The Very Best Things to do in Chiang Rai with Family

Are you searching for the best things to do in Chiang Rai with family? In this post, we’ll explore all the best places to visit in Chiang Rai and beyond! Plus, I’ll tackle a common question: Is Chiang Rai worth visiting?

Whether you love art, culture, or nature—with a bucket load of experiences that appeal to kids and adults alike, Chiang Rai has something special for you! It’s such a hit for everyone, from families to couples and solos.

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Is Chiang Rai Worth Visiting?

Chiang Rai is often compared to its more famous sibling, Chiang Mai. If you’re also caught in the Chiang Mai vs Chiang Rai debate, remember it’s unfair to compare two places that are so different.

Each city stands out with its unique experiences. Chiang Mai is bustling with historic temples and crowded markets, while Chiang Rai is more laid-back, known for its unique art and peaceful nature.

Your choice should depend on what kind of adventure you prefer. Comparing them side-by-side doesn’t do justice to the unique charm each possesses.

Now, for those wondering if Chiang Rai is worth visiting, the answer is yes, a thousand times over! It merits a visit for several reasons.

First, it’s less crowded than other popular places in Thailand, offering a more relaxed vibe.

Furthermore, it’s home to some of the most unique and stunning temples, such as the White and the Blue Temples, which blend spirituality with striking artistic flair.

You also wouldn’t find an attraction as intriguing as the Black House anywhere else, which provides a compellingly dark yet fascinating glimpse into unconventional art.

Besides the unique art and temples, Chiang Rai also offers incredible outdoor experiences. Its natural landscape encompasses tea plantations, lush mountains, little tribal villages, waterfalls, lakes, and hot springs, making it ideal for hiking and scenic exploration.

Plus, an hour’s drive from Chiang Rai takes you to the Golden Triangle, a point where three countries meet!

Overall, Chiang Rai can be a rewarding destination if you enjoy exploring culture and traditions, appreciate art, enjoy the outdoors, and seek a slower pace of life.

Having said that, if you’re looking for bustling city life or extensive nightlife, Chiang Rai is not for you! Also, if only Thailand’s major tourist spots are on your list, it can be a bit out of the way, adding travel time and costs.

Most Celebrated Things to Do in Chiang Rai

When it comes to the most famous things to do in Chiang Rai, a few standout attractions definitely draw the crowds.

Wat Rong Khun (White Temple)

A masterpiece by the local artist Chalermchai Kositpipat, the White Temple (Wat Rong Khun) is at the top of the list, with its surreal, all-white facade that sparkles under the sun.

It’s stunning & thoughtful, Inside and out!

The temple is filled with intricate sculptures and artwork, each with significance. It mixes traditional Buddhist symbols with modern artistic elements, including some serendipitous pop culture references.

For instance, the bridge you cross to the main prayer hall represents a journey from the cycle of life and death to a state of nirvana.

Exploring the vast temple complex and its unique structures is quite an unusual and profound experience.

Wat Rong Suea Ten (Blue Temple)

Then, there’s the Blue Temple (Wat Rong Suea Ten), which dazzles with its vibrant blue color sprinkled with golden highlights and intricate designs.

Inside the main prayer hall, the color palette continues beautifully. The huge white statue of Buddha sits in the center, surrounded by bright blue walls adorned with intricate patterns and detailed murals that reflect Buddhist teachings. The entire setup creates a calm and thoughtful space for visitors.

Baan Dam Museum (Black House)

Another must-visit is the Black House (Baan Dam Museum), which contrasts sharply with the White Temple.

Created by Thai artist Thawan Duchanee, it’s an expansive complex of nearly 40 buildings, each showcasing a unique theme and design.

Not your regular museum, it merges art and architecture in a way that’s both intriguing and a bit eerie.

The structures of all shapes and sizes are predominantly black, creating a stark and powerful visual impact.

From large, dramatic animal sculptures to a line-up of bones and skins, each piece contributes to the overall dark yet captivating atmosphere. Inside, you’ll find a diverse collection of artworks exploring themes of life, death, and human nature.

I found it a unique experience for children, especially teens, as the unconventional art here engages their imagination and forces them to consider a different perspective on how art can convey powerful messages.

Wat Huay Pla Kang

Dominated by an impressive 90-meter-tall statue of the Goddess of Mercy, Guanyin, Wat Huay Pla Kang, often cited as the Big Buddha Temple, is a stunning temple complex!

Apart from the colossal statue, the temple grounds are also home to a Chinese-Lanna architectural masterpiece, a nine-story pagoda. You can climb the statue of Guanyin and the pagoda to enjoy the sweeping views.

