wat Phra Kaew

A little less impressive than all the other temples in Chiang Rai City, but important nonetheless as it is one of the most sacred temples in the country, as you can probably notice by the name, Wat Phra Kaew, which shares the same name as the one at the Grand Palace in Bangkok.

Wat Phra Kaew is one of the oldest temples in the city, and it was here that the Emerald Buddha, which is now in the Grand Palace in Bangkok, was discovered after lightning struck the pagoda where it had been kept in the 15th Century.

The Emerald Buddha is extremely important to Thai history, as it was often one of the causes of wars between the competing kingdoms in the area back in the day. The Buddha Image switched hands multiple times since it was discovered until it ended up in Bangkok at the Grand Palace.

What you see at this temple is only a replica of the real Emerald Buddha, but to be able to stand where it was discovered is already significant in itself. Within the temple grounds, you will also find a museum where you can learn a little bit more about the history of the temple and what they have uncovered here over the years.

Wat Phra Kaew's opening hours are from 7 AM to 6 PM, while the museum's opening hours are from 9 AM to 5 PM. The admission fee for Wat Phra Kaew is free.

5. Watch the Sunset at the Top of the Guan Yi Statue, Wat Huay Pla Kang

Nope, we are not done with temples yet, and I assure you, this is unlike any other temple you have visited in Chiang Rai. Wat Huay Pla Kang, or as the locals like to call it, "The Big Buddha of Chiang Rai", is a Chinese/Thai/Lanna style temple that was built on top of a hill in the countryside of Chiang Rai.

Wat Huay Pla Kang is home to a massive Guanyin statue that stands over 90 m into the sky, and one can climb up to the top for a stunning view of the entire temple complex and the surrounding hills.

If you do not wish to climb the Guanyin Statue, you can also opt for an elevator ride for just 40 THB per person. You will be taken to the top floor where you will be able to look through the window right at the center of Guanyin's forehead.

Up at the top, you will find 2 floors of rooms covered in beautifully crafted sculptures of a scene that involves Guanyin and dragons. You can never go wrong with dragons, in my opinion 😉.

If you are looking for a nice place to watch the sunset, do not go up to the Guanyin Statue. There is a better place to do so, where you will be able to see both the Guanyin Statue and the sunset.

Right on top of another hill, you will find another large nine-tiered pagoda, where you can climb to the top for a much better sunset view of the surrounding areas. There are 9 floors, and the staircase goes in circles, so prepare some time to scale the pagoda if you want to get there in time for the sunset.

Wat Huay Pla Kang is massive, and you can expect to spend about an hour exploring all the beautiful architecture within the temple. They also provide a shuttle bus that will take you from the parking lot to the Guan Yin Statue if you do not wish to walk up the hill.

Wat Huay Pla Kang's opening hours are from 7 AM to 9:30 PM, making it the perfect place to be at sunset. The elevator up to the Guanyin Statue opens from 7 AM to 6 PM, and it will cost you 40 THB to use the elevator. The admission fee to the temple is free of charge.

6. Watch the Light Show at Chiang Rai's Clock Tower

Chiang Rai's Clock Tower is unlike any other clock tower you have seen in Thailand. For one, it was designed by Chalermchai Kositpipat, so you know that it will be over-the-top awesome.

Secondly, Chiang Rai's Clock Tower will display a stunning show of lights at 7, 8, and 9 PM every day. If you wish to see the light show, time your visit accordingly. If not, the golden design of the clock tower is worth appreciating in itself.

7. Check Out the Art Bridge

As you may have seen within all the temples you just visited, Chiang Rai is home to many talented local artists. In fact, Chiang Rai is considered to be the art capital of the country, and they really display it well here at The Art Bridge Gallery.

The Art Bridge Gallery is partially commissioned by none other than Chalermchai, one of the greatest artists of all time, and the gallery acts as a platform to help promote the beautiful artwork of local artists.

You will find several collections of unique and beautiful artwork here that you can buy or simply enjoy. When you enter the gallery, you will be welcomed with a large mural depicting all the great artists in Thailand.

Once you enter the first floor, you will find two large adjacent halls that are filled with stunning artwork from wall to wall. The second floor is smaller but worth seeing nonetheless, with more recent artwork like the painting of the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej.

The Art Bridge's opening hours are between 10 AM and 7 PM every day, and the admission fee to the gallery is free. Inside the gallery, you will also find a coffee shop and a souvenir shop.

8. Bewildered at the Bizare Beauty of the Baan Dam Museum (Black House Museum) 🏛️ Best Museum

Not too far from Chiang Rai City Center, you will find another unique museum called Baan Dam Museum, also known as the "Black House" in Thai. It is home to stunning wooden architecture designed by Thawan Duchanee, another great artist from Chiang Rai who was prominently featured on the mural at the Art Bridge.

Baan Dam Museum is a museum park filled with Thawan's best work that was inspired by Lan Xang (modern-day Laos), Lanna, and Suvarnabhumi architectural styles. Once you enter the park, you will be met with an intimidatingly large black wooden structure that houses much of his art.

Thawan wanted to portray hell in a unique, artful way, and he clearly delivers with the use of dark decor, dead animals adorning each room, from snake skins to crocodile scales, and buffalo horns that are hard to look at but even harder to ignore.

The place exudes dark auras, which is exactly what the artist wants. If the White Temple in Chiang Rai City is meant to represent purity, this is the exact opposite of that and more.

