Chiang Rai has been inhabited since the 7th century, but it was not until 1262 that King Meng Rai established it as the first capital of the Lanna Kingdom. The capital was later relocated to Chiang Mai and since that time Chiang Rai has lived in the shadow of its neighboring province, though for tourists this is a good thing.Today, Chiang Rai is a traveler’s paradise, endowed with abundant natural attractions and antiquities. Attractions range from ruins of ancient settlements and Buddhist shrines to magnificent mountain scenery and hill tribe villages. For those interested in the natural side of Chiang Rai, jungle trekking is a magical experience; explore the mountains of the north along various hiking trails, many of which access the villages of diverse hill tribes groups, many of whom maintain their traditional lifestyles. Chiang Rai town, which tends to be a little more ‘laid back’ than its more popular neighbor, now competes with Chiang Mai as a tourist attraction and is fast becoming a popular escape for tourists wanting to leave their troubles behind.
Chiang Rai, the former capital of the great Lanna Kingdom, is a fascinating province filled with cultural and natural wonders, including the Golden Triangle where Thailand, Laos, and Burma come together; an area that was once the hub of opium production, a trade that had much influence on cultural practices and lifestyles. Chiang Rai had stayed off the tourist radar for many years, its people enjoying very leisurely development and mostly traditional, rural lifestyles. Until this day, entire clans live together in bamboo houses and each village has its own individual character. Recently tourism has boomed in Chiang Rai, where visitors have come to explore the pristine natural beauty of the countryside and immerse themselves in the indigenous culture, including those of a variety of different hill tribe communities. Fortunately for tourists, Chiang Rai is also a center for community development projects, helping rural villagers develop their attractions without adversely affecting their natural and cultural assets.
Key Tips
Get briefed at the Population Development Association’s Hill-tribe Education Center prior to organizing or setting out on a trek to visit hill tribe villages.
Don't Miss!
The King Mengrai the Great Memorial
Operating day : Daily
Operating time : 24 Hour
Category : Landmarks and Memorials
Attraction Details : It is located in the town on the intersection leading to Mae Chan. Originally, King Mengrai was the ruler of Nakhon Hiran Ngoen Yang (an ancient town on the bank of the Mae Khong around Chiang Saen) before Chiang Rai was established as the administrative centre in 1262. He consolidated his power by merging the different city in the North and founded the Lanna Thai Kingdom in 1296 with Chiang Mai as the capital.
Wat Phra Sing
Operating day : Daily
Operating time : 08.00 - 17.00
Category : Temple
Attraction Details : Wat Phra Sing is located near the townhall used to house a major Buddha statue, the Phra Buddha Sihing which is now enshrined in Chiang Mai. A special feature is the Lanna-style Ubosot and the wooden door panels carved by Chiang Rai contemporary craftsmen. Tel: 0 5374 5038
Wat Rong Khun
Operating day : Daily
Operating time : 08.00 - 17.00
Category : Temple
Attraction Details : Wat Rong Khun is one of a considerable number of religious places in Chiang Rai. Originating from the great devotion of renowned Thai artist, Chalermchai Kosipipat the temple is dedicated to Lord Buddha with the intention to construct an attainable paradise on earth representing righteousness and the encouragement of good karma. With regard to outstanding quality in art and tremendously elaborate architecture, the consecrated assembly hall in Wat Rong Khun is different from any other temple in terms of having both carved gable apexes and tooth-like ridges. The hall itself is mostly constructed in pure white, illustrative of the Buddha’s purity. Glittering clear-mirrored glass serves as the Awakened One’s wisdom shining over the earth and the universe. Together with these elements, there are sophisticated murals by Chalermchai himself that should not be missed.
