There’s more to do in Chiang Rai?
Unless you’ve actually done the research, to many, Chiang Rai seems like a mere day trip from Chiang Mai, with only the same few attractions: White Temple, Blue Temple, and maybe the Long Neck Village or Ban Daam Museum.
But, you could actually a spend a good 2-3 days in Chiang Rai because there’s so much more this city offers.
Here are 15 of the best attractions, cafes and restaurants in Chiang Rai to add to your itinerary.
Actually fun things to do in Chiang Rai
1. Akha Farmville
About an hours drive from Chiang Rai’s city centre (and up a mountain) is this adorable sheep farm.
You get to play with, and feed, up to what feels like a hundred sheep. And the best part, the sheep resides in a massive green pasture, with tons of space to roam about. They even have a carousel perched on a small hill — the perfect addition for a unique photo!
Tickets cost ฿100 (SGD $4), inclusive of a free drink to redeem.
Location: Akha FarmVille: 337 Wa Wi, Mae Suai District, Chiang Rai 57180, Thailand
Opening hours:
Mon-Thu: 7.30am-5.30pm
Fri-Sun: 7:30am-6pm
2. Choui Fong Tea Farm
There’s no better place to cafe hop than at the source of the ingredients itself. Head down to this underrated tea farm in Chiang Rai, just a 40 minute drive from the city centre.
Do note that Thai matcha is very different from what we (Singaporeans) are used to drinking. The Matcha Latte here was a lot milder in flavour. But the matcha desserts fared well!
Location: 157, Srikham, Tambon Pa Sang, Mae Chan District, Chiang Rai 57110, Thailand
Opening hours: 8.30am-5.30pm
Cafes & Restaurants
3. Barrab
Your trip to Chiang Rai isn’t complete without an authentic Northern Thai meal, and truly (and you can cross-refer other posts), no place does it better than Barrab.
Barrab is more of a home-style restaurant, with less than 20 seats, and a short opening duration. You have to either make a reservation, or show up early or you might not even get a seat!
If you plan to eat here, beware that the portions are actually a lot larger than the staff claims to be.
Location: 897 เวียง 60 Phaholyothin Rd, Tambon Wiang, Mueang Chiang Rai District, Chiang Rai 57000, Thailand
Opening hours:
Mon-Tue: 11am-8pm
Wednesday: Closed
Thu-Sun: 11am-8pm
4. Lalitta Cafe
A must-visit in Chiang Rai is Lalitta Cafe, the Instagram-famous waterfall cafe. Surrounded by greenery, flowing water, and light mist drifting through the space, it gives off cool and calming atmosphere.
The menu covers Thai food, coffee, and refreshing drinks, perfect for a casual meal.
Lalitta Cafe charges an admission fee of ฿60 (SGD $2.5).
Location: 157, Srikham, Tambon Pa Sang, Mae Chan District, Chiang Rai 57110, Thailand
Opening hours: 8.30am-5.30pm
5. JINLU Restaurant
Chinese food in Thailand might seem odd, but if you want a change of pace for your meals, JIN LU serves a pretty solid Chinese repertoire!
Location: 91, T, 8, Rop Wiang Sub-district, A.Muang, Chiang Rai 57000, Thailand
Opening hours:
Monday: Closed
Tue-Sun: 10am-10pm
6. Give Green Farm House
Farm-to-table might sound gimmicky, but this restaurant in Chiang Rai proved that freshly grown local vegetables actually make a huge difference in taste.
Not only do they have close to 5-stars on Google Reviews (with 700+ reviews), they’re also conveniently located behind Ban Daam Museum, making it a convenient lunch spot for many.
Bonus points: the lady boss was so kind to not just us, but the other customers who were dining there.
Location: museum gallery 300 Moo 13, Baan Puka, (Behind Baan dam Nang Lae, Mueang Chiang Rai District, Chiang Rai 57100, Thailand
Opening hours: 9am-7pm
Temples in Chiang Rai(standard attractions that Day Trip packages offer)
7. White Temple
Chiang Rai’s White Temple, or Wat Rong Khun, is one of the city’s most iconic sights. The all-white structure is striking up close, filled with intricate details that make it feel almost unreal.
Entrance fee is 100THB, with an extra 50THB to explore the Cave of Art, which showcases unexpected, contemporary artworks inside.