The museum is pretty large and consists of one large structure and several small structures that house all kinds of artwork by Thawan. You will have to spend around an hour to see them all.

Baan Dam Museum's opening hours are from 9 AM to 5 PM, and the admission fee is 80 THB for both foreigners and Thais. It is free for children under 12 and people over 60 years old.

9. Stroll Around Singha Park

If you are looking for a place to relax and enjoy a vast space full of nature, Singha Park, which is owned by the beer conglomerate Singha that you all love, is the best place to do so.

Singha Park, with its seemingly infinite acres of square area, is an agricultural tourist attraction that consists of several different zones, from ziplining to a zoo, that you can enjoy for a nice day trip in nature.

Due to its large area, Singha Park often hosts many awesome events almost every month throughout the year, from the Hot Air Balloon Festival in February to the Village of Illumination in December, which is when I was at Singha Park.

The Village of Illumination is Asia's largest light festival, full of spectacular light decor in different styles, from the Avatar-inspired trees of life to the glittering depiction of the Milky Way. It is a photographer's heaven!

Even if you are not there during an event, you can still enjoy many of Singha Park's facilities from its farm-inspired restaurant, a massive lighthouse dining area, and a beer garden right by a lake. It is a place for those who are looking to spend a day relaxing with nature in Chiang Rai.

Singha Park's opening hours are from 8 AM to 6 PM. Depending on the events you want to attend, the admission fee varies. However, if you do not attend any events, it is free to enter.

The area is massive, and you will need a vehicle to get around. Make sure you remember your way out; it is like a labyrinth in there!

10. Hike to Khun Korn Waterfall

If you are looking for a half-day hike to do in Chiang Rai, you will be happy to know that there is one you can do not too far from the White Temple, which is the hike to Khun Korn Waterfall, located inside the Khun Korn Forest Park.

The hike consisted of a 1.4 km long trail through the snake-infested forest that will take you to the stunning 70-meter-tall Khun Korn Waterfall, where you can swim.

The hike to Khun Korn Waterfall is relatively easy, with a few ups and downs, and any fit person can do it in about 45 minutes one-way. The trail will take you through the lush green jungle, crossing many streams on bamboo bridges. When you hear the overwhelming sound of crashing water, you will know right away that you have arrived.

Did you notice the "snake-infested" bit when I described the trail? Well, when you enter the trail, there is a warning sign about the snakes in the area, which is pretty common in Thailand.

We just brushed it aside as one does, but when we were walking back, we heard a rattling sound in the bush. All of a sudden, a 1.5-meter-long snake ran through the bush and across the trail. We didn't get a glimpse of what type of snake it was, but it sure did teach me a lesson about taking warning signs in Thailand seriously now! 😅

Khun Korn Waterfall's opening hours are between 8 AM and 4:30 PM, and the admission fee is free.

11. Visit Choui Fong Tea Plantation

Choui Fong Tea Plantation is a large tea plantation built on the rolling hills of Chiang Rai, just north of Chiang Rai City. The tea plantation offers an expansive view of the tea-covered hills, as well as a cafe where you can sit and enjoy the view while trying the unique tea-inspired dishes.

Choui Fong Tea Plantation is, in fact, one of the largest tea plantations in Thailand. They have converted parts of the plantation into a tourist attraction where anyone can drive in and take photos with its expansive plantation for free.

The café offers an open-air view of the plantation where you can sit and enjoy the scenery. They also have a really awesome tea-inspired menu that you should definitely try.

The tea salad, which is like a papaya salad but with tea leaves instead, is surprisingly delicious. Their green tea pastries, such as the green tea flavored crepe cake and green tea frappes, are also a must-try.

Choui Fong Tea Plantation is a great place to take a break from driving a little and enjoy a nice lunch before continuing to other cities in Chiang Rai, like Mae Sai and Chiang Saen.

Choui Fong Tea Plantation's opening hours are from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM, and although the admission fee is free, they certainly make up for it with the pricey pastries and drinks, with prices at 100 THB and above. However, their menu is pretty unique, and here you get exactly what you paid for.

12. Learn About the Cave Rescue at Tham Luang Khunnam Nangnon National Park

In 2018, news of 12 kids who got stuck in a cave in Thailand shook the world. After 18 days of being stuck inside the cave and several rescue attempts, thanks to the international community, the kids finally emerged from the cave alive – all 12 of them and the coach.

It was a miracle and had grabbed the attention of media from around the world so much so that the Hollywood people turned it into a movie. The entire event happened in Chiang Rai, in this cave where you will be visiting.

Tham Luang Cave is where it all went down, and ever since the event, the place has been turned into a National Park called Tham Luang Khunnam Nangnon National Park. Even though the cave is now closed down forever, the area has been transformed into a museum instead for those who want to get a firsthand detail of how the cave rescue played out.

Once you arrive at the entrance of Tham Luang Khunnam Nangnon National Park, you will no longer be able to drive in unless you use the local's run song-taew service, which I guess is a way for the government to help support the community around the area.

The song-taew will take you to the cave entrance first, where you can walk in about 50 meters before you arrive at a sign prohibiting anyone from entering. This is a little disappointing but also understandable.

All you can do is look into the cave and imagine what it must have been like for the kids to be stuck for 18 days in pitch black. I'd go crazy in, like, a day!

