Chiang Rai

Chiang Rai wasn’t exactly our favourite place in Thailand. It definitely lacked some of the charm that places like Chiang Mai had, but it was still a worthwhile stop, especially for some of the unique sights in the area.

Getting There

From Chiang Mai, the easiest way to get to Chiang Rai is by bus. When we went, the area had recently experienced heavy flooding. We actually got lucky, the road had reopened just a week earlier, but we could still see plenty of flooded areas around both cities during our trip.

Where We Stayed

We stayed at Moon and Sun Hotel, which was super affordable considering how big the room was. It was comfortable and clean, although the owner was… let’s say, not the friendliest person we met in Thailand. But overall, for the price, it was a good deal.

What To Do

Honestly, the city itself doesn’t have a ton going on, but it’s 100% worth visiting for the temples alone. They were the highlight of our stay.

• Wat Rong Khun (The White Temple): This is the reason most people visit Chiang Rai, and rightfully so. It’s absolutely stunning. The design is unlike any temple we’d ever seen. It’s located just outside the city centre but is easily reachable by local bus.

• The Blue Temple (Wat Rong Suea Ten): Another gorgeous temple, decked out entirely in vibrant blue and gold. Definitely worth a stop, it felt peaceful, and the craftsmanship was beautiful.

• The Red Temple (Wat Huay Pla Kang): Still a cool visit, although it’s less impressive compared to the White and Blue Temples. What makes this place stand out is the massive statue of the Guan Yin (the Goddess of Mercy) overlooking the area. The view from the top is pretty nice too!

Day Trip: Phaya Phipak Forest Park

For this trip, we rented a car again and drove toward the border with Laos. This area features some of the highest viewpoints in Thailand (I believe one of them is technically the highest point in northern Thailand, but don’t quote me on that!). You can hike up a couple of mountains here for beautiful panoramic views over Thailand, Laos, and the Mekong River.

Make sure to visit Pha Bong, Doi Pha Tang, Phu Chee Duen, Phu Chi Dao and the best one: Phu Chi Fa.

Final Thoughts

While Chiang Rai didn’t steal our hearts the way Chiang Mai did, we were still glad we visited. It’s worth the trip for the stunning temples alone, especially the White and Blue Temples. The city itself felt a bit sleepy and lacked some of the charm we’d come to love in other places, but for a couple of days, it’s definitely enough to explore the highlights. If you’ve got the time in your itinerary, don’t skip it, but maybe don’t plan to stay too long either.