The consecrated assembly hall’s interior walls are decorated with gold paintings. Whilst ceiling and floors are adorned with paintings showing a subject matter of deliverance from defilements into the supramudane state The roof is designed to represent the Threefold Learning; precepts, concentration, and wisdom. According to Chalermchai’s intentions, nine monastic buildings with various styles have been gradually constructed. This Buddhist artwork signifies the great heaven accepted and praised the world over.Even though the temple is still under construction, this outstanding monastic treasure offers us a place where Buddhist related matters can be perceived. By meticulous architectural components, not only elaborate physical elements can be explored, but also visitors can contemplate Dharma via this religious marvel. Wat Rong Khun is open daily 6.30 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Location and getting there
Wat Rong Khun can be found at Pa Or Donchai subdistrict, Mueang district, Chiang Rai. From the city of Chiang Rai, follow Highway No. 1 (Chiang Rai – Pha Yao) and turn right at roadside at km. 816, then go straight along for 100 meters.
Oub Kham Museum
Operating day : Daily
Operating time : 09.00 - 18.00
Category : Museums
Attraction Details : Oub Kham Museum is located near Den Ha market, one kilometer from the town center. The collection includes objects from the areas once belonging to or affiliated with the Lanna kingdoms encompassing northern Thailand and some parts of northeast Myanmar, southwest China and Vietnam. Apart from objects used in rituals the collection mainly consists of objects used at the royal courts including lacquer ware, silver jewelry and clothing. Most notable is a golden bowl, a masterpiece, used by royals. It is open daily from 9 am. to 6 pm. Admission fee is 100 bahts per person. For more information call 0 5371 3349.
Phu chee fa
Phu chee fa : A great viewpoint for the sea of mist in Thailand
Phu chee fa is the highest mountain of Doi Pha Mon is located at the eastern end of Chianrai province and overlooks the border with Laos. It covers Baan Rom Fah Thong, Tambon Po, Wiang Kan district and Baan Rom Fah Thai, Tambon Tubtao, Terng district at a height 1,700 meters from sea level. The peak of Phucheefa is an acute cliff protruding in the air. On Phu chee fa, there is one kilometer width grassland which is a beautiful view point. At the front, it is a high cliff where you can see Chiang Tong village in Laos. There are two highly popular view points, at the top of Phu cee fa and the lawn before reaching the top. The view is best seen at dawn on a clear day when the valley below fills with mist.
Phu chee fa in the daytime to evening is also spectacularly beautiful. There are views of the meadow and lofty mountains which varies in each season. The gorgeous golden meadow changes as the mist flows slowly in the morning and evening.At the end of winter between December – February, on the road from Phu chee fa to Doi Pha Tung masses of pink blossom Sakura or Nang Phaya Seuakrong flowers can be seen along both sides of the road. At the end of the winter between January – February, Phu cee fa will be in blossom with the gracefully white Siaw flowers. We will find Siaw flowers growing with Phaya Seuakrong trees, but Siaw flowers bloom longer at the end of the winter.
How to get there:
From the town of Chiang Rai, go on Highway no. 1020 to Terng district, approximately 64 kilometers. Then, take highway no. 1021 (Terng-Chiang Kam) for just 6 kilometers and turn left to Highway no. 1155. This part has moderately difficult driving through Pang Kha, Baan Rak Tin Thai, Baan Rak Phan Din and Baan Phan Din Thong. At around 25 kilometers, turn right to Highway no. 1093 head to Chiang Kam district, Paayao province for 11 kilometers. When arriving at the intersection, turn left by the guide post for 1.7 kilometers, you will arrive at Phu chee fa National Park office. If you keep driving, you will find many resorts along the way. If come from Chiang Khong, take Highway 1020 for approximately 15 kilometers, then turn left to Highway no. 1155. There you will see the guide post to Phu chee fa or from Doi Pha Tung, drive up from Baan Rom Fah Thai.