Near the cave entrance, you will also find a museum dedicated to covering the entire event and how it unfolded from beginning to end. The detail is comprehensive and very well-documented. You will also see a diagram of the topography of the cave and all its bottlenecks that made the rescue so deadly.

In front of the museum, you will also see a statue of Ja Sam, the rescue diver who lost his life while trying to rescue the kids and 12 wild boars, which represent the kids who were part of the Wild Boar local football team. You will also find a mural of the rescuers and the kids inside the museum, which is extremely touching.

The Song-Taew will then take you to Khunnam Nangnon, a small lake you can walk around before you are dropped back at the parking lot. The song-taew should cost you around 20 THB per person, and the admission fee to Tham Luang Khunnam Nangnon National Park is free. The national park opens from 8 AM to 5 PM.

13. Visit the Border Town of Mae Sai

Mae Sai is a border town between Thailand and Myanmar, where the cultures of the two countries diverged. From the Thai side, you can see Tachilek, the town inside the Myanmar border, and you can cross it (not during COVID-19) to Myanmar and back, making it a popular place for those who are doing visa runs.

There are several places to visit in Mae Sai, from the viewpoint at the top of Wat Phra That Doi Wao, where you will be able to see the surrounding mountain area on both the Thai and Myanmar sides.

You can drive up to the viewpoint, or if you have been driving for too long and would like to stretch a bit, you can also walk up to the top, which should take around 15 minutes.

After visiting the temple, you can descend to the bottom and explore the night market to discover some delicious local food to try. There are plenty of options available, such as this "auntie" who sells the traditional Thai-Yai-style noodle known as Khao Ram Fuen (Khao Fuen for short). She is located in front of the border gate.

Khao Fuen is a spicy noodle made from jelly-like blocks of rice flour, all kinds of vegetables, and spices on top. The dish is common to find in this part of Thailand and Myanmar, and it costs only 20 THB. Yes, you heard that right! Only 20 THB for a filling dinner, only at Mae Sai!

There are also several shops selling sunglasses that are as cheap as 80 THB, so if you are looking for something to buy, you won't find them priced any lower than at Mae Sai Markets.

Mae Sai is worth spending a night in, and if you are looking to stay here, I highly recommend staying at Baan Sabai Maesai (22 USD / Night). It is located right at the border gate where the night market is located, comes with breakfast, and has plenty of rooms for you to choose from.

In the morning, you can also head up to Layo Coffee and enjoy a cup of coffee overlooking the beautiful Pha Mee Mountain, just west of Mae Sai. The coffee is good, and they have the best view of the mountain out of all the cafes in the area.

14. Explore the Ancient City of Chiang Saen 💎 Hidden Gem

Located only 35 km away from Mae Sai, Chiang Saen is home to several well-preserved ruins due to the city's history as the seat of power for King Mengrai before he turned west to found Chiang Mai as the capital city of the ancient Lanna Kingdom.

Due to its history and its location being right at the Golden Triangle between Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos, Chiang Saen has plenty to offer for history buffs and nature lovers alike.

For history buffs, there are places like Wat Pa Sak Historical Site and Wat Phrathat Chedi Luang where you can learn more about the city's past.

You can also visit the Hall of Opium (highly recommended), where they have dug through a mountain to build this huge museum dedicated to educating and preserving the history of opium. It aims to teach the local population about the physical and mental damage caused by using and growing opium within the community.

Due to its location bordering Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos, the place used to be a drug trade hotspot (which might still be the case today, albeit more underground). Many locals in Chiang Saen turned to opium cultivation in the past to enrich themselves.

This caused a lot of trouble for the locals making honest livings who were often caught in the crossfire of the drug wars. So, the monarchy decided to step in and create several royal projects in the area, which include educating the local population about Opium.

This museum is dedicated to doing just that. The museum is massive, and it will take you around 2 hours to see all of them, so don't do as I did and visit the museum right before lunch, or you will starve to death trying to find your way out of that museum 😆.

There are also several temples that are worth visiting, such as Wat Phrathat Pha Ngao and Wat Phra That Chom Kitti, where you will find nice viewpoints to see the river that divides Laos and Thailand from above.

There are countless things to do in Chiang Saen, and I would need to write a separate article dedicated just to all the tourist attractions in Chiang Saen. You can also spend a night here, or you can continue towards Chiang Khong and spend the night there before we head down south to our next destination, Phu Chi Fa, and the surrounding mountains.

Looking for a complete travel guide to Chiang Saen?10 Best Things to Do in Chiang Saen

15. Hike Doi Pha Tang

Doi Pha Tang is one of the many mountains surrounding the iconic Phu Chi Fa. This is the reason why we travel all the way from Chiang Rai City to the easternmost point of the province, right at the border between Thailand and Laos.

This area is full of mountains that create a natural border between the two countries, and one of those mountains is Phu Chi Fa, which translates to "the mountain that points to the sky." You will see why at Doi Pha Tang.

One of the rules of thumb for traveling that I live by is that if you want to see an iconic attraction, DO NOT climb it. Instead, climb to a high point next to it, and that is exactly what we are doing here by first visiting Doi Pha Tang, which is located 12 km north of Phu Chi Fa.

Doi Pha Tang is far and high enough to give you a better view of the iconic Phu Chi Fa peak and its true scale when compared to all the other peaks around the area. Plus, Doi Pha Tang has a bit more to do with several high points you can climb, making it a great destination to stop before you tackle Phu Chi Fa.