Also, you must not miss the Main Temple Hall—with its all-white interiors, detailed carvings that illustrate Buddhist stories and mythology, and the striking ivory-white Buddha in the center, it’s worth a look!

Golden Triangle

Well-known as a former opium trade region, the Golden Triangle is one of the most famous attractions in Chiang Rai. It’s where the borders of Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar meet.

You can take a boat trip across the Mekong River to see the borders of the three countries in more detail.

Visiting one of the markets is highly recommended, as it allows you to explore unique goods from all three countries in one place.

If you want to learn more about the history of opium cultivation, you can visit the Hall of Opium Museum.

Sprinkled throughout the region are endless ancient temples and viewpoints that promise psychedelic cultural and scenic experiences.

Explore the best of the Golden Triangle on this exclusive private tour—book now to see the best attractions!

Choui Fong Tea Plantation

While there are many tea plantations in Chiang Rai, the best tea-producing region in Thailand, Choui Fong Tea Plantation is popular among tourists, maybe because of its accessibility.

Spread over acres of rolling hills, this plantation is known for its high-quality tea, especially green tea, and beautiful landscape, where endless rows of tea bushes stretch across lush, rolling hills.

There’s an onsite café where you can relish a cup or two of freshly brewed tea with freshly baked cakes while taking in the sweeping views over the plantation. Don’t forget to try their signature green tea-flavored desserts.

Chiang Rai Night Bazaar

Located in the city center, Chiang Rai Night Bazaar is a bustling marketplace that comes alive in the evening.

It’s a delight to browse stalls selling everything from handmade crafts to traditional Thai street food.

And that’s not all—there are live performances. I found it a perfect spot to experience the local atmosphere.

Chiang Rai Walking Street

Chiang Rai Walking Street is a fun weekend market that pops up every Saturday and Sunday evening.

Here, you can walk around, shop for local crafts, enjoy tasty food, and catch some entertainment.

Much like the Night Bazaar, it’s an ideal place to relax and experience the local culture.

Thai Cooking Class

If you are a foodie, fond of cooking, or love cultural experiences, take a cooking class in Chiang Rai.

It gives you a chance to learn how to make traditional dishes using hyper-local ingredients with the help of a local chef who makes the experience more interesting by sharing expert tips and stories about Thai cuisine.

Most cooking classes let you pick fresh ingredients from a local market. Then, there is a hands-on cooking session, during which you prepare and then enjoy your delicious creations—a fun way to experience Thai culture and culinary traditions!

BEST TOURS IN CHIANG RAI
👉 Highlights of Chiang Rai: This full-day small group tour with a local guide starts in Chiang Rai and takes you to famous sites such as the White Temple, the Blue Temple, the Baan Dam Museum, Union Hilltribe Villages, Choui Fong Tea Plantation, and the Golden Triangle. The tour includes a traditional lunch. It’s a perfect introduction to the city for the first-timers or the best for those tight on time!
👉 Thai Cooking Class: This traditional cooking class in Chiang Rai is a delicious experience. You’ll learn to cook local dishes and visit a nearby market to soak in the culture.

BEST DAY TRIP TO CHIANG RAI FROM CHIANG MAI
👉 Chiang Rai Temples: This full-day private tour from Chiang Mai lets you explore all four iconic temples. The tour includes pickup and drop-off, lunch, and entrance fees. This tour is efficiently organized, ensuring you explore the best of Chiang Rai within a single day, all while enjoying the scenic journey between the two cities.

Other Famous Things to Do in Chiang Rai

You can add a site or two from this list if you have additional time in Chiang Rai!

Sights of the Old Town

The Old Town of Chiang Rai is a compact and historic area. You can easily explore the sights of the old town on foot.

Its narrow streets are sprinkled with traditional wooden houses, ancient temples, quaint local shops, and plenty of atmospheric cafes and small eateries.

While there are many temples to see, Wat Phra Singh stands out for its beautiful Lanna-style architecture and intricate wood carvings. Another popular landmark is the Chiang Rai Clock Tower.

You can use a free tram service that takes you to the most prominent attractions in 2 hours.

Khun Korn Forest Park Waterfall

Khun Korn Forest Park Waterfall is the tallest in Chiang Rai, at 70 meters high.

To reach the waterfall, you’ll enjoy a scenic 1.4 km (0.8 miles) hike through lush forest trails, which takes around 30-45 minutes one way. The path is well-marked and fairly easy, suitable for most visitors.

Once you arrive, you’ll be greeted by the sight and sound of the powerful waterfall cascading into a clear pool below. Entry is free!

Singha Park

Singha Park, also known as Boon Rawd Farm, is a vast agricultural park known for its tea plantations, orchards, and gardens.

