For a 150cc motorbike, the rent should be around 500 THB per day. More commonly known as the White Temple, Wat Rong Khun is one of the stars of your 2 day Chiang Rai itinerary. If you forget, you can hire a sarong at the site. Including how to get there, how to get around Chiang Rai, the best things to do and see and where to stay. Its mountainous terrain is punctuated by hill tribes, hundreds of temples, beautiful national parks, and the city of Chiang Rai. This guide to how many days in Chiang Mai will help you decide. The next stop of your 2 days in Chiang Rai is the 70-meter-tall Khun Korn Waterfall, conveniently located about a 25-minute drive from the White Temple. Temperatures soar above 30C (86F) with April seeing the hottest daily average, around 35C (95F). As an Amazon Associate, we earn from Qualifying Purchases. Terms of Service apply. If you are visiting Chiang Rai from Chiang Mai for only one night, at this point you might want to take the bus back. 15 reviews 16 helpful votes Chiang Rai, how many days to spend there. Yes. Chiang Rai, how many days to spend there. - Chiang Rai Forum Its a 20-minute drive from Baan Dam Museum. Dont miss any update! Since this is a temple, you will need to be dressed respectfully which means no revealing clothes like tank tops or shorts so please dress accordingly. Is Chiang Mai or Chiang Rai Better For You? - Thailand Starts Here Most people visit Chiang Rai on a day trip from Chiang Mai, missing out on the sunrises, sunsets and all the evening beauties of Chiang Rai. This museum is dedicated to doing just that. That way you will have full freedom and flexibility on your itinerary. Theres even a stage where they have live performances. I had the best mango sticky rice of the whole trip at the Night Bazaar of Chiang Rai! The museum is pretty large and consisted of one large structure and several small structures that housed all kinds of artwork by Thawan. You will also find heaps of limestone rock you can climb around hence why they named it the Rock Forest. window.mc4wp.listeners.push( Looking for a more comprehensive packing list for Thailand? The other temples are a 9-tier colourful pagoda, and a more traditional temple is located between them. Widely known as a popular base for digital nomads, Chiang Mai seemed to tick a few boxes for what we wanted to do, so we decided to give it a go This gives you a day to explore the city center, and opportunities to visit both the Golden Triangle and coffee farms . The Art Bridge's opening hours are between 10 AM to 7 PM every day and the admission fee to the gallery is free. It doesnt have to be fancy, after all you wont be spending much time in the hotel, but the position is important so that you dont have to travel too much within Chiang Rai. Perfect way to stay hydrated and reduce plastic consumption! Every night of the week there is a 5-minute light show starting at 7 pm, 8 pm, and 9 pm. Chalermchai Kositpipat would go to become one of the most talented artists in the world and he continued to build and hone his craft on many different projects in Chiang Rai and around the country. For a small fee (about 20 baht), you can take a Tuk Tuk from the temple to the top of the mountain where the skywalk is located. Here are a few tips on what to pack for your trip to Chiang Rai, Thailand: For more information on what I pack in my backpack for this trip, check out: My Packing List: 60 Travel Essentials. Sunset at Wat Rong Khun, the famous White Temple in Chiang Rai. Getting to Doi Pha Tang is also very easy. If the White Temple in Chiang Rai City is meant to represent purity, this is the exact opposite of that and more. With the unique blend of the northern-style spices mixed with the beloved Thai national dish, the Pad Thai, Pad Thai Baan Yim restaurant has come up with a unique spin to the classic dish that creates such an aroma that is hard not to try. Here are, Mae Hong Son City is one of my favorite cities from the entire Mae Hong Son Loop road trip. You dont really need anything extraordinary for Chiang Rai beyond your usual travel essentials. In the morning, you can also head up to Layo Coffee and enjoy a cup of coffee over the beautiful Pha Mee Mountain just west from Mae Sai. The temple complex is quite big but the main attraction here is the White Temple which is covered with thousands of mirror fragments. I do not recommend this as you won't be able to get to see many of the places I recommend here but if you can not drive yourself and are looking for a comfortable way to see Chiang Rai, this will be your only option. The locals are extra friendly as there don't usually get a lot of tourists and you will unlikely find scammers