Getting to Doi Pha Tang is also very easy. All you have to do is drive to the parking lot and start hiking. The road is well-paved, and you can drive up here with your own car or motorbike, no problem. You do not need a 4WD to get here, despite what other guides said.

There are several hikes you can do around Doi Pha Tang, but the best one to do is the one that starts from the gate shown in the photo and goes up to 2 viewpoints.

The first viewpoint that you will reach on the trail to Doi Pha Tang is the Rock Forest Viewpoint, where you will be able to see a 360° panoramic view of Laos and the mighty Mekong River. You will also find heaps of limestone rock you can climb around, hence why they named it the Rock Forest.

The second viewpoint is where you will be able to have a clear and unobstructed view of Phu Chi Fa and its terrifying cliff face, which will take your breath away. This is why I recommend hiking Doi Pha Tang first.

For the best light, I recommend you hike Doi Pha Tang in the evening before sunset. The hike takes around 1 hour one-way, including the time spent at the first viewpoint, so plan your time accordingly.

I recommend that you start hiking around 3 PM, and you should have plenty of time to watch the sunset at the top of Doi Pha Tang. Expect to spend around 2-3 hours at Doi Pha Tang, and once you are done, you can make your way to Phu Chi Fa.

Looking for a complete hiking and camping guide to Phu Chi Fa and the surrounding peaks?The Ultimate Hiking Guide to Phu Chi Fa

16. Watch the Sunrise at the top of Phu Chi Fa ☀️ Great Day Trip

Now that we have seen Phu Chi Fa from afar, it is time to hike the iconic peak. It is recommended to do it at sunrise, which means that you will have to spend the night somewhere near Phu Chi Fa before going up the mountain at around 5:30 AM.

NOTE: If you are using the GPS to get to Phu Chi Fa, DO NOT take the route from the north as I did. Instead, first get to this intersection and drive up from the west side.

The road from the north can't be driven through as suggested, as you will encounter a really steep road. Trust me, I went up there at night and it scared the crap out of me 😅, so don't repeat my mistake.

Once you wake up, you can drive to the Phu Chi Fa Parking Lot, where you will then have to hike for another 20 minutes to reach the viewpoint. If you are hungry, there are small shops at the parking lot that sell coffee and instant congee and noodles so you can buy some before you start the hike.

Beware, especially if you are hiking at night, the trail has no railing until you reach the top, and you will be walking on the ridge most of the time. So, prepare a flashlight for the hike.

The hike only goes up, but not for too long, so you should have no trouble hiking it if you are in good shape. If you are not, you can take it slow, and you will reach the top in no time.

Once at the top, you will have a stunning view of the valley at the bottom in Laos, with the Mekong River cutting through mountains and ravines, while the sun rises right at the center of the valley. It is quite a sight to behold.

The mountain can be extremely cold and windy in the morning, so I recommend that you prepare layers. If not, you can buy some at the shops in the parking lot. Once you are done with Phu Chi Fa, you can hike down the same way and drive down the mountain.

Phu Chi Fa Forest Park's opening hours are between 4:30 AM and 6:30 PM, and it is free to enter, which is extremely surprising. If you are looking for a hidden gem to-do in Chiang Rai, this is it.

Where to Sleep at Phu Chi Fa?

If you are looking for a place to camp near Phu Chi Fa, the forest park has 2 campsites for you to choose from: the one outside the national park, which is a great place if you arrive late and the forest park is closed, and the one inside.

They are not really far apart from each other and offer no advantages over one another, so just choose whichever is convenient. The Phu Chi Fa forest park's opening hours are between 4:30 AM and 6:30 PM, and it costs 50 THB if you have your own tent and around 350 THB to rent one.

What To Eat and Drink in Chiang Rai?

1. Eat Breakfast at the Yellow Truck Coffee

If you are looking for a nice breakfast place to sip local coffee and have a traditional Thai breakfast in Chiang Rai City, there is no better place than the Yellow Truck Coffee, which they claim is the first mobile restaurant in Chiang Rai.

Located right by Chiang Rai's Clock Tower, you will notice a yellow pick-up truck with buffalo horns at the top, parked along the side of the road. That is the place where you can order dishes like Kai Krata (fried eggs on a pan), Pa Tong Go (fried dough), congee, and the local Thai-style iced coffee to go with it.

The Thai coffee costs as low as 15 THB, and breakfast dish prices range between 30 THB and 40 THB. You can also order a Thai-style American Breakfast for around 80 THB, which comes with fried eggs, ham, sausages, and cheese.

The Yellow Truck Coffee's opening hours are between 6 AM and 12 PM in the morning and 4 PM to 10 PM in the evening every day. If you are looking for a breakfast place in Chiang Rai City, this is the place to be.

2. Try the Tea Salad at Choui Fong Tea Cafe

One of the destinations we will be visiting in Chiang Rai is Choui Fong Tea Plantation. Within the plantation, you will find a café where they serve several tea-inspired dishes, such as Tea Salads and green tea crepe cakes. It would be a crime if you go there and do not try these dishes.

The tea salad is quite an interesting dish to try. Somehow, the bitterness of the tea leaves goes surprisingly well with the spicy Thai-style salad. Together with the texture of the tea leaves, I enjoyed the dish way more than I thought I would.

You can also order coffee and drinks here as well. I recommend anything with green tea in them. I tried the green tea frappe with red beans and I loved it.

