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Top Chiang Rai Attractions & Experiences
Top Chiang Rai Experiences
- Going on a breathtaking cycling tour of the tropical hills between two stunning cities -- Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai.
- Learning about the region’s dark history of opium trade while walking through the actual Golden Triangle.
- Exploring a hidden, tropical cave system with a guide under the jungle-covered mountains of Chiang Rai.
- Walking through the White Temple, and admiring the unique architecture and Buddhist tradition.
- Going on a trek from hill tribe to hill tribe through the thick jungle, crossing tropical rivers, and feeding elephants along your way.
Chiang Rai Tours & Travel Guide
Chiang Rai Attractions & Landmarks Guide
Who are the Lanna?
Something you will hear on any cultural tour of Chiang Rai is that the city is noted for having a strong existing Lanna presence, in its architectural style and traditions, but what exactly does this mean? The Lanna Kingdom (or the La Na), was a melting pot of cultures from the region that is now Northern Thailand. It was already well established by the 9th century, and were heavily influenced the nearby Khmer Empire.
When the Mongol empire began to rapidly expand, sacking the nearby Burmese Kingdom of Bagan, the Lanna Kingdom consolidated and appointed their first king. This king, King Magrai, based his kingdom just north of the city of Chiang Rai, and made Buddhism the religion of his kingdom.
Although he was mainly at war, he encouraged the arts and began by commissioning stunning temples, a practice he passed down to the leaders that followed him.
Today, despite the political upheaval and turmoil of its past, much of Lanna culture still exists. The most obvious way to see it is in the architecture in Chiang Rai (and Chiang Mai). Built of wood, known for its ornate carvings, and emphasis on curves and swirls.
In Chiang Rai, you can also treat yourself to see a traditional Lanna style dance, an elegant performance by local women draped in flowers and wearing colorful clothing.
Things to Do in Chiang Rai
- Learn about the Lanna. The Oub Kham Museum, the Hill Tribe Museum, and Mae Fah Luang Art & Cultural Park all reflect and teach about the Lanna tradition, and the fact that there are three museums on the subject in this small city should be an indicator of how important this history is.
- See some temples. Wat Klang Wiang is a gorgeous, must-see temple in the town, known for its distinctive and ornate style. Wat Phra Kaew, Wat Phra Singh, and Wat Phra That Doi Chom Thong (the temple at the highest point in the city), are other beautiful temples worth visiting.
- Eat your heart out. There’s a reason thai food is one of the most popular in the world, but what you may not know is that it has a lot more to offer than red curry, pad thai, and fried rice.
- Shop the markets. Not only are there fantastic open-air and night markets in Chiang Rai, but the Myanmar border is only a short trip away. At the border, you can experience a Burmese market as well.
Chiang Rai's Black & White Temples
Two of the main tourist in Chiang Rai are two different temples, known sometimes as the “White Temple” and the “Black Temple.” Both are architecturally so impressive, that some tourists make the 3 hour drive from nearby Chiang Mai to see one of the temples as a day trip.
Here is some more information about each temple to help you decide which to see if you’re limited in time, or just provide you more reason to go!
White Temple: Wat Rong Khun
One of Thailand’s most recognizable building, Wat Rong Khun is made up of a series of glittering white structures made of plaster and glass, a perfectly manicured garden, and water features. It is one of the most popular attractions in all of Thailand.
To this day, this Buddhist temple is not complete, as final building plans call for 9 separate buildings and an art gallery. All of the current structures are representative of different Buddhist beliefs, from a bridge that represents the process of rebirth, to the murals depicting actual scenes from Buddhist stories.
Unlike other famous temples in Thailand, Wat Rong Khun as it stands today is not an ancient temple. The temple was in very poor repair until 2014, when an earthquake struck and architects decided to rebuild the buildings and add on to the complex.
The one building that isn’t white at the White Temple is the ornate Golden Building. The color gold represents material objects, and the entirely gold building stands to remind viewers to focus on making merit of their minds instead of physical objects.
Black Temple: Baan Dam
The Black Temple, or Baan Dam (which means “Black House” in Thai), is the other main temple attraction in Chiang Rai. The Black House is different to the White Temple in more ways than one, not just that it is primarily painted black. It is built in an interesting style fusing modern and traditional architecture.
The Thai architect Thawan Duchanee designed this more controversial site, which some people have viewed as “disrespecting Buddhism.” Like the White Temple, Baan Dam has a beautifully garden, but unlike the other temple, incorporates natural elements into its furniture and design.
Not only do rooms in the temple showcase antique furniture, but everything from shells to an entire elephant’s skeleton is on display. In fact, there are dozens of animal remains, from skins to skulls incorporated as artwork in each of the temple’s 15 houses.
Chiang Rai Reviews & Ratings
Customized Tour
I didn’t take this tour exactly, but made some changes based on my schedule and interests and travel dates. It was my first time in Southeast Asia and I was a travel...
Really had a positive experience. Rong had
Really had a positive experience. Rong had a very p...
The small group with an amazing guide
The small group with an amazing guide made for a great trip.
Has now put Explore on top of
Has now put Explore on top of my list of preferred ...
Top of my list of preferred travel operators
Has now put Explore on top of my list of preferred ...
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