At the top of a hill a short distance from the northwest corner of Chiang Saen is the temple of Wat Phrathat Jom Kitti. The temple, and in particular its chedi, is thought to pre-date the founding.

Wat Chedi Luang is a Buddhist temple in the historic centre of Chiang Mai, Thailand.

Lanna Kingdom is a melting pot of culture and crafts from many eras and ethnic groups. Architecture, masonry, bronzeware...

Golden Triangle is one of Asia's two main opium-producing areas. It is an area of around 367,000 square miles (950,000 km2) .

The Long Neck Karen Tribal Village in Chiang Mai, Thailand

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

                                                                                                       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.