The price is quite expensive, though, with every item costing over 100 THB, but it is unique and you get the stunning view of the tea plantation as well. Choui Fong Tea Cafe's opening hours are between 8:30 AM and 5:30 PM.

3. Have Coffee at Layo Cafe in Mae Sai

When you are in Mae Sai, if you are looking for a café with a stunning view of the mountains, I recommend you drive up to Layo Cafe and get a coffee from there.

Layo Cafe is a cozy cafe with one stunning balcony view tucked away between the hills of Pha Mee. From the balcony, you will be able to see Pha Mee mountain and the road that leads up to the cafe. It is only a few minutes' drive from Mae Sai and offers quite a rewarding view for very little effort.

Layo Cafe's opening hours are between 9 AM and 5 PM, and the price of the coffee is around 45-65 THB. They also serve food for lunch and dinner, in case you are looking for a place to relax in the evening.

4. Taste the Delicious Pad Thai At Pad Thai Baan Yim in Chiang Khong

If you are passing through Chiang Khong, you will have to try the delicious Pad Thai and Fried Mussels dishes at Pad Thai Baan Yim restaurant. Pad Thai Baan Yim is a very popular restaurant among the locals and local tourists, and the restaurant is known for its unique Pad Thai dishes.

With the unique blend of northern-style spices mixed with the beloved Thai national dish, Pad Thai, Pad Thai Baan Yim restaurant has come up with a unique spin on the classic dish that creates such an aroma that is hard to resist.

Their Pad Thai dish is to die for, but they also serve other delicious Thai dishes that you can try. I recommend the Hoi Tod dish (fried mussels) to go with your Pad Thai order.

Pad Thai Baan Yim Restaurant's opening hours are between 10 AM and 2:30 PM in the morning and 5 PM – 9 PM in the evening every day except for Monday. The price of the food ranges from 50 - 150 THB, which is surprisingly affordable for such a popular place.

Looking for a foodie guide to Thailand's street food? Check out:15 Best Street Foods in Thailand to Try

When to Visit Chiang Rai?

The best time to visit Chiang Rai is from November to January, when the weather is cooler and less humid due to Thailand's northern climate, making it much more enjoyable to explore Chiang Rai.

That said, Thailand has suffered a lot from air pollution in recent years due to the burning season, and it is extremely prevalent during Thailand's winter period (December - January). So, even though the weather is cooler, your visibility might not be the best. Be sure to buy a face mask if you decide to visit Thailand during this time.

March-April is the hottest and most humid period of the year, so if you can't handle heat very well, avoid visiting during this time. The air quality may be slightly better during this period, but it's not guaranteed.

All the other months are considered to be the rainy season, which, even though the weather is a little more manageable than the summer months, you will also be seeing a lot more rain that might prevent you from enjoying the outdoors. Air quality during this time should be better due to the rain.

As you can see, the best time to visit Thailand used to be during its wintertime, BUT now that the air quality is getting worse and worse, you will have to decide which is more important to you as a traveler: good weather but bad air quality, or vice versa.

For more detail on the best time to visit Thailand, check out:The Best Time To Visit Thailand

How to Get to Chiang Rai?

To travel to Chiang Rai, you will first have to get to Bangkok, which is the capital city of Thailand. Since Bangkok is one of the largest hubs in the region, you should have no trouble finding a flight from your home country to Suvarnabhumi International Airport.

From the US, unfortunately, there are no direct flights to Bangkok, so you will have to rely on transit flights by Emirates, Qatar, or Turkish Airlines from the East Coast or ANA Airlines or Korean Air from the West Coast.

From Europe, you can fly from the most popular European hubs like London, Paris, or Frankfurt via Thai Airways or local carriers like British Airways, Air France, or Lufthansa to Bangkok, and then you can fly domestically to Chiang Mai. You can also go with Etihad, Qatar, or Emirates if you don't mind transiting.

From within Asia, there are several low-cost airlines offering various routes from many hub cities such as Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Tokyo, and Jakarta to Bangkok. AirAsia is a great option as they have the most connections to Bangkok from across Asia.

To find a cheap flight to Bangkok, I would recommend that you use Skyscanner or Expedia to look for the cheapest route and schedule so you can compare and pick the best one.

Getting From Bangkok to Chiang Rai

Once you arrive in Bangkok, there are several ways you can travel to Chiang Rai.

By Air: This is the fastest way to get to Chiang Rai. You can take a domestic flight from Don Muang Airport to Chiang Rai for 1000 THB. There are several flights per day from AirAsia, Thai Lion Air, Thai Smile, and Thai Vietjet Air. You can book the flight from Bangkok to Chiang Rai here>.

By Bus: If you are not in a rush, you can also take the bus from Bangkok to Chiang Rai, which will take you about 11 hours and cost around 600 THB. There are around 5 buses per day, and you can book the bus here: Book a bus from Bangkok to Chiang Rai.

By Car: You can also rent a car directly from Bangkok's airports. Keep in mind that Chiang Rai is almost 800 km away from Bangkok, and it is an 11-hour drive. Therefore, I would only recommend this option if you are traveling to Chiang Rai as part of a larger trip in Thailand. You can rent a car in Bangkok here.

Getting From Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai

By Bus: One of the easiest ways to get from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai without having to drive is by bus. There are 5 buses operated by Green Bus running every day from 7:30 AM to 6 PM, and it takes about 4 hours and costs 210 THB per person.

To reserve the bus ticket online, you can do so here: Book a Bus from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai.

