Chiang Rai

Seen by many as a smaller and quieter version of Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai is both of these, retaining the feel of a small provincial Thai capital without the hordes of tourists you may see in other provincial centres. Yet for many travellers, Chiang Rai is nothing but a brief glance on each side of a trekking trip.

Despite sitting at the centre of a mostly mountainous province, the capital itself is set on the bank of the Mae Kok River, in a predominantly flat area with just a couple of small hillocks nearby. The climate is comfortably cool -- cool enough that getting a room with a hot shower is a fine idea.

While Chiang Rai is most often used as a base for one to four day trekking trips than run into the surrounding area, it does have some attractions in its own right.

Or, at least enough to keep an idle visitor busy for a day. There are a handful of temples and a small museum worth visiting, and the shopping isn't half bad.

The food is also pretty good with a particularly good night market and a healthy selection of both Thai and western restaurants along with an ample supply of guesthouse eateries.

 

If you don't plan to do a hilltribe trek, Chiang Rai can also be a handy base for renting a motorbike to explore the surrounding area -- most of the secondary roads are in fine condition and the scenery can be fabulous -- just remember to bring some warm clothes as it can get pretty nippy on a motorbike early in the morning.

Our recommendations

Once Chiang Mai was well and truly on the tourist radar, Chiang Rai began to develop as an alternative option -- one that has proven to be particularly popular with European travellers.

How alternative it is depends somewhat on your outlook -- in most ways it is just another Thai provincial capital, though it does have a smaller town feel to it when compared to Chiang Mai.

The trekking isn't the huge industry it is in Chiang Mai, but it remains the town's number one tourist drawcard, supported by a couple of temples and quite a good night market.

It is a good staging point from where to explore the province. Chiang Rai province has a lot to see, with Mae Salong and Chiang Khong essentials for your shortlist.

Add to scrapbook

 

 

  Search for accommodation

Search for guesthouses & hotels
where in Thailand?
Ao Nang Ao Phang Nga National Marine Park Ayutthaya Ban Chiang Ban Huay Kon Ban Krut Ban Phe Ban Toei Bang Saphan Yai Bangkok Betong Buriram Cha-am Chachoengsao Chanthaburi Chiang Dao Chiang Kham Chiang Khong Chiang Mai Chiang Rai Chiang Saen Chumphon Chumphon Beaches Damnoen Saduak Doi Khun Tan National Park Doi Phukha National Park Haad Nopphara Thara Hat Yai Hua Hin Kamphaeng Phet Kanchanaburi Khao Lak Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park Khong Chiam Ko Adang Ko Bulon Lae Ko Chang Ko Kham Ko Kho Khao Ko Kradan Ko Kut Ko Lanta Ko Lao Liang Ko Libong Ko Lipe Ko Maak Ko Muk Ko Mun Nork Ko Ngai Ko Pha Ngan Ko Phi Phi Ko Samet Ko Samui Ko Sukorn Ko Tao Ko Tarutao Ko Wai Ko Yao Noi Ko Yao Yai Krabi Lampang Lamphun Lopburi Mae Hong Son Mae Sai Mae Salong Mae Sariang Mae Sot Muang Tam Mukdahan Mukdahan National Park Nakhon Pathom Nakhon Phanom Nakhon Ratchasima Nakhon Si Thammarat Nakhon Si Thammarat Beaches Nan Nan to Ban Huay Kon Narathiwat Nong Khai Nonthaburi Pai Pakbara Pattani Pha Taem National Park Phang Nga Town Phanom Rung Phattalung Phayao Phetburi Phibun Mangsahan Phimai Phitsanulok Phrae Phrao Phu Chee Fah Phu Lang Ka Phu Sa Dok Bua National Park Phuket Prachuap Khiri Khan Railay Beach Ranong Ratchaburi Sangkhlaburi Satun Si Saket Soppong Sri Chiang Mai Sukhothai Sungai Kolok Surat Thani Surin Tak Tak Bai Thale Ban National Park That Phanom Thong Pha Phum Trang Trat Ubon Ratchathani Udon Thani Umphang Yala Yasothon

Sort results by:
Travelfish ranking (best first)
Price (cheapest first)
Name (A-Z)
Show only properties bookable online

Sponsored listings

Recommended reading

 » Trekking in Thailand
 » Motorcycling northern Thailand -- the Chiang Rai loop

 

Chiang Rai reviews

Backchat from the Travelfish community

Not a soul has had a thing to say about this place -- why don't you get the ball rolling?

Have your say