or touters like other places in Thailand. This itinerary departs from Chiang Mai, takes in the highlights of Chiang Rai, and ends at your hotel in Chiang Khong. Another thing to consider is the burning season which sometimes begins as early as late January and ends toward mid-May. The best scuba diving & snorkelling spots in Thailand, The 7 best rooftop pool hotels in Bangkok. Check out the, Not sure where to begin your journey in Northern Thailand? Chiang Rai itinerary - perfect 1-2 days in Chiang Rai (2023) Once you are done with Phu Chi Fa, you can hike down the same way, and drive down the mountain. Here are, Looking to go off-the-beaten-path in Chiang Mai? Huay Mark Liam Hot Spring is located in Lam Nam Kok National Park. I plan to spend five in Chaing Mai and one in Chaing Rai. Of course, you can visit the clock tower any time during your Chiang Rai itinerary to appreciate the artistry (this is another masterpiece designed by Chalermchai Kositpipat). The Golden Triangle is the spot where the borders of Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar meet along the Mekong River. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-77503658', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Chiang Mai and 5 nights in Chiang Rai as a solo traveller sound okay? In this guide, Ill show you exactly how to create the perfect Chiang Rai itinerary for 1 or 2 days covering the main tourist attractions as well as some underrated spots. 2016 - Greta's Travels. March to May is the hot season with temperatures rising up to 40C while June to September is the rainy season. If you need to cover longer distances, you can hire a songthaew for the day or take a Grab taxi. The best time to visit Chiang Rai is from November to January where the weather is cooler and less humid due to Thai's northern climate making it much more enjoyable to explore Chiang Rai. keeys. As construction only began in 1997, this is a young temple and its constantly being added to. If you like driving or motorcycling, the roads in this province are probably the most beautiful and least busy of all. 9 years ago Save My wife and I are headed to Chiang Rai for a few days in December. As you walk further in, you will see several stunning architectures all scattered throughout the temple ground like this intricately designed ordination hall. . This spring is too hot to swim in but because of the beautiful setting, its a nice spot to visit for photos. The national park opens from 8 AM to 5 PM. Looking for a complete travel guide to Chiang Saen? Even if you are not there during an event, you can still enjoy many of Singha Park's facilities from its-farm inspired restaurant, a massive lighthouse dining area, and a beer garden right by a lake. Level Contributor . Don't Go Without Travel Insurance. They really took the creativity of these structures to the next level. However, it still features three seasons; cool, hot, and rainy. All purchases or bookings you make through Gretas Travels come at no extra cost to you. If you are traveling to Thailand, it is important for you to know what you should and shouldn't do. Wat Rong Khun, the famous White Temple in Chiang Rai. However some essentials you shouldnt forget include: A camera to capture all the beautiful temples you will see! Then you might want to take a look at all our other travel guides about Thailand. You can also visit the Hall of Opium (highly recommended) where they have dug through a mountain to build this huge museum dedicated to educating and preserving the history of opium and teach the locals population of the damage it causes physically and mentally to the people using it and the community growing it. Here is, Chiang Saen is an ancient walled city full of history and beautiful sceneries waiting for you to explore. 5.2 Visit the Night Market. Check out, Doi Inthanon is the highest mountain in Thailand and in order to travel there, you will need a complete travel guide. One of the rules of thumb to traveling that I live by is that if you want to see an iconic attraction, DO NOT climb it, climb to a high point next to it and that is exactly what we are doing here, by first visiting Doi Pha Tang which is located 12 km north of Phu Chi Fa. Prices are reasonable and I was able to get a pad thai and mango smoothie for just 110 baht. Wat Rong Khun is one of the most visited temples in Thailand, and its easy to see why. Theres also another all-white building housing a Buddha statue as well as a man-made waterfall/art cave tunnel that you can explore for an additional fee of 50 baht. The Night Bazaar is located in the heart of Chiang Rai, and is one of the coolest spots you will explore. On the plus side, the landscapes are at their most lush and green. If youre travelling with friends and cant decide on what to eat, its ideal! Without further ado, here is a complete backpacking guide to Chiang Rai with a comprehensive list of things to do, amazing places to see, and all the information you need for a great trip in this wonderful province. I have listed below some options for every budget: Budget: Mercy Hostel If you dont mind sleeping in a hostel dorm, Mercy Hostel is a great choice. 