Chiang Rai
Quieter, greener and stranger than Chiang Mai. Chiang Rai has the White Temple, the Blue Temple and the Golden Triangle, where Thailand, Laos and Myanmar meet at the Mekong.
Contemporary temples, mountain roads
Wat Rong Khun is a living artwork rather than a ruin, and it is best before 9am. The road north to Mae Sai and the Golden Triangle is a half-day drive through tea hills; we usually pair it with a boat on the Mekong.
Pairing it with Chiang Mai
The drive between the two cities takes three hours through mountains. Most travellers do Chiang Mai first, then Chiang Rai, then fly out — or cross into Laos by slow boat if they have the time.
Things to see in Chiang Rai
Temple
Wat Rong Khun (White Temple)
Chalermchai Kositpipat's white, mirror-studded temple outside Chiang Rai — part sacred site, part contemporary a…
Temple
Wat Rong Suea Ten (Blue Temple)
A deep-blue and gold temple with a huge white seated Buddha, built by a student of the White Temple's artist.…
Landmark
The Golden Triangle
Where the Mekong meets the Ruak and Thailand, Laos and Myanmar sit within sight of each other.…
Garden
Doi Tung Royal Villa & Gardens
A Swiss-style royal villa and hillside flower gardens on the Myanmar border, built by the late Princess Mother.…
Tours that include Chiang Rai
Private
4.9 (80)
Best of Thailand
Bangkok · Ayutthaya · Sukhothai · Chiang Mai
Private
4.9 (60)
Chiang Mai & Chiang Rai Loop
Chiang Mai · Chiang Rai
Private
4.9 (100)
Thailand Grand Tour
Bangkok · Kanchanaburi · Ayutthaya · Sukhothai
Private
4.9 (155)
Chiang Rai: White Temple & Golden Triangle
Chiang Rai
Experiences here
Add Chiang Rai to a longer trip
Most travellers combine it with two or three other places. Tell us your dates and we will suggest the route.