Our team had been to Thailand numerous times. Yet, it still has its distinct character that elicits excitement when I think about going to again. For one, I love Thai food — all the signature dishes like Pad Thai, Tom Yum, Khao Pad, Pad See Eiw, and Som Tam among others. and the street food scene and night or weekend markets? They sure know the name of the game. Secondly, I am always impressed at the beautiful and intricately developed structures, both modern and historic sites. It always feels good to be back. but this time, our team went to explore the northernmost province of Thailand — Chiang Rai.
WHAT’S covered IN THIS GUIDE?
Understanding Chiang Rai
How to get to Chiang RaiFrom Manila
From Bangkok
From Chiang Mai
Chiang Rai airport to City Center
Where to stay in Chiang RaiTop budget hotels in Chiang Rai
Top budget Hostels in Chiang Rai
Search for much more Chiang Rai Hotels!
Getting around Chiang Rai
Internet connection in Chiang Rai
Places to visit in Chiang RaiWat Rong Khun (White Temple)
Wat Rong Seur ten (Blue Temple)
Baan Dam (Black House)
Golden Triangle
Chiang Khong
Mae Salong
Chiang Rai Food Trip
Sample Chiang Rai Itinerary
More Chiang Rai suggestions for the poor Traveler
Frequently Asked questions about Chiang RaiWhen is the best time to visit Chiang Rai?
Is it safe in Chiang Rai?
How does Chiang Rai differ from Chiang Mai?
More suggestions on YouTube ⬇️⬇️⬇️Related Posts:
Understanding Chiang Rai
Located on the northern suggestion of Thailand, Chiang Rai province is the area in Thailand which is part of the popularly known area where three countries converge — the golden Triangle. At the junction of the Ruak River and Mekong River, the borders of Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar (formerly Burma) meet. Particularly, Chiang Rai shares borders with Myanmar (Shan State) to the north, Laos (Bokeo Province) to the east, Chiang Mai province to the west, Phayao province to the south, and Lampang province to the southwest. The capital city/town shares the same name as the province, Chiang Rai.
Chiang Rai used to be a part of the Lanna Kingdom. In 1262, King Meng Rai made it the first capital of the Lanna Kingdom. “Chiang” implies city in Thai, so Chiang Rai literally implies City of (King) Rai. The capital was then changed to Chiang Mai (New City) and because then, it has become the economic and tourism hub of northern Thailand. Chiang Rai is much more laidback compared to the neighboring Chiang Mai, but it has it possesses a distinct character brought about by the presence of several ethnic groups, including the hill tribes. There are a lot of temples and museums, showcasing the customs and tradition.
Aside from the peculiar indigenous culture and antiquities, Chiang Rai boasts its countryside and mountainous region. A majority of the tourists concerning Chiang Rai head to the mountains for trekking, nature tripping, trail running, chasing waterfalls, dipping in hot springs, and finding good viewpoints among others.
Here are other facts you need to know:
Language: Thai and Kham Muang. aside from the Thai language, Kham Muang is also widely spoken, particularly by the majority of the ethnic population in Chiang Rai. It is closely related to Lao/Laotian, but much more on central Thai. compared to central Thai, the people of Chiang Rai (and northern Thailand in particular) speak relatively slower or unhurried.
Currency: Thai Baht (THB, ฿). THB100 is roughly USD 3, EUR 2.9, SGD 4.5, PHP 170 (as of August 2019).
Modes of payment: Cash. Some restaurants and hotels accept credit report card transactions, but smaller establishments choose cash.
ATMs: There are numerous ATMs in Chiang Rai, but many of them are concentrated in the capital — Chiang Rai City. ATMs are located in front of the banks, commercial complexes, and even inside 7/11 stores.
Electricity Info: 220V AC electricity. many of the sockets have two holes that can accommodate both flat and round pins. Compatible plugs are type A, C, and F.
How to get to Chiang Rai
From Manila
From Manila, there’s no direct flight to Chiang Rai. Bangkok will be your jump-off point. numerous airline companies are flying the Manila-Bangkok route. You will either arrive at Suvarnabhumi airport (BKK) or Don Mueang airport (DMK). The former (BKK) is the newer and bigger airport and serves many international flights, both long-haul and short-haul. It also handles domestic flights. buddy and Cebu Pac flights land here. The latter (DMK) also handles international flights but the majority is domestic. This is also the hub of inexpensive carriers. If you are flying through Air Asia, you will many likely land here.
