If you find yourself in Northern Thailand eager for a change of scenery that includes temples, culture, and dramatic mountain landscapes, look no further than spending a perfect day in Chiang Rai. Often overshadowed and just 3 hours northeast of (not to be confused with) Chiang Mai…Chiang Rai is the ideal place to take things slowly and create your own adventure.
Chiang Rai lies along the bank of the Mekong River in Thailand’s northernmost province at the heart of the Golden Triangle. With a relaxed, down-to-earth vibe, this sleepy provincial town is nestled where the borders of Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos meet. Rich in history and one of Thailand’s oldest cities, Chiang Rai is full of adventure and a jump-off point to exploring the region, especially if your heading to Laos. If you’ve got 24 hours or more and want to experience local culture, temples, waterfalls and relaxed nightlife, get ready to spend a perfect day in Chiang Rai.
Getting Started at the Clock Tower
Transit will be key for your mission and one of the best ways to explore Thailand is by scooter. Anyone can ride a scooter in Chiang Rai and if you haven’t ridden one before, it’s a great place to start. Just remember, Thailand is the number one country when it comes to motorbike accidents and you don’t want to be walking about with a Thai tattoo or an unnecessary skin souvenir (cuts, scrapes, scabs from accidents) so be safe and always roll with travel insurance. Take it slow and you’ll be fine, because at 150-300 Baht ($3 USD or less) a day to rent, it’s the cheapest and easiest way around town. It also gives you the freedom to choose your own adventure and take things at your own pace, just as long as you’re going the speed limit or close to it.
Now that you’ve got your ride, it’s time to grab a coffee at one of the many local cafes. If you’re a coffee-lover, you’re in luck because Chiang Rai is no joke when it comes to their java. There’s no better way to start a perfect day in Chiang Rai than with some of Thailand’s famous Arabica hill tribe coffee. Organic and hand-roasted, this coffee is grown 700 meters above sea level by the hill tribes of northern Thailand. The coffee here is second to none and packs a punch with a serious caffeine buzz.
Properly caffeinated, you’re ready to cruise around and find the Clock Tower, Chiang Rai’s second most fascinating structure. It’s located at the roundabout where Thanon Jet Yot meets Thanon Baanpa Pragarn. Admire its aesthetic and take a few photos because they will come out incredible, as the sun dazzles brilliantly on its gold finish. Not to worry, if you’re in a time crunch and you can’t check it out during the day, you can swing by in the evening to witness the nightly light show. This unique piece of art becomes quite the spectacle when it’s lit up amongst tuk-tuks, motorbikes, and trucks whipping by. Fun fact, The Clock Tower was built by the same artist who constructed the White Temple which is quite fitting and a nice preview of what you will witness next.
The White Temple
There are over 40,000 Buddhist temples in Thailand, but only one has a mural of Michael Jackson, Freddy Kruger, and Spiderman, surrounded by all of your other favorite pop culture icons in the same place. Sounds interesting, unconventional, even a bit unusual? It certainly is, and there’s even a painting of Sponge Bob fighting demons of the underworld. Wat Rong Khun dubbed by foreigners, The White Temple, has become synonymous with Chiang Rai and quickly climbed the ranks as its number one attraction.
We had met up with our friends Gabriele and Giordano from Italy who we met in Pai. We had 24 hours to kill before parting ways and we couldn’t have asked for a better experience in Chiang Rai.
Surprisingly, it’s relatively new and was recently reconstructed by Chiang Rai-born visual artist, architect, and painter Chaloemchai Khositphiphat in 1997.
The renovations are ongoing and the estimated completion is not for the next few decades, sometime around 2070. It’s a must-see if you’re in Chiang Rai, though a bit bizarre and unlike any other temple in Asia. The artwork, architecture, and attention to detail are unique and distinctly their own.
Wat Rong Khun AKA The White Temple costs 50 Baht which is less than $2 USD and the photos you will capture are well worth the price of admission. A visit here may also leave you a bit puzzled with more questions than when you arrived, contemplating the struggle of good vs evil we face in society today. It’s not so much an active temple but rather a private exhibit and more or less a museum of contemporary artwork. It’s bound to evoke a striking, lasting impression and sometimes art has that effect.
Exploring temples will make you hungry and conveniently located across the street from Wat Rong Khun is a great food court. Grab lunch and gear up for the latter half of a perfect day in Chiang Rai because you are about to discover Khun Korn Waterfall.
Khun Korn Forest Park Waterfall
A quick search after lunch had led us to believe the only things left to see in Chiang Rai after the White Temple was the Blue Temple, the Black House, or Singha Park. Now, these are all great attractions, but travel always has a funny way of surprising you when you least expect it. We had never heard of the Khun Korn Forest Park before arriving in Chiang Rai and happened to discover signs for it while seeking out something to do after the White Temple. Sometimes you have to risk not going to the touristy spots and taking a chance on an adventure. We’re glad we did and hope you also have a similar experience.
Not having a plan or not much knowledge about a place leaves you open for the unknown, many times leading to the most rewarding and memorable travel moments.
We started cruising with no destination in mind, letting the motorbike and our sense for adventure lead the way. With no end goal, we remembered to be present and enjoy the ride. We found signs for a waterfall and followed them, leading us to Khun Korn.
Just a 25-minute ride (directions via link) from the White Temple, you’ll leave the city behind to explore the outskirts of Chiang Rai. On your way, you’ll witness some of the small semi-rural villages that encompass Thailand’s idea of sabai life. “Sabai” is literally translated to happy but is used to mean comfortable and relaxed. When doubled down, “Sabai Sabai” can mean everything is chilled, and this tranquil state perfectly fits the Northern Thai lifestyle.
You know you’re off the beaten path when cruising past endless rice fields, lush greenery, and the occasional pile of smoldering hot ash with no other vehicles in sight.
Open daily from 8 am – 5 pm and towering 230 feet high, Khun Korn is one of the tallest waterfalls in Thailand. Post parking, you’ll arrive at the falls after a mellow 20-minute hike. This peaceful walk in the woods follows a clearly marked trail winding through the bamboo jungle alongside a small stream. It’s hard not to hear the raging falls as you approach, earning yourself a dip in the pool at the bottom when you arrive.
The Chiang Rai Night Bazaar
The best way to cap a perfect day in Chiang Rai is by visiting the city’s Night Bazaar. Located in the center of town by the bus terminal, it’s a simple affair offering all of Chiang Rai’s unique specialties. It won’t be hard to find and you’ll be lured in by the smell of deep-fried delicacies, hot pots, and barbequed goodness. With no flashy clubs and pubs here, Chiang Rai is very limited with options for nightlife, so don’t expect the party scene of Chiang Mai. However, the night bazaar has an awesome beer garden where you’ll get the chance to mingle with locals and catch a cultural performance at the main seating area.
Thai dancing and folk songs are performed nightly, and there’s even a cabaret show by expert traditional performers. It’s also a great chance to support local vendors by picking up a Lanna souvenir like a handwoven scarf or bag.
With great food, adventure and an abundance of things to see and do, be sure not to sleep on one of Thailand’s oldest cities. Enjoy the flow, find your inner sabai sabai, and have yourself a perfect day in Chiang Rai.
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