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Chiang Rai travel guide

The White Temple, tea hills and the Golden Triangle

The White Temple. Photo: JJ Harrison (https://www.jjharrison.com.au/), CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

11h 30mflight from London
CEInearest main airport
28° in Aprwarmest month
19° in Deccoolest month

Chiang Rai is a small, laid-back city in Thailand's far north, famous for the dazzling White Temple and the Blue Temple. Tea plantations and hill-tribe villages cover the mountains around it.

The Golden Triangle, where Thailand, Laos and Myanmar meet on the Mekong, is an hour north.

Good forTemplesNatureCultureRelaxing

What Chiang Rai is known for

  • The White Temple

    A dazzling modern temple.

  • The Blue Temple

    Deep blue and gold interiors.

  • Tea plantations

    Green hills of tea at Doi Mae Salong.

  • The Golden Triangle

    Where three countries meet.

Top things to do in Chiang Rai

  1. 1

    The White Temple

    Wat Rong Khun, go early to avoid crowds.

    Find tours and tickets
  2. 2

    The Blue Temple

    Wat Rong Suea Ten.

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  3. 3

    Baan Dam

    The Black House museum of dark art.

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  4. 4

    The Golden Triangle

    The Mekong viewpoint and Opium Museum.

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See all tours and tickets in Chiang Rai

Where to stay in Chiang Rai

Find a hotel in Chiang Rai

Best time to visit Chiang Rai

Best value: Mar. November to February: cool, dry and clear.

  • Best valueGood weather, smaller crowds
  • PeakBusiest, highest prices
  • QuietCheapest, cooler or wetter
19.3 C19°J21.9 C22°F25 C25°M27.8 C28°A27.4 C27°M26.6 C27°J25.8 C26°J25.4 C25°A25.4 C25°S24.1 C24°O21.5 C22°N19 C19°D
Bar height is the average temperature in Chiang Rai, °C, 2001–2025 (NASA POWER).

Getting there and around

About 11h 30m from London to CEI, and flights from most UK airports.

Hire a driver or join tours. Buses run from Chiang Mai in about three hours.

Find flights to Chiang Rai (CEI)

Shows the cheapest fares for next month on Aviasales, our flight partner. We may earn a commission, at no cost to you. Flight times are straight-line estimates for a direct flight from Heathrow.

Good to know

  • It's an easy day trip from Chiang Mai, but better with a night.
  • Dress modestly at temples.
  • Nights are cool in December and January.
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Chiang Rai FAQ

Can I visit Chiang Rai from Chiang Mai?

Yes, as a long day trip.

How long should I stay?

One or two nights.

More places in Thailand

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