7 Where to stay in Chiang Mai. Here are the, Phuket has recently opened to any travelers to visit but with a few caveats. To find a cheap flight to Bangkok, I would recommend you use Skyscanner or Expedia to look for the cheapest route and schedule so you can compare and pick the best one. Wat Phra Kaew is one of the oldest temples in the city and it was here that the Emerald Buddha that is in the Grand Palace in Bangkok, was discovered back after lightning struck the pagoda where it was kept in the 15th Century. Choui Fong Tea Plantation is in fact one of the largest tea plantations in Thailand and they converted parts of the plantation into a tourist attraction where anyone can drive in and take photos with its expansive plantation for free. Sightseeing Join Tour Chiang Rai / PICK UP ONLY IN CHIANG RAI. As you may have seen within all the temples you just visited, Chiang Rai is home to many talented local artists. Any recommendations on what else to see there would also be helpful. At this Wat Phra Kaew in central Chiang Rai, you will see a replica of the original icon. Travel Insurance Safety Wing. The Perfect 3 Days in Chiang Mai Itinerary, Breakfast in Chiang Mai: 14 Amazing Cafes You Need to Try, 4 Days in Bangkok: The Ultimate 4 Day Bangkok Itinerary. In front of the museum, you will also see a statue of Ja Sam, the rescue diver who lost his life while trying to rescue the kids and 12 wild boars which represent the kids who were part of the Wild Boar local football team. Brushing up against the Laos and Myanmar borders, Chiang Rai is the northernmost province in Thailand. With an incredible landscape dotted with unusual and colorful temples, mountains, rice paddies, tea plantations, and waterfalls, Chiang Rai is definitely a must-visit on any Northern Thailand itinerary. Phu Chi Fa Forest Park's opening hours are between 4:30 AM and 6:30 PM and it is free to enter, which is extremely surprising. Its a truly unique sight and a must see on any Chiang Rai itinerary. After checking out the city centre, grab a tuk-tuk out to the famous White Temple (Wat Rong Khum), which will cost you around 200 Baht. Click here to book your stay at The Legend Chiang Rai Resort & Spa! The Perfect 3 Days in Chiang Mai Itinerary - NOMADasaurus Day 1) Explore Chiang Mai City and its Temples The best place to start your travels of northern Thailand is in the capital of the north - Chiang Mai . } AirAsia is a great option as they have the most connection to Bangkok from around Asia. Here's a suggested 2-day Chiang Rai itinerary: Day 1: White Temple, Khun Korn Waterfall, Wat Phra That Doi Khao Kwai, Chiang Rai city center, night market. Asia China India The full story of Thailand's extraordinary cave rescue 14 July 2018 On 23 June, 12 boys went exploring in Thailand's Chiang Rai province with their football coach - and ended. There are 3 packages for tourists, 5 GB for 5 days at 160 THB, 15 GB for 8 days at 299 THB, and 30 GB for 15 days. One of the most interesting parts of the White Temple is the hell park at the entrance of the main ordination hall where you will find hundreds of hand sculptures coming out from the ground, depicting those people who suffered in the afterlife. Here are the, Want to spend a day outside Bangkok but not sure where? Re: How many days in Chiang Rai 3 years ago Save I think you need 3 days on the ground. Looking for more Thailand articles? Second only to Wat Rong Khun, Wat Rong Suea Ten (Blue Temple) is another of the best temples to visit in Chiang Rai in 2 days. Check out these guides! } If you visit Chiang Rai without a day tour you will then have to make your own way around the temples and attractions. Once you factor in the hour (at least) that you need for check-in, security and all other general airport procedures and the travel time getting to and from the airport, it ends up taking as long as a flight. The ancient city is called Si Satchanalai, 60 km north of Sukhothai and there are many less-traveled ancient ruins there waiting for you to explore. Not visiting over a weekend? The hike takes around 1 hour one-way including the time spent at the first viewpoint so plan your time accordingly. The Phu Chi Fa forst