The city of Chiang Rai (and province of the same name) is located in the northernmost region of Thailand in a beautiful, mountainous landscape. The region is known to us among other things by the living there mountain peoples (inter alia, "Langhals" women, Karen and Hmong tribes) and the adjacent Golden Triangle, the border region to Laos and Myanmar.

The landscape is characterized by lush green rice fields and cloudy, mystical-looking mountain ranges.

The city of Chiang Rai is picturesquely situated on the river Kok and offers its visitors numerous, partly centuries-old sights. In and around the city area there are numerous temples. The most famous temple is undoubtedly the White Temple (Wat Rong Khun).

If you like extended trekking tours in picturesque landscapes mixed with culture and traditions, Chiang Rai will love it!

For us, the visit of the city with its temples, colorful markets and the trip to the Golden Triangle was an absolute travel highlight!

Temple:

Wat Rong Khun (White Temple): This temple is probably the most famous attraction in the region! Especially for Thai holidays and New Year's Eve, it is very crowded! The temple complex is very big. There are several smaller and larger white buildings on the area, which are assigned to different topics: Entering the temple, the visitor goes on a journey through hell to the rebirth in the direction of heaven. The white color symbolizes the purity of Buddha. Everywhere there are special statues and art objects. The Thai architect Chalermchai Kositpipat started building in 1997. The plant is estimated to be completed in 2070! The construction is completely financed by donations. In 2014, some buildings and especially murals inside the buildings were severely damaged by an earthquake in the Chian Rai region, which even feared closure of the facility. Meanwhile, the temple is restored and open to visitors!
Admission: 50 baht, Temple opening hours: 6:30 am - 6:00 pm;
Opening hours Gallery: 8.00 am - 5.30 pm

Wat Rong Suea Ten (Blue Temple): The temple is richly decorated and decorated. Its walls (inside and outside) are painted in an extraordinary blue color. In the prayer room is a large white Buddha and beautiful paintings on the walls. On the temple complex is also a large blue-golden chedi.
Admission: free, opening hours Temple: 06.30 o'clock - 19.00 o'clock

Wat Phra Kaew: Temple in the heart of Chiang Rai with a replica of the Emerald Buddha, the temple complex also houses a chedi and a museum
Admission: free, opening hours Temple: 06.30 o'clock - 18.00 o'clock,
Museum opening hours: 8:00 am - 5:30 pm

 

More Attractions:

Black Village (Baan Dam Museum): Here is a whole collection of larger and smaller wooden buildings (outwardly in Thai style). In the buildings are countless art objects, mainly made of furniture and decorative pieces of bone and animal skins. The exhibits have a very mystical appearance, since additional artificial light is completely dispensed with. The amount of art objects is overwhelming - even the visitor toilets are decorated!
Admission: THB 80, Hours: 9:00 am - 12:00 pm and 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Singha Park: a large park with tea plantation and zoo. The entrance to the park is free. You can rent here for 100 THB mountain bikes to explore the park.
Admission: free, opening hours: 9:00 am - 6:00 pm

Hilltribe Museum & Education Center: This museum provides an insight into the lifestyle of the hill tribes. In the exhibition rooms you will learn a lot about the history of the peoples and you can see everyday objects of everyday life. In a slide show (multilingual, German) you get a first overview of the individual tribes. In addition to looms, clothing, fabrics and artifacts as well as tools and everyday objects are shown.
Admission: 50 baht, opening hours: 9:00 am - 6:00 pm

Chiang Rai Night Bazaar: The market is located in the heart of the city and takes place every night. All sorts of souvenirs, clothing, jewelery and accessories are offered here. The night market also includes a larger food market. Here you can taste authentic Thai cuisine to your heart's content. At the stands there is a wide selection of different dishes. Every evening live music is played on stage.
Opening hours: daily from 18.00 o'clock

Golden Triangle: The Golden Triangle is located at the mouth of the Mekong and Ruak Rivers. Thailand, Myanmar and Laos meet here. The place on the Thai riverbank is called Sop Ruak. Here is the Opium Hall (a museum) and a temple with a large, golden Buddha statue. From here you have a good view across the river to the other side of the river (Laos). Boat trips to Laos are offered by Sop Ruak. Here you can visit a small duty free market.
Boattrip in Longtail Boat: 500 THB
Tour in larger covered boat 1,500 THB
Visa Laos (for 1 hour) 40 THB

More about the Golden Triangle you can find here: Golden Triangle