Ob-Luang
Ob-Luang National Park is part of Tanon Tong Chai mountain range, thus the forest is still quite rich. This is the origin of the Mae Jam River and the lower Ping River, Ob-Luang used to be an abundant habitat of pre-historic people. Usually Ob-Luang visitors are tourists who stop by on the way to or from Mae Hong Son using the Chiang Mai-Hod road, or those who visit Doi Inthanon and pass Mae Jam district to Chiang Mai. From Mae Jam they take Highway 1088 to Hod and pay a fun and enjoyable visit to Ob-Luang and its hot spring, its color-changing forest, the historical site, and the exciting rafting before heading back to Chiang Mai.
Driving from Mae Jam District on Highway 1088 just before reaching Hod district, you will find yourself arriving at the first welcoming attraction; Teppanom hot springs. The fifteen hot springs look prominent on the plain with a surface temperature of 99 degree Celsius. Some natural cold springs are also nearby as a result of Huai Pong River influence.Not far from the springs is Ob-Luang National Park. Walk from the National Park information center for 200 meters and you’ll be stunned by Mae Jam River that divides two cliffs and creates a steep and narrow creek in between. The Mae Chaem River was originally called the “Salak hin”. The river created a big but narrow canyon, which is called Ob Luang. The rocks and cliffs are subject to erosion by the strong currents of the river and have formed the canyon and strangely shaped rock formations. The water has to force its way past rocks and boulders obstructing the course which is a magnificent sight. There’s a 30 meter long bridge connecting the two cliffs. The gap of the cliffs is 32 meters at the widest, two meters long at the narrowest, and the canyon is 300 meters long.
Apart from sight-seeing, Ob-Luang also provides a path to many pre-historic sites that contain bronze bracelets, beads, baked clay containers, Hobinnian culture, and wall paintings. Next is a shady trail that leads you to a rock cliff where you can practice rock-climbing and enjoy the magnificence of the color-changing forest, Mae Jam River, and the monumental scenery of Mae Jam District.Another activity that you should never miss at Ob-Luang National Park is white-water rafting. The route is 5 km. long and takes about an hour. You’ll have a great time defying the power of the river over ten cataracts with an adventure level ranging from 1 to 3. The perfect period for rafting is between October and March, but if you’re not afraid of challenging and risky rafting the rainy season can offer a truly memorable experience.
How to get there
Traveling from Chiang Mai, take the road number 108 to the town of Hod. At Hod take the Hod – Mae Sariang road. After 17 km. you will reach the park’s headquarters. Total distance from Chiang Mai is 105 km.
When to go : All year, with exceptional rafting experience in the rainy season
Wat Phra Sing
Operating day : Daily
Operating time : 08.00 - 17.00
Category : Temple
Attraction Details : Wat Phra Sing is located near the townhall used to house a major Buddha statue, the Phra Buddha Sihing which is now enshrined in Chiang Mai. A special feature is the Lanna-style Ubosot and the wooden door panels carved by Chiang Rai contemporary craftsmen. Tel: 0 5374 5038
Wat Rong Khun
Operating day : Daily
Operating time : 08.00 - 17.00
Category : Temple
Attraction Details : Wat Rong Khun is one of a considerable number of religious places in Chiang Rai. Originating from the great devotion of renowned Thai artist, Chalermchai Kosipipat the temple is dedicated to Lord Buddha with the intention to construct an attainable paradise on earth representing righteousness and the encouragement of good karma. With regard to outstanding quality in art and tremendously elaborate architecture, the consecrated assembly hall in Wat Rong Khun is different from any other temple in terms of having both carved gable apexes and tooth-like ridges. The hall itself is mostly constructed in pure white, illustrative of the Buddha’s purity. Glittering clear-mirrored glass serves as the Awakened One’s wisdom shining over the earth and the universe. Together with these elements, there are sophisticated murals by Chalermchai himself that should not be missed.