park's opening hours are between 4:30 AM and 6:30 PM and cost 50 THB if you have your own tent and around 350 THB to rent one. Theres even a small pool where you can cool off after the hike. Exploring the White Temple (Wat Rong Khun) in Chiang Rai. From the balcony, you will be able to see Pha Mee mountain and the road the leads up to a cafe. Flights from Bangkok take 90 minutes and arrive at Chiang Rai International Airport (Mae Fah Luang). The temple is, you guessed it, completely painted in blue with golden accents. Lots of people also visit Chiang Rai on a day trip from Chiang Mai with an organised tour. Did you notice the "snake-infested" bit when I describe the trail? There is usually some live music and street performances throughout the night too. It was conceived as a testament to the purity of Buddha and its design depicts the Buddhist cycle of birth and death (samsara) and the escape of greed. Here are, Thai Street Foods are among the best in the world and to help guide you through the street food cuisine of Thailand, be sure to check out the, Learning a bit of Thai phrases will go a long way for you when you visit Thailand. Khun Korn Waterfall is located in the Khun Korn Forest Park, a 40-50 minute drive out of Chiang Rai. Beach might be a little deceptive but the next spot on your itinerary is still a treat! Otherwise, you can take a Grab to get there. If you prefer comfort and flexibility then a great way to get to Chiang Rai is by hiring a private car and driver. When you are in Mae Sai, if you are looking for a cafe with a stunning view of the mountains, I recommend you drive up to Layo Cafe and get a coffee from there. Instantly turn your travel photos into beautiful work of art in one click. 1 or 2 Day Chiang Rai Itinerary: Must-Visits + Hidden Gems After sunset head to your hotel to chill for a bit and freshen up. If you want a nice photo of the facade, it is best that you visit the temple in the morning for the best light as the temple is facing east and in the afternoon, the facade will be under the shade. Short journeys around the surrounding attractions will cost you 150-200 THB (5-6 USD). How many days in Chiang Rai - Chiang Rai Province Forum Its uniquely designed structure full of extremely detailed sculptures and carving and unlike any other temples, it is all covered in glass and painted in blinding white. Check out: For more detail on the best time to visit Thailand, check out: Looking for a complete travel guide to Chiang Mai? Loose airy pants These are my favourite type of trousers. Just like the White Temple, its super popular so be sure to get there early enough if you want a photo without crowds. Rise and shine early for day 2 of your Chiang Rai itinerary since its going to be a long day. Perfect One Day In Chiang Rai Itinerary - A Broken Backpack document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hi I'm Steph, an outdoor enthusiast whos always down for adventure! Short rides to attractions near the town cost around 30 THB (1 USD). 16 Pro-Grade Lightroom Presets Now Available! You can also get a 200 - 250cc motorbike for 700 THB and more from Mr. There are a couple ways you can do that. We just brushed it aside as one does but when we were walking back, we heard a rattling sound in the bush, and all of a sudden, a 1.5 meters long snake ran through the bush and across the trail. Travelling by bus from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai is affordable, easy and comfortable. 3 Days in Chiang Rai for First Timers - Viator.com Trust me, I went up there at night and it scared the crap out of me , so don't repeat my mistake. When you walk into the main ordination hall at the center of the temple ground, you will be surrounded by the breathtaking gold decor and you will see an example of how the temple drew inspiration from Burma with the Buddha image built in the Burmese style often seen in places like Mandalay, Myanmar. You can then choose to ride the elevator to the head of the goddess for an unparalleled view across the countryside. Here are, More often than not, your journey in Thailand will begin in Bangkok and there are a ton of things you shouldn't miss in this city. Check out:One Month Backpacking Thailand Itinerary. It rarely gets any tourists, the more reason to visit Phayao before it is discovered! By Motorcycle: You can also rent a motorbike from Chiang Mai and drive to Chiang Rai in about 6 hours. Click here to book your Chiang Rai day trip,or check out prices & availability in the calendar below! Click here to read the Gretas Travels Privacy Policy. All you can do is look into the cave and imagine what it must have been like for the kids to be stuck for 