Location: Pa O Don Chai, Mueang Chiang Rai District, Chiang Rai 57000, Thailand
Opening hours: 8am-5pm
8. Blue Temple
The Blue Temple, or Wat Rong Suea Ten, stands out with its deep blue walls and bold gold details. The colours are rich and vibrant, making it instantly eye-catching. Inside, the white Buddha contrasts beautifully against the blue interior, giving the space a calm but powerful feel.
Entrance is free, which makes it an easy stop to take your time, admire the details, and snap a few photos.
Location: : 306 หมู่ที่ 2 Maekok Rd, Tambon Rim Kok, Mueang Chiang Rai District, Chiang Rai 57100, Thailand
Opening hours: 7am-8pm
9. Wat Huay Pla Kang
Wat Huay Pla Kang is hard to miss, with three grand structures standing side by side.
The giant white Guan Yin statue towers over the area, while the 9-storey pagoda offers panoramic views from the top. Nearby, a Lanna-Chinese style temple adds rich detail and colour.
Free admission.
Location: : 553, Ban Du, Mueang Chiang Rai District, Chiang Rai 57100, Thailand
Opening hours: 7am-9pm
10. Wat Phra Kaew
Wat Phra Kaew is one of Chiang Rai’s most important temples, known as the original home of the Emerald Buddha.
The temple grounds feel calm and well-kept, with classic Lanna-style buildings and a peaceful atmosphere. Inside the main hall sits a jade replica of the Emerald Buddha, while a small museum adds historical context.
Free admission.
Location: 19 หมู่ที่ 1 Trairat Rd, Wiang, Mueang Chiang Rai District, Chiang Rai 57000, Thailand
Opening hours: 7am-6pm
11. Wat Phra That Doi Chom Thong
Wat Phra That Doi Chom Thong is known as the city’s guardian temple. The golden chedi is believed to have existed before the city was founded, marking the spot where the city’s location was chosen.
The atmosphere is peaceful and uncrowded, making it a nice place to slow down and take a break from the busier attractions.
Location: WR8F+72M, ArjAmnuay Rd, Rop Wiang Sub-district, Mueang Chiang Rai District, Chiang Rai 57000, Thailand
Opening hours: 6am-5pm
Art Exhibitions and Museums in Chiang Rai
12. Hill Tribe Museum
For an easy one-hour stop, the Hill Tribe Museum offers a simple introduction to Chiang Rai’s diverse hill tribe communities. The exhibits cover daily life, traditions, and history in an easy-to-digest way.
Downstairs, a small cafe serves local drinks for you to try, including the famous bear milk.
Entrance fee costs ฿50 per person.
Location: อาคารสมาคมพัฒนาประชากรและชุมชน Thanalai, Tambon Wiang, Mueang Chiang Rai District, Chiang Rai 57000, Thailand
Opening hours: 8.30am-5pm
13. Ban Daam Museum
Ban Daam Museum, also known as the Black House, offers a darker, more thought-provoking side of Chiang Rai.
The complex features striking black buildings filled with art, bones, and animal skins, blending traditional Lanna style with bold, unconventional ideas. It feels more like an art space than a museum, inviting visitors to explore themes of life and death.
Entrance fee costs ฿80 per person.
Location: 333 Nang Lae, อำเภอเมือง Chiang Rai 57100, Thailand
Opening hours: 9am-5pm
14. Contemporary Art Museum
Step into Chiang Rai’s creative scene at the Contemporary Art Museum, where modern Thai art takes centre stage. The bold black-and-white space houses rotating exhibitions of paintings, sculptures, and installations by local and national artists. With a caféeand small shop on-site, it makes for a relaxed, culture-filled stop.
Location: Rim Kok, Mueang Chiang Rai District, Chiang Rai 57100, Thailand
Opening hours: 9am-5pm
Day trips
15. The Golden Triangle and Long Neck Tribe
This full-day Chiang Rai day trip brings together the region’s most talked-about sights in one smooth itinerary. Starting at 7am, it includes a relaxing stop at Mae Khachan Hot Spring, visits to the White Temple and Blue Temple, and time at the Black House Museum to view Ajarn Thawan Thanchanee’s works. The journey continues to the Golden Triangle and a Karen Long Neck village.
Ending at 9.30pm, the day trip tour is priced from $89 per person on Klook.
16. Doi Tung and Doi Mea Salong
This day trip is a relaxed option with shared transfer experience and flexible early or late pick-up, confirmed by the operator in advance. The route includes self-guided stops at the Hill Tribe Market, Mae Fa Luang Garden, and Doi Tung Palace, giving plenty of time to explore at your own pace.
The day trip is priced at $99 per person on Klook.
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