It’s a perfect open space for those traveling with young kids. Plus, there’s no shortage of recreational activities such as bike rides, ziplining, petting zoo, and more.

The park also hosts the famous Chiang Rai Balloon Fiesta in February, during which you can enjoy a hot-air balloon ride!

Mae Fah Luang Art and Cultural Park

Like Singha Park, Mae Fah Luang Art and Cultural Park is a beautiful urban open space. Encircled by meticulously maintained gardens peppered with glassy ponds, travelers can revel in the peaceful ambiance.

It’s not just that. The park is also an art and culture center. Home to stunning traditional Lanna architecture, including the exquisite Haw Kham, aka the Golden Pavilion, which showcases an impressive collection of artifacts, the park hosts exhibitions and cultural performances on and off.

Tham Luang Cave

Located in the Chiang Rai province near the Myanmar border, Tham Luang Cave is part of a larger complex within the Tham Luang-Khun Nam Nang Non Forest Park.

It gained international fame in 2018 when a youth soccer team and their coach were dramatically rescued after being trapped by floodwaters.

The extensive cave system, which is about 10 kilometers long, features stunning rock formations, chambers, and tunnels shaped over millions of years.

The main entrance is large, but further, the cave narrows to tight passages. You can explore the entrance of Tham Luang Cave, where signs explain the cave’s geography and the rescue story.

However, deeper exploration is restricted to protect both the cave environment and the safety of tourists.

There’s also a visitor center and a museum nearby for more information about the cave.

Phu Chi Fa Forest Park

Located at the eastern edge of the province, bordering Laos, Phu Chi Fa Forest Park is most famous for its dramatic sunrise views from the summit that overlooks a sea of morning mist covering the valley below.

The national park features a rugged mountain terrain covered in lush forest, which makes it perfect for hiking and camping.

Trails range from moderate to challenging, leading adventurers through dense forests to the peak of Phu Chi Fa, which stands at about 1,628 meters above sea level.

From the summit, you can enjoy the panoramic views of the surrounding landscape and, on clear days, across Laos.

There are many small guesthouses and camping spots to stay overnight to catch the iconic sunrise.

Doi Mae Salong

Cuddled in the Thai highlands, Doi Mae Salong is a cute little village. Its architecture, food, and customs reveal the fusion of Thai and Chinese cultures. The Chinese Nationalist soldiers who settled here in the 1960s left an indelible mark.

Today, Doi Mae Salong is famous for its picturesque landscapes and lush tea plantations. As far as you can see, the rolling hills are covered with oolong tea bushes.

Beyond the tea plantations, the village’s center is dotted with traditional houses, ancient temples & shrines, and small shops selling local handicrafts, traditional Chinese medicines, and various teas.

Lesser-Known Things to do in Chiang Rai

Chiang Rai is full of hidden gems and lesser-known spots ready to be discovered by those looking to explore beyond the usual.

Chiang Rai River Beach

Located along the banks of the Kok River, Chiang Rai River Beach, locally known as “Hat Pattaya Noi” (Little Pattaya), is not a beach in the traditional sense, as there’s no ocean, but the soft sand and gentle river create a unique beach-like atmosphere.

You can rent a mat or bring your own to sit on the sand, bask in the sun, watch the river flow by, kayak, or swim.

Oub Kham Museum

Not many travelers visit Oub Kham Museum, so it remains a hidden cultural gem.

It’s a private museum curated by Julasak Suriyachai. It showcases an impressive collection of items related to the Lanna Kingdom and the Tai people, so quite a place for culture and history enthusiasts. 

And you know, you get the services of a knowledgeable guide to assimilate all the information.

The museum is open from 8 am to 5 pm daily and costs 300 Baht (8.27 USD).

Doi Din Dang Pottery

Founded by local artist Somluk Pantiboon, Doi Din Dang Pottery is a charming pottery studio set in a beautiful natural area surrounded by trees and birdsong.

It’s a bit out of town, but it’s perfect for art lovers. It’s just a 10-minute drive from Baan Dam Museum.

At the studio, you can watch local artisans at work, explore the beautiful handcrafted pottery, and even buy some unique pieces to take home. There’s also a cozy café where you can enjoy coffee and cake.

Wat Tham Plaa

Not far from Tham Luang Cave, Wat Tham Plaa, aka Fish Cave Temple, is a unique natural and spiritual attraction in Chiang Rai.

Set in a serene forest surrounded by rugged limestone cliffs, the temple complex is famous for a pond outside the cave temple that houses a large number of sacred fish. Locals feed the fish to seek blessings.

Apart from the sacred pond, a series of cave chambers filled with Buddhist statues create a meditative ambiance.