The consecrated assembly hall’s interior walls are decorated with gold paintings. Whilst ceiling and floors are adorned with paintings showing a subject matter of deliverance from defilements into the supramudane state The roof is designed to represent the Threefold Learning; precepts, concentration, and wisdom. According to Chalermchai’s intentions, nine monastic buildings with various styles have been gradually constructed. This Buddhist artwork signifies the great heaven accepted and praised the world over.Even though the temple is still under construction, this outstanding monastic treasure offers us a place where Buddhist related matters can be perceived. By meticulous architectural components, not only elaborate physical elements can be explored, but also visitors can contemplate Dharma via this religious marvel. Wat Rong Khun is open daily 6.30 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Location and getting there
Wat Rong Khun can be found at Pa Or Donchai subdistrict, Mueang district, Chiang Rai. From the city of Chiang Rai, follow Highway No. 1 (Chiang Rai – Pha Yao) and turn right at roadside at km. 816, then go straight along for 100 meters.
Oub Kham Museum
Operating day : Daily
Operating time : 09.00 - 18.00
Category : Museums
Attraction Details : Oub Kham Museum is located near Den Ha market, one kilometer from the town center. The collection includes objects from the areas once belonging to or affiliated with the Lanna kingdoms encompassing northern Thailand and some parts of northeast Myanmar, southwest China and Vietnam. Apart from objects used in rituals the collection mainly consists of objects used at the royal courts including lacquer ware, silver jewelry and clothing. Most notable is a golden bowl, a masterpiece, used by royals. It is open daily from 9 am. to 6 pm. Admission fee is 100 bahts per person. For more information call 0 5371 3349.
Wat Phra That Doi Chom Thong
Operating day : Daily
Operating time : 08.00 - 17.00
Category : Temple
Attraction Details : It is located on Doi Chom Thong on the bank of the Kok River within town area, contains what is believed to be the oldest Holy Relic even before King Mengrai built Chiang Rai. The Chedi containing the Holy Relic was probably renovated at the same time the town was being built. A major religious site in Chiang Rai was from here that King Mengrai spotted the strategic location on which to establish the town. Tel: 0 5371 6055
Kok River
Operating day : Daily
Operating time : 24 Hour
Category : River, Canal
Attraction Details : The Kok River is one of the most scenic attractions in Chiang Rai. It runs from Thathon in northern Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai City and then flows on to meet the Maekhong River at Chiang Khong. From Baan Thathon boats, rafts and treks leave daily venturing into the surrounding mountains where the jungle dips into the river's cool waters. A long-tailed boat can be hired to ferry visitors up and down the river. Stops can be made at Akha or Iko, Lisu and Karen hill tribe villages. Alternatively stops can be made at the Buddha cave, a temple within a cavern; an elephant camp, for trekking; a hot spring; and a riverside Lahu village. Trips range from 300 bahts to 700 bahts ($7-$16), depending on the number of stops made. The ferry pier is beyond the bridge across from the Dusit Island Resort.
Doi Mae Salong
Operating day : Daily
Operating time : 08.00 - 17.00
Category : Mountain (Doi)
Attraction Details : Doi Mae Salong is the site of Santi Khiri village, a community settled by the former Chinese 93rd Division who moved from Myanmar to reside on Thai territory in 1961. The village became well known for its enchanting scenery and tranquil atmosphere. Today it is a major tourist attraction with its small-town ambience, delicious native Chinese dishes, small hotels and guesthouses catering to visitors and tea, coffee and fruit tree plantations. The scenery is especially picturesque in December and January when sakuras are in full bloom. Scattered with many hill tribe villages, Doi Mae Salong is ideal for trekking.
To reach Doi Mae Salong, take the Chiang Rai-Mae Chan route for 29 kilometers, then turn left and proceed for another 41 kilometers (passing a hot spring). The return trip can be taken on routes nos. 1234 and 1130 which wind through Yao and Akha hill tribe villages. From Doi Mae Salong a road leads to Tha Thon, the starting point for the Kok River cruise, a distance of 45 kilometers. There are hotels and guesthouses to accommodate tourists and a paved road leading to the village.