By Car: Renting a car from Chiang Mai to travel to Chiang Rai is also a great option if you are already in Chiang Mai and looking for an easy and comfortable way to explore Chiang Rai.

There are several car rental companies operated right from the Chiang Mai airport with a price range of around 700 - 1500 THB, depending on how big the car is. You can rent a car in Chiang Mai here.

By Motorcycle: You can also rent a motorbike from Chiang Mai and drive to Chiang Rai in about 6 hours. To rent a motorbike from Chiang Mai, I recommend you rent it from Mr. Mechanic, a motorbike rental shop in Chiang Mai that offers a wide range of motorbike options for you to choose from.

For a 150cc motorbike, the rent should be around 500 THB per day. You can also get a 200-250cc motorbike for 700 THB or more from Mr. Mechanic. I highly recommend getting a motorbike with a 150cc engine or higher to tackle the mountain road in Chiang Rai.

By Tour: You can also do a Chiang Rai tour straight from Chiang Mai. I do not recommend this, as you won't be able to see many of the places I recommend here. However, if you cannot drive yourself and are looking for a comfortable way to see Chiang Rai, this will be your only option. You can book a tour with the link below:

Book a Tour to Chiang Rai

Looking for a complete travel guide to Chiang Mai?20 best things to do in Chiang Mai according to the locals

How to Get Around Chiang Rai?

There are tons of things to do in Chiang Rai, all spread out across the province, and in order to see them all, you will need to rent a vehicle. Here are ways you can rent a vehicle in Chiang Rai:

By Motorbike: If you are looking to rent a motorcycle within the city center, you can rent one from the K Buddy Bike for 300 THB per day. Their motorbikes are in great condition, and you have many choices of scooters to pick from.

By Car: This is by far the most comfortable way to get around Chiang Rai, and you can rent one directly from Chiang Rai Airport for around 700 - 1500 THB. You can rent a car in Chiang Rai here.

By Bus: You can rely on buses to get from city to city in Chiang Rai, such as Mae Sai and Chiang Saen, but you won't be able to use them to visit more remote places like Phu Chi Fa and Choui Fong Tea Plantation. So, I would not recommend relying on buses unless you are willing to rent a vehicle in every new city you visit.

If you are looking to reserve a seat for bus travel in Chiang Rai, you can book through here: Book a bus ticket in Chiang Rai.

How Many Days To Spend in Chiang Rai?

If you wish to see everything on this itinerary, you will need to spend at least four days (five nights) in Chiang Rai. Here is a rough itinerary of what you will be doing in Chiang Rai for four days.

Day 1: Explore Chiang Rai City Center and the temples around it.

Day 2: Visit Mae Sai and check out the tourist attractions around the border before going to Chiang Saen to spend the night there.

Day 3: Explore Chiang Saen and Chiang Khong.

Day 4: Travel to Phu Chi Fa and do some hiking there before camping.

How Much Money Do I Need For Chiang Rai?

With the rough itinerary above, we can calculate approximately how much you will be spending in Chiang Rai for four days as follows:

Accommodation: For 5 nights in Chiang Rai, you will be spending around 64 USD (1,913.38 THB) for accommodation.

Food: Food costs about 50 THB minimum in Chiang Rai on average, so you can expect to pay around 600 THB for 5 days.

Transportation: If we go with renting a scooter for 5 days, you will spend around 3000 THB in total, including gas, for transportation.

Activities: You will have to pay 100 THB for the White Temple, 80 THB for Baan Dam Museum, 20 THB for a truck to Tham Luang, 200 THB for the Hall of Opium, and 150 THB for attractions in Chiang Saen. So, in total, you will be paying 550 THB for activities.

Total Budget for 4 days in Chiang Rai: 6,063.38 THB (203 USD)

Is it Safe in Chiang Rai?

Like most off-the-beaten-path destinations in Thailand, Chiang Rai is extremely safe to travel to. The locals are extra friendly as they don't usually get a lot of tourists, and you will unlikely find scammers or touts like in other places in Thailand.

That said, since you will be driving on Thai roads, it is my duty as a Thai to warn you that we are not the best drivers in the world. The roads are great throughout, but we sometimes do drive like maniacs, so make sure to be extra careful when you are on the road.

Which tourist SIM card is best for Thailand?

Update: If your phone supports eSIM, I highly recommend checking out Airalo, a global eSIM marketplace. It allows you to stay connected affordably while traveling in Chiang Rai, Thailand without having to switch out your physical SIM card.

Gone are the days when you needed to scramble to find a local SIM card at an airport upon arrival. You can purchase an eSIM before your arrival, and you'll be good to go. If your phone doesn't support eSIM, here is how you can get a local SIM card in Chiang Rai, Thailand:

There are 3 major carriers in Thailand: AIS, DTAC, and True, all of which offer a pretty similar range of traveler's packages as well as coverage. Personally, I use AIS as I have been with them since my first phone. They have a lot of Support Centers around Thailand, and their coverage hasn't failed me yet. So, if you are looking for a reliable carrier, I can recommend AIS.

There are 3 packages for tourists: 5 GB for 5 days at 160 THB, 15 GB for 8 days at 299 THB, and 30 GB for 15 days. Depending on how long your trip to Thailand will be, you can pick one of these 3 packages that fits your itinerary the most.

With these 3 packages, you can top up more if you need additional data or calls for your trip. More often than not, 5 GB is more than enough for me to travel around Thailand for a month.

