Chiang Rai
Home to the White Temple, Blue Temple, and Black House — plus hill tribe villages and the Golden Triangle where Thailand meets Myanmar and Laos.
About this place
Chiang Rai province is Thailand's northernmost territory, sharing borders with Myanmar and Laos at the legendary Golden Triangle. The city itself is smaller and quieter than Chiang Mai but has become an art destination thanks to Ajarn Chalermchai Kositpipat's stunning Wat Rong Khun (White Temple), Rong Suea Ten (Blue Temple), and the Baan Dam Museum (Black House) by the late Thawan Duchanee. The night market has one of the best live music scenes in Thailand. Day trips to hill tribe villages, tea plantations (Choui Fong and Singha Park), and the Golden Triangle are popular.
Best for
Best Time to Visit
Temple Circuit Strategy
Do the White Temple first thing in the morning (it opens at 8am) before tour buses arrive from Chiang Mai around 10am. Blue Temple and Black House are less crowded in the afternoon. The night market starts at 6pm — plan dinner there.
Getting Around
Getting from Chiang Mai
Green Bus runs hourly from Chiang Mai Bus Station 3 (Arcade) to Chiang Rai (166-288 THB, 3-4 hours). VIP buses have wider seats and are worth the extra 100 THB. AirAsia and Nok Air fly the route for 800-1,500 THB if booked early.
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