How to get there : By Car
To reach Doi Mae Salong, take the Chiang Rai-Mae Chan route for 29 kilometers, then turn left and proceed for another 41 kilometers (passing a hot spring). The return trip can be taken on routes nos. 1234 and 1130 which wind through Yao and Akha hill tribe villages. From Doi Mae Salong a road leads to Tha Thon, the starting point for the Kok River cruise, a distance of 45 kilometers.
Doi Hua Mae Kham
Operating day : Daily
Operating time : 08.00 - 17.00
Category : Mountain (Doi)
Attraction Details : Doi Hua Mae Kham is the domicile of the hill tribes near the Thai-Burmese border, about three hours by road along the Mae Chan-Ban Thoet Thai-Ban Huai In route which winds along the steep mountain edges. The inhabitants are predominantly of the Lisu tribe, with a smattering of the Akha, Hmong and Muser tribes. Doi Hua Mae Kham is most spectacular in November when the yellow wild sunflowers are in full bloom.
Chiang Saen National Museum
Operating day : Wednesday - Sunday
Operating time : 09.00 - 16.00
Category : Museums
Attraction Details : Located in old town Chiang Saen, this museum exhibits artifacts excavated locally including a well-known Chiang Saen-style bronze Buddha image and Lanna Thai artifacts. Inscription stones from Phayao and Chiang Saen itself can be found in the museum. In addition, there are exhibitions of indigenous art objects of the Thai Yai, Thai Lu and other hill tribes. These items include musical instruments, ornaments and opium-smoking accessories. The museum is open on Wednesdays through Sundays from 9.00a.m. to 4.00p.m., except on national holidays.
Doi Tung
Operating day : Daily
Operating time : 07.00 - 17.30
Category : Mountain (Doi)
Attraction Details : Doi Tung is located in Mae Fa Luang District and can be reached by taking Highway No.110 for about 48 kilometers and turning left onto Highway No. 1149, an asphalt road leading directly to Doi Tung. The route winds through beautiful scenery with many interesting sites including the Doi Tung Palace (Pra Tamnak Doi tung), the Mae Fa Luang Garden and Akha and Muser tribal villages. IN addition to scenic lookouts, the most notable attraction is the Phra That Doi Tung Holy Relic, an old religious site atop the mountain.
Also located on Doi Tung Mountain is a beautiful royal residence known as Phra Tamnak Doi Tung. The royal villa, situated on the slopes of the adjacent Pa Kluay Reservoir, was to serve as a royal winter retreat for the Princess Mother, who passed away in 1995 and was originally built on the theory that the local hill tribes would be honored by the royal presence and thereby cease their opium cultivation.
The main attraction for visitors to Phra Tamnak Doi Tung is 'Suan Mae Fa Luang', the beautiful landscaped gardens filled with hundreds of different kinds of plants and flowers, named in honor of the Princess Mother and the Doi Tung Development Project established by the late Princess Mother in 1987. Contact 0 5376 7015-7 for further informaiton.
Phu chee fa
Phu chee fa : A great viewpoint for the sea of mist in Thailand
Phu chee fa is the highest mountain of Doi Pha Mon is located at the eastern end of Chianrai province and overlooks the border with Laos. It covers Baan Rom Fah Thong, Tambon Po, Wiang Kan district and Baan Rom Fah Thai, Tambon Tubtao, Terng district at a height 1,700 meters from sea level. The peak of Phucheefa is an acute cliff protruding in the air. On Phu chee fa, there is one kilometer width grassland which is a beautiful view point. At the front, it is a high cliff where you can see Chiang Tong village in Laos. There are two highly popular view points, at the top of Phu cee fa and the lawn before reaching the top. The view is best seen at dawn on a clear day when the valley below fills with mist.