Wat Tham Phra

Set against a backdrop of lush forest and rugged karst formations, Wat Tham Phra, also known as Buddha Cave Temple, is another beautiful temple famous for its naturally formed cave, which houses Buddha statues that are believed to be several centuries old.

The temple complex is known for its monkey population, which is quite used to human presence. However, to avoid encouraging aggressive behavior, it’s best not to feed them.

Tham Tu Pu (Tu Pu Monastery) and Buddha Image Cave

Tham Tu Pu and the Buddha Image Cave are celebrated for their meditative and spiritual ambiance.

An ancient white Buddha statue against rugged limestone cliffs dominates Tham Tu Pu. The temple complex also houses a temple, a cave, and a few intriguing statues.

The Buddha Image Cave, as its name suggests, houses several revered Buddha statues within its depths. These beautifully crafted statues are placed in natural niches in the cave walls.

Ban Li Khai

Ban Li Khai is a small village just outside the city known for its rich culture, traditional way of life, and beautiful rice terraces.

The village offers a more authentic glimpse into rural Thai culture. Tourists flock here for its scenic rice terraces, which are especially picturesque during the planting and harvesting seasons when they are lush green or golden yellow.

You can drive or take the trail to the rice terrace viewpoint. Dotted with stunning waterfalls such as Nang Lae Nai Waterfall and clear streams, the route promises a beautiful experience.

Huay Mae Sai Waterfall

A scenic drive from Chiang Rai to Huay Mae Sai Waterfall takes about 40 minutes. Once there, a short 15-minute hike through woodlands leads to the waterfall.

The waterfall cascades over two tiers, creating a natural pool where you can swim.

Huay Kaew Waterfall

Huay Kaew Waterfall is a two-tiered waterfall near the small village of Pha Soet Phatthana in Doi Hang.

It’s just a 10-minute hike from the parking area to the second level of the waterfall, where there is a small pond for swimming.

While you visit Huay Kaew Waterfall, you can also plan to explore the nearby Pha Soet Phatthana village, Phasoet Hot Spring, and Lam Nam Kok National Park. The national park is home to Huay Mark Lium Hot Spring and Pong Phra Bat Waterfall.

Pu Kaeng Waterfall

Part of the Doi Luang National Park, Pu Kaeng Waterfall is the most picturesque waterfall in Chiang Rai.

The waterfall features 9 distinct tiers, creating a spectacular sight as the water flows down limestone terraces. The hike to the final level takes about an hour.

Wat Saeng Kaew Phothiyan

Wat Saeng Kaeo Phothiyan is famous for its huge, colorful statues, including a prominent figure of the Maitreya Buddha, the future Buddha. Visitors can access a Skywalk to get close to the Maitreya Buddha statue and take in sweeping views of the area.

Added to the mind-boggling collection of statues and images are revered monks, historical figures, demo gods, and Hindu gods like Ganesha and Shiva.

There’s also a beautiful fern garden adorned with statues of nagas and dragons, waterfalls, and orchids, creating a peaceful vibe.

The popular guided tours in Chiang Rai don’t include this temple; however, I’ve found this tour that includes a visit to Wat Saeng Kaew Phothiyan. If you are traveling by your own car, you can easily stop by on the way from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai.

Doi Pha Tang

Located on the Thai-Laos border, Doi Pha Tang is famous for its stunning vistas of rolling hills and the expansive landscape stretching into Laos. The meandering Mekong River divides Thailand and Laos.

With many viewpoints, such as Chong Pha Bong, 103, and Noen 104, it’s famous for watching sunrise and sunset. Year-round, you can witness the sea of mist from the viewpoints.

If you find yourself here in December and January, you’ll be surprised by the sight of blooming cherry blossoms and crescent flowers.

If culture exploration piques your interest, you can also plan to visit nearby tribal (Chinese Haw, Hmong, and Yao) villages. A trip to Doi Pha Tang can be easily combined with a visit to Phu Chi Fa.

Doi Tung

Located in the center of the Golden Triangle, Doi Tung is home to the Royal Villa, the beautiful residence built for the late Princess Mother, the Hall of Inspiration, an exhibition hall, and Mae Fah Luang and Suan Mae Fa Luang, the beautifully manicured gardens.

The Princess Mother started a Doi Tung Development Project here to focus on restoring the forest and improving the lives of local hill tribes through sustainable coffee and handicraft production.

Several attractions are nearby, including Wat Phra That Doi Tung, an ancient temple dating back to the 10th century that is a significant pilgrimage site for Thai and Burmese Buddhists.

For a beautiful outdoor experience, take on a walking trail winding through the forest and past ethnic villages, coffee shops, and bustling handicraft markets.

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