For more information about Thailand's local SIM card: Thailand's Prepaid Data SIM Card.

Tips: To stay connected with people at home, be sure that you have a VPN, such as ProtonVPN, installed before traveling. It's FREE, and you can gain access to services that may be blocked in certain countries.

What to Pack for Chiang Rai?

As you may already know, I am an advocate of light traveling, and indeed, packing light for a journey like this is a unique art form. Here are some packing tips for your upcoming trip to Chiang Rai, Thailand:

• Walking/Hiking Shoes: With all the walking and possible hiking during your travel, a comfortable pair of shoes is a must. I recommend the Timberland 3-Eye Classic Boat Shoes that are my go-to pair for long strolls and hikes.
• Breathable Shirts: Given the potential for hot weather, pack a few breathable shirts for your outdoor adventures.
• Shorts/Jeans: Anticipate lots of walking during your travels? Be sure to pack some breathable shorts and a pair of Levi's jeans for when the weather cools. For women, leggings are excellent for both hot and cold climates, so consider packing some as well.
• Fleece Jacket: For colder weather, layering is the key, and a fleece jacket makes an excellent insulating layer. I recommend the Columbia Steens Mountain Fleece (for women).
• Outer Shell Jacket: An outer shell jacket is great for windy or rainy conditions. I highly recommend the Columbia Watertight Jacket (for women). It's lightweight, breathable, and even comes in a cool orange color.
• Microfiber Towel: A Microfiber towel is the ideal backpacker's towel due to its lightness, quick drying, and compressibility.
• Camera: You should also pack a good camera for your trip so that you can capture all the beautiful experiences you might have. I recommend the Sony a7R V camera together with the Sony 24-70mm f2.8 GM II lens, which is probably the highest-performance camera and lens combination you can get right now.
• Power Bank: Keep your electronics charged on the go with a 20,000+ mAh Power Bank.
• Water Bottle: The Hydro Flask Trail Water Bottle is a great insulated water bottle to have with you in cities or on hiking trails. It is lightweight and can keep your water cold or warm for more than 12 hours. It's a total game-changer.
• Universal Adapter: You'll need just one universal adapter to plug in your electronics in any country you visit.
• Packing Cubes: Packing Cubes will help you save space in your backpack and keep all your belongings organized.
• Daypack: The Langly Alpha Globetrotter is my go-to everyday camera backpack. It's large enough to carry all my travel gear, and it comes with plenty of slots and pouches. Plus, it's stylish as hell!
• Large Backpack: You will need a large backpack to carry all of your stuff. I recommend the Osprey Atmos AG 65L backpack. With excellent weight distribution and a lifetime guarantee, you can't go wrong with Osprey.

For more information on what I pack in my backpack for this trip, check out: My Packing List: 60 Travel Essentials.

Looking for a more comprehensive packing list for Thailand? Check out:What to Pack For Thailand: The Essential Packing List

Now that we have all the information we need, it's time to start planning your trip! Here are some resources to help you get going:

Flights: Skyscanner and Expedia are the best places to start looking for cheap flights and great deals from your home country.

Accommodation: Hostelworld, Booking.com, and Agoda.com are the ultimate go-to platforms to search for amazing hostels and hotels at affordable prices.

Travel Insurance: Heymondo covers theft, medical emergencies, cancellations, and more during your travels. Get a 5% discount if you sign up today.

Transportation: 12go is a great place to look for bus and train schedule and buy tickets online in Southeast Asia that would otherwise not have been available in English online.

Car Rental: DiscoverCars.com is a great and reliable platform to find rental cars.

Internet: Airalo is the best way to get a sim card and has reliable internet access for your trip. All you need is an esim compatible smartphone, install it on your phone prior to your trip, and you are all set.

VPN: To stay connected with people at home, I always make sure to have ProtonVPN, installed before traveling. It's FREE, and I can gain access to services that may be blocked in certain countries.

Day Trips & Tours: Viator, GetYourGuide and TripAdvisor are great platforms to search for trips and tours to join.

Tickets & Deals: Klook is always my go-to website when I want to find cheaper deals for entrance tickets to tourist attractions.

Are you planning to travel independently? Be sure to check out my guide on How To Plan A Backpacking Trip here.

Further Reading for Northern Thailand

Looking for more information for your trip to Northern Thailand? Here are some articles about Thailand that you might find useful:

• Looking for a complete travel guide to Southeast Asia? You should check out our 3 Months Backpacking Itinerary for Southeast Asia.
• Looking for an itinerary for Thailand? Check out 10 Days Itinerary for Thailand.
• Not convinced by my words? How about looking through these photos I took in Thailand? 25 Beautiful Photos from Thailand.
• If you are traveling to Thailand, it is important for you to know what you should and shouldn't do. Here are 10 Tips for Traveling in Thailand.
• Thai Street Foods are among the best in the world, and to help guide you through the street food cuisine of Thailand, be sure to check out the 15 Best Street Foods in Thailand to Try.
• Learning a bit of Thai phrases will go a long way for you when you visit Thailand. Here are 15 Thai Phrases You Should Know.
• More often than not, your journey in Thailand will begin in Bangkok, and there are a ton of things you shouldn't miss in this city. Here are the 16 Best Things to Do in Bangkok.
• Want to spend a day outside Bangkok but not sure where? Here are the 9 Best Day Trips To Make From Bangkok.
• Don't have a lot of time in Bangkok? Check out our One Day in Bangkok Itinerary.
• Have more than one day in Bangkok? I highly recommend spending at least 3 days in Bangkok. Here is a complete 3 Days Itinerary for Bangkok.
• For the best areas and neighborhoods to stay in Bangkok, check out: 7 Best Areas to Stay in Bangkok.
• First time in Northern Thailand? Check out the 10 Best Places to Visit in Northern Thailand.
• Want to get off the beaten track and really explore Northern Thailand? Check out: 2 Weeks Northern Thailand Itinerary.
• Looking for another great road trip to get you off the beaten path in Northern Thailand? Check out: 9 Days Nan Loop Road Trip Itinerary.
• Not sure where to begin your journey in Northern Thailand? How about an old capital with a Complete Backpacking Guide to Phitsanulok?
• Come explore the lesser-known mountainous region of Phetchabun with this travel guide: Discover Phetchabun: 10 Incredible Things to Do and More.
• Tired of the constant heat in Thailand? Escape to the cool mountains of Khao Kho with this guide: A Complete Travel Guide to Khao Kho.
• As a gateway to the mountains of Phetchabun, Lom Sak is the perfect place to stop by before you head into the mountains. For a complete travel guide, check out: A Complete Travel Guide to Lom Sak.
• Did you know that the cradle of Thailand began in the ancient city of Sukhothai, north of Bangkok, in the 13th Century? If you are interested in the history of Thailand, here is The Ultimate Backpacking Guide to Sukhothai.
• Sukhothai has a twin city that has prospered together since the first founding of the Siam Kingdom. The ancient city is called Si Satchanalai, which is located 60 km north of Sukhothai, and there are many less-traveled ancient ruins there waiting for you to explore. Here is A Complete Backpacking Guide to Si Satchanalai.
• Kamphaeng Phet, which translates to "The Wall of Diamond," was an outpost town that played a role in protecting the Siam Kingdom from invasion for several decades, and you can still see the remnants today. Here is A Complete Backpacking Guide to Kamphaeng Phet.
• Lampang is, low-key, one of the most laid-back places in the north, with a northern vibe similar to Chiang Mai but much quieter and more authentic. If you are looking to go off the beaten path in Thailand, check out The Ultimate Backpacking Guide to Lampang.
• Spending a few days relaxing in Lampang? Here are 9 Best Cafes and Restaurants to Try in Lampang.
• There is no need for an introduction to the renowned old capital city of the Lanna Kingdom, Chiang Mai. Here are the 20 best things to do in Chiang Mai according to the locals.
• Chiang Mai is a big city. How does one find the best restaurants and cafes, you asked? Check out 25 Absolute Best Restaurants and Cafes in Chiang Mai.
• Doi Inthanon is the highest mountain in Thailand, and to travel there, you will need a complete travel guide. Here is The Ultimate Backpacking Guide to Doi Inthanon.
• Have only 3 days in Chiang Mai? Check out 3 Days Backpacking Itinerary for Chiang Mai.
• Have a day to spare in Chiang Mai? How about going on a day trip to Lamphun? Here are 7 Best Things to Do in Lamphun.
• Looking to go off the beaten path in Chiang Mai? How about visiting the untouched nature of Doi Ang Khang and the Chinese-influenced towns of Arunothai and Chai Prakan? Here are the 10 Best Things to Do in Doi Ang Khang.
• One of the best road trips you can make in Thailand is traversing the Mae Hong Son Loop. Here’s a complete backpacking guide and a 10-day itinerary for the Mae Hong Son Loop.
• Looking to start the Mae Hong Son Loop but not sure where to start? How about the city of Mae Sariang? Here are 8 Best Things to Do in Mae Sariang.
• Mae Hong Son City is one of my favorite cities from the entire Mae Hong Son Loop road trip. Here are the 15 Best Things to Do in Mae Hong Son City.
• Pai has become a tourist hotspot since its discovery and feature in many travel blogs, but what is there to do in Pai? We have the answer. Here are the 15 Best Things to Do in Pai, Thailand.
• One of the most iconic peaks in Thailand is Phu Chi Fa, and you can hike to the top of it among other hiking trails around Chiang Rai's highlands. Here is A Complete Hiking Guide to Phu Chi Fa.
• Chiang Saen is an ancient walled city full of history and beautiful scenery waiting for you to explore. Here are the 10 Best Things to Do in Chiang Saen.
• Phrae is so much more than a stopover destination. Here are the 14 Best Things to Do in Phrae.
• Nan is the upcoming trendy tourist attraction in Thailand that is still pretty much unexplored by foreigners. If you want to travel to Nan, here are the 16 Best Things to Do in Nan.
• Phayao is a beautiful hidden gem of Thailand's north, waiting for you to explore. It rarely gets any tourists, all the more reason to visit Phayao before it is discovered! Here are the 12 Best Things to Do in Phayao.
• Want to explore other parts of Thailand? How about exploring Central Thailand or Southern Thailand?
• Wondering where to go after Thailand? How about continuing on to Malaysia, Myanmar, or Indonesia?
• For all articles about Thailand, visit the Thailand Travel Guide page.
• Looking to travel to Southeast Asia? Check out all of my articles about Southeast Asia on the Southeast Asia Travel Guide page.
• You can see all my Asia-related articles here: Asia Travel Guide page.
• For more of my travel guides like this, visit my Destinations page.