If you want to spend a day or two in Bangkok before going to Chiang Rai, you should give an allowance of one to two hours travel time to the city center as rush hour traffic is notorious. If you are traveling between these two airports for a connecting or transfer flight, you should note thatthe two airports are very far from each other. allot 45 minutes to two hours (depending on the time and traffic condition) travel time.
From Bangkok
Bangkok Airways
Bangkok is one of the transportation and tourism hubs in Southeast Asia. many tourists, particularly backpackers choose the capital city as their set-off point to other parts of Thailand and even the neighboring countries. Chiang Rai is over 800km north of Bangkok. From the capital, you can reach Chiang Rai by plane, by bus, and by train. We have a comprehensive post about this here, how to get to Chiang Rai from Bangkok, but here’s a summary.
BY AIR
The fastest and many convenient option. You might even score cheap flights, which makes this even much more appealing to some. The primary gateway to Chiang Rai by air is Mae Fah Luang international airport (CEI), formerly named Chiang Rai international Airport. Although located in the capital, Chiang Rai City, it will take you 15-20 minutes to reach the city center as the airport is located about 8km from there.
Many airline companies offer the Bangkok-Chiang Rai route, connecting it to either Suvarnabhumi airport (BKK) or Don Mueang Airport. one of the recognized and reliable airlines is Bangkok Airways, a Skytrax awardee for 2019 best regional airline not only in Thailand but also in Asia. The reflected fare is inclusive of in-flight meal/snack and totally free 20kg baggage allowance. If you are flying Bangkok Airways, your point of departure is Suvarnabhumi airport (BKK). The flight duration is 1-1.5 hours.
BY BUS
The less expensive option but takes longer travel time. In Chiang Rai City, there are two bus terminal: the old one called Bus terminal 1 and the new one called Bus terminal 2. Bus terminal 1 is located in the city center, near the night Bazaar. Bus terminal 2 is located 7km from the city center. If you are coming from Bangkok, your bus will many likely terminate at terminal 2. Some buses make a stop here first, then terminate at Bus terminal 1.
From Bangkok, go to Mo Chit Bus terminal (Northern Bus Terminal), near Chatuchak Market. The nearest BTS station is the Mo Chit Station.
At the Mo Chit Bus Terminal’s departure section, purchase your ticket. The fare ranges from THB 400 to THB 900, depending on the type of bus and season. during high season (November-May), it is highly recommended to purchase in advance. For convenience, you may also book online through 12Go, where you can compare the fares of the different bus companies providing the route.
Board your bus and alight at either Chiang Rai Bus terminal 1 or 2. The travel time is 10-12 hours for the overnight bus and 12-14 hours for the day bus. many travelers choose the night bus to save money and time. If you want to see the beautiful drive, you may choose the day bus. It’s up to you.
BY TRAIN
There’s no railway directly linking Chiang Rai to Bangkok. The nearest station is located in Chiang Mai or Lampang. You may check state railway of Thailand for the fares and schedule.
From Bangkok to Chiang Mai, the train ride will take 11-13 hours, depending on the type of train. then from Chiang Mai, you need to board a bus to Chiang Rai. The bus ride takes 2-4 hours. Train fare: THB 120-600. Bus fare: THB 300.
From Bangkok to Lampang Station, the train ride will take 9-11 hours, depending on the train type. then from there, board a bus to Chiang Rai. The bus ride takes 3-5 hours. Train fare: THB 100-500. Bus fare: around THB 400.
From Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai is a neighboring province of Chiang Rai. It is the economic and cultural hub of northern Thailand. In terms of traveler volume, Chiang Mai by far busier as the economy is primarily driven by tourism. Although Chiang Rai is slowly acquiring the attention of tourists, it is still pretty much laidback compared to Chiang Mai. many of Chiang Rai’s visitors are coming from Chiang Mai, typically on a day tour. some of the ways you can reach Chiang Rai from Chiang Mai are by bus, private transfer or trip package. There’s no railway system connecting these two points. We also have a comprehensive post about this here, how to get to Chiang Rai from Chiang Mai. Here’s a quick rundown.