Phu chee fa in the daytime to evening is also spectacularly beautiful. There are views of the meadow and lofty mountains which varies in each season. The gorgeous golden meadow changes as the mist flows slowly in the morning and evening.At the end of winter between December – February, on the road from Phu chee fa to Doi Pha Tung masses of pink blossom Sakura or Nang Phaya Seuakrong flowers can be seen along both sides of the road. At the end of the winter between January – February, Phu cee fa will be in blossom with the gracefully white Siaw flowers. We will find Siaw flowers growing with Phaya Seuakrong trees, but Siaw flowers bloom longer at the end of the winter.
How to get there:
From the town of Chiang Rai, go on Highway no. 1020 to Terng district, approximately 64 kilometers. Then, take highway no. 1021 (Terng-Chiang Kam) for just 6 kilometers and turn left to Highway no. 1155. This part has moderately difficult driving through Pang Kha, Baan Rak Tin Thai, Baan Rak Phan Din and Baan Phan Din Thong. At around 25 kilometers, turn right to Highway no. 1093 head to Chiang Kam district, Paayao province for 11 kilometers. When arriving at the intersection, turn left by the guide post for 1.7 kilometers, you will arrive at Phu chee fa National Park office. If you keep driving, you will find many resorts along the way. If come from Chiang Khong, take Highway 1020 for approximately 15 kilometers, then turn left to Highway no. 1155. There you will see the guide post to Phu chee fa or from Doi Pha Tung, drive up from Baan Rom Fah Thai.
Ob-Luang
Ob-Luang National Park is part of Tanon Tong Chai mountain range, thus the forest is still quite rich. This is the origin of the Mae Jam River and the lower Ping River, Ob-Luang used to be an abundant habitat of pre-historic people. Usually Ob-Luang visitors are tourists who stop by on the way to or from Mae Hong Son using the Chiang Mai-Hod road, or those who visit Doi Inthanon and pass Mae Jam district to Chiang Mai. From Mae Jam they take Highway 1088 to Hod and pay a fun and enjoyable visit to Ob-Luang and its hot spring, its color-changing forest, the historical site, and the exciting rafting before heading back to Chiang Mai.
Driving from Mae Jam District on Highway 1088 just before reaching Hod district, you will find yourself arriving at the first welcoming attraction; Teppanom hot springs. The fifteen hot springs look prominent on the plain with a surface temperature of 99 degree Celsius. Some natural cold springs are also nearby as a result of Huai Pong River influence.Not far from the springs is Ob-Luang National Park. Walk from the National Park information center for 200 meters and you’ll be stunned by Mae Jam River that divides two cliffs and creates a steep and narrow creek in between. The Mae Chaem River was originally called the “Salak hin”. The river created a big but narrow canyon, which is called Ob Luang. The rocks and cliffs are subject to erosion by the strong currents of the river and have formed the canyon and strangely shaped rock formations. The water has to force its way past rocks and boulders obstructing the course which is a magnificent sight. There’s a 30 meter long bridge connecting the two cliffs. The gap of the cliffs is 32 meters at the widest, two meters long at the narrowest, and the canyon is 300 meters long.
Apart from sight-seeing, Ob-Luang also provides a path to many pre-historic sites that contain bronze bracelets, beads, baked clay containers, Hobinnian culture, and wall paintings. Next is a shady trail that leads you to a rock cliff where you can practice rock-climbing and enjoy the magnificence of the color-changing forest, Mae Jam River, and the monumental scenery of Mae Jam District.Another activity that you should never miss at Ob-Luang National Park is white-water rafting. The route is 5 km. long and takes about an hour. You’ll have a great time defying the power of the river over ten cataracts with an adventure level ranging from 1 to 3. The perfect period for rafting is between October and March, but if you’re not afraid of challenging and risky rafting the rainy season can offer a truly memorable experience.
How to get there
Traveling from Chiang Mai, take the road number 108 to the town of Hod. At Hod take the Hod – Mae Sariang road. After 17 km. you will reach the park’s headquarters. Total distance from Chiang Mai is 105 km.
When to go : All year, with exceptional rafting experience in the rainy season
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