Thailand
Explore Chiang Rai
To reach Chiang Rai, you’ll need to head back from Pai to Chiang Mai first, then catch a minivan to Chiang Rai. Plan for a full day of travel. Once you arrive, you can spend the following day exploring the highlights of Chiang Rai.
Start your day by exploring Wat Rong Khun
Start your day with a visit to Wat Rong Khun, also known as the White Temple. It’s the prettiest and most unique temple of Thailand (at least in our opinion). Its unique white facade and sparkling silver details create a magical sight, especially when illuminated by the sun. We had seen many images and videos of this temple, but experiencing it in person left us in awe. We still can’t believe how pretty it is! We really could have spent hours admiring its beauty without getting bored. Since we were the first (yes, first!) to enter, we were able to take plenty of photos without people around us or in the background. If that’s your cup of tea, make sure to check the tip to know how you can achieve this, too ;-) We estimate that you'll spend between 1 to 2 hours here, and the entrance fee is a mere 100 baht.
Your next stop is just a short 20-minute drive away.
Visit Wat Rong Suea Ten
After your visit to Wat Rong Khun, it’s time to make your way to Wat Rong Suea Ten, also known as the Blue Temple. True to its name, this temple boasts a stunning blue design both inside and out, complemented by intricate golden details. The highlight of the temple is the large white Buddha statue, surrounded by various temporary Buddhist artworks. Pretty cool to see, and nothing like we’ve seen before! Outside the temple, you'll find numerous blue statues in all shapes and forms, such as dragons and guards. It all fits the theme and vibe! Now, onto the best part… Admission to Wat Rong Suea Ten is free! You should aim to spend at least an hour here, especially if you wish to admire all the artwork inside.
Only 8 minutes to your next location of the day!
Admire the Chiang Rai Clock Tower
Return to the heart of Chiang Rai and kick off your city exploration by visiting the iconic Chiang Rai Clock Tower. Serving as the focal point of the city, this magnificent golden clock tower was crafted by the same artist responsible for the White Temple. You can be sure that it’s a stunning clock. ;-) The best time to visit this gem is after dark, and around the hour change. That way you’ll see the clock covered in beautiful lights, and you can hear the magnificent sound it makes!
Less than a 10-minute walk will take you to your food spot of the day.
End your day at Chiang Rai Night Bazaar
Wrap up your day at the vibrant Chiang Rai Night Bazaar, just a brief stroll from the Chiang Rai Clock Tower. This bustling market is the perfect finale to your day trip in Chiang Rai. Not only is it the perfect place for some souvenir shopping, the reason we take you here is for the amazing Thai street food. For this, you’ll have to make your way to the central area, where you'll find an array of exciting street food options. And whether it's live music, theater shows, or a drag performance, there's always entertainment to enjoy.
