Holidays To Chiang Rai

Chiang Rai holidays provide the perfect blend of northern Thai culture and scenery. Visit Chiang Rai’s unique temples, hike to hill tribe villages and visit the Golden Triangle where the three countries of Thailand, Laos and Myanmar converge.

Chiang Rai boasts a laid-back charm, with its location in the far north of Thailand on the Kok River, two hours from busy Chiang Mai. The town was founded in 1262, when it served as the capital of the Mengrai dynasty. It’s filled with ornate Thai buildings, Lanna art and temples like Wat Phra Kaew, which was once home to the sacred Emerald Buddha statue. Other Chiang Rai highlights include the clock tower, and the vibrant night bazaar, which sells handicrafts and street food. Head north to visit the famous Golden Triangle, where the Mekong River and Ruak River separate Thailand, Myanmar and Laos.

Visit Chiang Rai for temples, hill tribes and nature

Don’t miss Chiang Rai’s quirky temples, which are artworks in themselves. The famous Wat Rong Khun, or White Temple, has a snow-white design to symbolise the purity of Lord Buddha, complete with mirrored mosaics. Designed by Thai artist Chalermchai Kositpipat, the temple is famed for its abstract statues and fiery murals featuring Superman and Harry Potter. Compare this with the stunning Wat Rong Seur Ten, or Blue Temple, completed in 2016, and the eerie Black House, an art project on the outskirts of town. For natural wonders, explore Chiang Rai’s nearby river beach, caves, hot springs and waterfalls – the best is 70 metre tall Khun Korn.

Take an organised hike into Chiang Rai’s surrounding forests to the Burmese border, where you’ll find villages belonging to the area’s ethnic minority groups. These include the Hmong and Akha people, as well as the Karen women, who elongate their necks with brass rings. Stay at the Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp and Resort, which has an onsite elephant conservation centre, spa, pool and is set in the jungle.

Want to see more of Thailand? Our Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai multi-centre tour takes in all three cities. offering jungle treks and trips to sparkling temples, the Grand Palace and sprawling markets.