18 days in pitch black. Day 1: Explore Chiang Rai City Center and the temples around it. The Blue Temple is open daily from 7 a.m to 8 p.m and is free to visit. You will find the market on Thana Lai Road, its around 1 km (0.6 miles) in length. Days 1, 2 and 3: Use our detailed Chiang Mai Itinerary for 3 days. Activities: You will have to pay 100 THB for the White Temple, 80 THB for Baan Dam Museum, 20 THB for a truck to Tham Luang, 200 THB for the Hall of Opium, 150 for attractions in Chiang Saen, so in total, you will be paying for 550 THB activities. Expect to spend around 2 - 3 hours at Doi Pha Tang and once you are done, you can make your way to Phu Chi Fa. The entrance to the Baan Dam Museum is 80 THB (2.50 USD) and the complex is open between 9 am-5 pm, daily. How many days should I spend in Chiang Mai? - Tripadvisor Here are the, Want to explore other parts of Thailand? The elevator up the Guanyin Statue opens from 7 AM to 6 PM and it will cost you 40 THB to use the elevator. If you have a sweet tooth, you have to try the coconut ice cream from one of the stalls around the temple, its heavenly! Day 1 - Walled City of Chiang Mai & Doi Suthep. Why we visited Chiang Mai Thailand. That said, Thailand in recent years has suffered a lot from air pollution due to the burning season and it is extremely prevalent during Thailand's winter period (December - January) so even though the weather is cooler, your visibility might not be the best. It is accessible to visitors between 8.30 am 4.30 pm daily although it is subject to closure during the wet season if the conditions are dangerous. Hurray! CM on the other hand, I could spend a month and still not begin to get bored. While the temple complex is free to visit, theres a small fee of 40 baht to ride the elevator to the top of Guan Yin statue. As you drive to the Huay Mark Liam Hot Spring you will pass this spring on the way. Here is a good budget to aim for in Chiang Mai, Thailand if staying for 4 days/4 nights. 6.1 Option 1: Visit the temples of Chiang Rai. Mae Sai is worth spending a night in and if you are looking to stay here, I highly recommend you stay at Baan Sabai Maesai (22 USD / Night) which is located right at the border gate where the night market is located, comes with breakfast, and have plenty of rooms for you to pick from. However, I urge you to see it under the night sky once its all illuminated and the gold really gleams. *Disclosure: This post contains a few affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through my link.*. Wat Rong Suea Ten (Blue Temple) Sunset at Wat Rong Khun (White Temple) Chiang Rai Night Market. The mountain can be extremely cold and windy in the morning so I recommend you prepare layers or if not, you can buy some at the shops in the parking lot. Chivit Thamma is located right on the banks of the Kok River and its only a 5-minute walk from Wat Rong Suea Ten. And of course, a trip to Chiang Rai won't be completed without a visit to one of its most popular tourist attractions, the White Temple or as the Thais called it Wat Rong Khun. ***This article may contain affiliate links, meaning each time you click through and make a purchase, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you which helps a lot in keeping this website running. All the other months are considered to be a rainy season which, even though the weather is a little more manageable than the summer months, you will also be seeing a lot more rain which might prevent you from enjoying the outdoors. I would then end your Chiang Rai itinerary with lunch at one of the many cafes in town, and then hopping back on a bus to Chiang Mai. This luxury hotel offers spacious modern rooms with air conditioning and immaculate bathrooms. Ready To Travel? Wat Huay Pla Kang is a 15-minute drive from downtown Chiang Rai. Does 8 nights in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? How Many Days in Chiang Mai - Creating The Best Trip Baan Dam Museum is a museum park filled with Thawan's best work that took inspiration from Lan Xang (modern-day Laos), Lanna, and Suvarnabhumi architectural styles. Transportation: if we go with renting a scooter for 5 days, you will be spending around 3000 THB including gas in total for transportation. They also provide a shuttle bus that will take you from the parking lot to the Guan Yin Statue if you do not wish to walk up the hill. The hike to Khun Korn is easy, taking only about 30 minutes, so ideal for all fitness levels. Day 4: Private transfer to Chiang Rai that includes stops at sights along the way, such as tea plantations and the Golden Triangle. listeners: [], If you want to explore slightly off the beaten path during your