Located in northern Thailand, the city of Chiang Rai offers captivating insights into the country’s heritage and provides fun adventures too; these are some things to know when planning a trip here.
Alex Azabache,CC0
Planning a Visit
You can fly into the city from Bangkok (around three hours) or take a bus, though this will take about 13 hours. Ideally, choose city centre accommodation at a budget or boutique hotel; Chiang Rai properties that offer airport transfers and easy access to attractions like the Night Bazaar make a great choice.
Local Markets
To enjoy local culture and some shopping, the Chiang Rai Night Bazaar is the place to go to. About a 10-minute walk from Hotel Sooknirund, it offers souvenirs, handicrafts and foodie delights galore along with cultural performances. Also worth checking out are the weekend markets which are equally enthralling.
Key Attractions
Amongst the most popular attractions in Chiang Rai, Wat Rong Khun (White Temple) features stunning sculptures and artworks including contemporary imagery. More cultural insights await at Wat Rong Suea Ten (Blue Temple), Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha) and the Baan Dam Museum (Black House), while nature lovers can visit the Khun Korn Waterfall.
When to Visit
The best time to visit is from November to February when the weather is quite pleasant and you can witness festivals like Loy Krathong (in November). From March to May the temperature soars though you can enjoy the Songkran Water Festival in April; monsoon rains arrive from June to October though not all the time and rates will be less too.
