Head north to the Golden Triangle where Thailand, Laos and Myanmar meet; separated by the mighty Mekong and Ruak Rivers
Marvel at the striking, contemporary White and Blue Temples, which feature glittering mosaics, Buddha statues, artistic murals and tiered roofs
Visit northern Thailand’s hill tribe villages, including the Hmong and Karen minorities, for a glimpse of remote culture
Hike in nearby hills and national parks to discover lush forests, crashing waterfalls, native wildlife and rustic riverside towns
Destination Highlights
Head north to the Golden Triangle where Thailand, Laos and Myanmar meet; separated by the mighty Mekong and Ruak Rivers
Marvel at the striking, contemporary White and Blue Temples, which feature glittering mosaics, Buddha statues, artistic murals and tiered roofs
Visit northern Thailand’s hill tribe villages, including the Hmong and Karen minorities, for a glimpse of remote culture
Hike in nearby hills and national parks to discover lush forests, crashing waterfalls, native wildlife and rustic riverside towns
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.
We dont actively promote Elephant riding in any of our destinations. What we do promote is the opportunity to see elephants in their natural environment and learn more about these majestic creatures in an ethical way. Speak to a Destination Specialist for more details.
Whats the best length of time to stay in Chiang Rai?
We could spend weeks in Chiang Rai but we understand time is precious when you are on holiday. If you are visiting Chiang Rai as part of a Multi centre itinerary, then a minimum three nights is recommended
Great sample itineraries
Discover Thailand with our collection of tailored tours. Enjoy the buzzing capital Bangkok, elephant sanctuaries, white-sand beaches in Phuket and Khao Lak, as well as northern cultural hotspots like Chiang Rai.
Bangkok Chiang Mai Chiang Rai Tour
11 Days
from £1,999 PP
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Browse our selection of luxury Chiang Rai hotels, which provide a variety of board options. Opulent facilities include river views, traditional Thai spas, restaurants, pools and elegant five-star suites
Chiang Rai
Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort
Surrounded by the natural beauty of Northern Thailand’s rugged hill country, the Anantara’s Golden Triangle Resort is a luxury nature…
“Try and visit a local hill tribe from Chiang Rai if time allows. The interaction with villagers is extremely eye-opening and gives you the rare chance to see how locals live their life in a personal and authentic way.”
Thidara
Senior Travel Consultant
“Ensure you always have a scarf or sarong with you in Chiang Rai in case you stumble across a temple. To be respectful, ensure your legs, arms and shoulders are covered when entering temples across Thailand.”
Val
Senior Travel Consultant
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