Chiang Rai often gets overlooked by its more popular northern neighbour city Chiang Mai, but if you’re not time poor, it’s definitely worth taking the time to add on a couple nights! Check out our Luxperia handpicked tips.
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There are a number of temples of Chiang Rai, each famous for their unique beauty and their extraordinary style.
White Temple (Wat Rong Khun)
Completely white temple, Wat Rong Khun stands out as stark comparison to all other typical Thai temples, and is by far one of the most extraordinary temples in all of Thailand. Entrance through the temple is also unconventional through its one-way pathway where you walk from “the depths of hell to heaven” while passing through mystical figures. The colourful, modern and quite simply bizarre murals housed inside is definitely what you wouldn’t expect. This without doubt is a temple worth visiting and a must on every trip to Northern Thailand.
Blue Temple (Wat Rong Seur Ten)
Another noteworthy temple is the Blue Temple. The façade of this hallowed location, which is adorned in bright royal blue and gold, is just simply breath-taking. The interior is also painted in entirely radiant blue with a huge white Buddha as its centrepiece along with a number of gorgeous elements that you should take your time to explore.
Crowd Control - Go as early as possible (temples are opened from 8am), avoid the weekdays and major holiday periods.
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When you wait outside for 30mins, and you are the last person to be seated before the restaurant shuts its doors as they have sold out for the night at 730pm, you know you’re in for a great food experience. Exceptional and attentive staff who take the time to explain each dish, and how best to eat it with all different vegetables, herbs spices - Barrab Restaurant Chiang Rai was every bit worth the wait. Notable standout dishes were their Hung Lay curry with pork (veggie option available) and Barrab, a northern style salad with pork (or mushrooms) – quite similar to laarb but very different!
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Our go-to in-town option is the Mora Boutique Hotel. Conveniently located, close to the heart of town, this charming boutique property offers wonderful and personalised service, high standards of cleanliness, a variety of food options along with large contemporary and comfortable rooms - every comfort and amenity a traveller could want.
The Anantara Golden Triangle, situated in lush hills, on the borders of Laos and Myanmar, is a gorgeous spot to stay when touring this intriguing historical, cultural, and adventurous region. All rooms are decorated with huge terrazzo bathtubs, Thai textiles, teak furnishings, and artwork from many regional cultures. The resort expertly blends Thai architecture and décor with world standards.