Chiang Rai travel itinerary, I highly recommend visiting Wat Phra That Doi Khao Kwai. Here is a collection of articles about Thailand that you might find useful: Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. Located in the mountainous north, Chiang Rai benefits from a cooler climate than Southern Thailand. CM is like any big city in any country in the world. With its unique white architecture and decorations its completely different from all other temples we saw while in Thailand. Mid-range: Nak Nakara Hotel If youre looking for something a bit fancier, but without breaking the bank, Nak Nakara Hotel is a great option. But the best part, in my opinion, is the panoramic view of Chiang Rai with the mountains in the distance. The hall is painted entirely of blue color, something you don't see every day in a temple, in Buddhist-style patterns and illustrations of Buddha's life cycle, a depiction of hell and heaven. If you are looking for a breakfast place in Chiang Rai City, this is the place to be. Click here to see the latest prices and availability at Nak Nakara Hotel! Some of the decorations and details at the White Temple theyre actually quite gruesome! Wat Huay Pla Kung is a group of three temples in one, all with very distinct architecture. As a bonus, its completely free to visit this natural hot spring! The Village of Illumination is Asia's largest light festival full of spectacular light decor in different styles from the Avatar's inspired trees of life to the glittering depiction of the Milky Way. 1 or 2 Day Chiang Rai Itinerary: Must-Visits + Hidden Gems, Wat Phra That Pha Ngao and Mekong Skywalk, Other things to do during a Chiang Rai Itinerary, these Chiang Rai day tours from Chiang Mai, Khun Korn Waterfall Chiang Rai: Guide to Visiting in 2023. The tea salad is quite an interesting dish to try. The first viewpoint that you will reach on the trail to Doi Pha Tang is the Rock Forest Viewpoint where you will be able to see a 360 panoramic view of Laos and the mighty Mekong river. 5.2 Is Chiang Mai worth visiting? On site you will find an expansive swimming pool shrouded by palm trees and free bicycles. If you're planning on sticking to Chiang Mai, 2-3 days should be more than enough. The highlight of this complex is the colossal representation of the Chinese Goddess of Mercy, Guan Yin, who is seated on a platform of lotus flowers. An overnight bus is the best choice as the journey is quicker and youll save a night of accommodation fees. I recommend SafetyWing Nomad Insurance, an affordable travel insurance offering automatic monthly payments that you can cancel anytime. The market opens on Saturday evenings, 4 pm 11 pm but it doesnt really get started until after 6 pm. I recommend you start hiking around 3 PM and you should have plenty of time to watch the sunset at the top of Doi Pha Tang. How about going on a day-trip to Lamphun? We have the answer. 7 years ago Save Hi Coming over from Laos, how many days would someone recommend staying in Chiang Rai to see all the sights and markets ect. Ticket prices range from 225 THB ($6.00) to 2,000 THB ($57.00). The price is quite expensive though with every item costing over 100 THB but it is unique and you get the stunning view of the tea plantation as well. Admission is free but donations to maintain the temple are graciously received. The admission fee of the temple is free of charge. Depends what you want. By Tour: You can also do a Chiang Rai tour straight from Chiang Mai. Public buses are also available to the White Temple (more info below). Chiang Rai is located at a distance of just 3-4 hours drive from Chiang Mai. Budget: Also located in the city center, Baan Mai Kradan Hostel is great for budget and solo travelers. Just note that the floor is made of glass and thus completely transparent so if youre afraid of heights, this might not be for you. Choui Fong Tea Plantation is a large tea plantation built on the rolling hills of Chiang Rai just north of Chiang Rai City. When you enter the gallery, you will be welcomed with a large mural depicting all the great artists in Thailand. For those coming from Bangkok, there are daily direct flights to Chiang Rai and the journey takes about 1.5 hours. You can rent a car in Bangkok here. If youre planning to visit Chiang Rai from Chiang Mai, you can take the bus from Chiang Mai Bus Terminal 3. The first stop will be Wat Rong Suea Ten, commonly known as the Blue Temple. It is possible to book a private taxi to take you to Chiang Rai from Chiang Mai. Average annual temperature is around 24 - 25 degree Celsius. However the little walk from where you leave your shoes to the shade can be quite long and burn your feet!