Chiang Rai overview
Chiang Rai, the old capital city of the Lanna Kingdom in the 7th century, with the unique beauty of the Karen Tribe Village with long necks, the White Temple, the Black House, and the Golden Triangle, distinguishes this destination in Thailand. Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai is only about 170 kilometers away, and this destination is also bordered by Laos and Myanmar, making travel to Laos and Myanmar from Chiang Rai simple.
Best time to visit Chiang Rai
Chiang Rai is best visited between October and February when temperatures average 21°C during the day and 10°C – 15°C at night.
How to travel to Chiang Rai?
To get to Chiang Rai, take a one-hour direct flight from Bangkok or drive three hours from Chiang Mai. Mae Fah Luang-Chiang Rai International Airport is about 8 kilometers from Chiang Rai’s city center, and it takes about 30 minutes to drive there.
Attractions in Chiang Rai
1. The White Temple
2. The Long Neck Karen Tribal Village (an eye-opening experience to not miss)
3. Black House
4. Golden Triangle
5. Mae Fah Luang Garden
6. Blue Temple
7. Wat Doi Suthep
Chiang Rai’s food specialties
• Nam Prik Ong (Tomato and Pork Chili Dip)
• Khao Soi Gai Nong (Coconut Curry Noodle Soup with Chicken Leg)
• Sai Ua (Northern Thai Sausage)
• Naem (Fermented Sour Sausage)
• Nam Prik Noom (Roasted Green Chili Dip)
• Larb Muang Moo (Northern-style Minced Pork Spicy Salad)
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Suggested itineraries featuring Chiang Rai
- 1 Day Best of Chiang Rai
- 4 Days Best of Northern Thailand
- 5 Days Best of Chiang Mai & Chiang Mai
- 15 Days Best of Thailand
- 15 Days Best of Cambodia – Laos – Thailand
Suggested itineraries featuring Thailand
- 1 Day Best of Bangkok (City Tour & Boat Trip)
- 3 Days Best of Bangkok
- 5 Days Best of Thailand
- 6 Days Best of Thailand
- 7 Days Best of Thailand
- 9 Days Best of Bangkok & Southern Thailand
- 9 Days Best of Southern Thailand
- 12 Days Best of Bangkok – Vietnam – Angkor Wat
View more suggested itineraries for Thailand and Southeast Asia
Please contact us about Chiang Rai or any questions for expert planning advice for your memorial trip to Thailand & Southeast Asia.
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