BY BUS
Go to Arcade Bus station on the eastern end of Kaew Nawarat Road, 3km from Chiang Mai City center. note that there are three bus terminals in Chiang Mai City. You need to go to Bus terminal 2 and 3, collectively called Arcade Bus Station/Terminal. These two are located across each other.
Purchase your ticket. the most reliable and popular bus company among tourists is the Greenbus. It’s ticket counter/office is at Bus terminal 3.
Get your queue number and wait for your turn. When your number is called, go to the ticket counter and purchase your ticket. The fare ranges from THB 130 to THB 300, depending on the type of bus — express or VIP. rates may vary depending on the season. It’s best to book in advancement online during high season. 12Go is the most trusted booking site.
Get on your bus and alight at either Chiang Rai Bus terminal 1 or 2. The travel time is 2-4 hours, depending on the season and traffic condition.
BY private TRANSFER
Others choose to book a private transfer between Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai. This might be much more convenient for those traveling as a group. Klook is providing a private transfer package that includes door-to-door hotel transfer, and a professional English-speaking driver. You can choose between a car or a van.
Photo offered by Klook
✅ book private transfer between CHIANG RAI and CHIANG MAI HERE
BY trip PACKAGE
There are trip operators and travel agencies in Chiang Mai that offer a day trip to Chiang Rai. You may join a group or book a private tour. Klook also curates trips to Chiang Rai from Chiang Mai. The itineraries typically include the golden Triangle, White Temple, Blue Temple, and Black House. many of the packages are inclusive of lunch. Klook typically gives discounted rates.
Chiang Rai airport to City Center
Although located in the capital city, Mae Fah Luang-Chiang Rai international airport is still 8km away from the city center. The good news is that airport Buses/Shuttles are now available. launched October 2018, this made Chiang Rai much more accessible. other modes of transportation are pre-paid taxi, meter taxi, and private car rental.
Airport Bus. This is the most affordable option. After Arrivals Exit, turn to the left. You will see directional signs pointing you to the boarding platform. The route runs between the airport and Chiang Rai Bus terminal 2. It covers these stops: King Meng Rai Monument, the night Bazaar, Chiang Rai Bus terminal 1, central Plaza, and finally, Chiang Rai Bus terminal 2. The fare is fixed at THB 20. It starts operation at 6:00 AM and ends at 11:30 PM.
Pre-paid Taxi. This is similar to fixed-rate taxis in the Philippines. The fare to the city center from the airport is THB 200.
Meter Taxi. The meter-taxi station is located just outside of the Arrivals exit. turn to the left as you exit. Sometimes, they will refuse to use the meter and just give you an amount. insist on using the meter. If they won’t budge, just find another taxi. The fare to the city center is THB 120-150.
Private car Transfer. The car rental counters are located on the first floor, just across the domestic and international Arrival Area. Klook also provides private airport transfer to your hotel. This is already inclusive of a professional driver. This is a possible option for those who have a lot of luggage or for those with seniors and kids.
✅ book private airport transfer HERE
Where to stay in Chiang Rai
Chiang Rai is often passed by tourists crossing borders to either Laos or Myanmar from Chiang Mai. but for those who made time to explore the province, they are rewarded with best-kept natural and cultural treasures that are similar to other neighboring provinces in northern Thailand but still distinct to Chiang Rai.
Aside from the capital Chiang Rai City, here are some of the towns/districts that tourists choose as their base, depending on their schedule and interests.
Chiang Rai City. The largest city in northern Thailand. As the capital, you will find numerous commercial establishments and shops here. There are temples aplenty too. This is the typical set-off point for day trips to other parts of the province as well as to neighboring countries Laos and Myanmar. The renowned White temple is located here.
Chiang Khong. Some tourists heading even more to Laos choose Chiang Khong as a base. It also has numerous accommodation options as tourists used to flock here as a stopover before boarding a ferry to Laos. The friendship Bridge built across the Mekong River, connecting Chiang Khong to Huay Xai town in the province of Bokeo in Laos, paved a new route between Thailand and Laos. At present, the ferry service to Laos is halted.
Mae Sai. This is the northernmost town/city of Thailand. other tourists do day trips and spend a night in Mae Sai before crossing the border to Myanmar.
Mae Salong. officially called Santikhiri, Mae Salong is known for its hills, valleys, and tea plantations. Trekking, cycling,