Chiang Rai
Chiang Rai is Thailand’s northern-most province and the region is home to some beautiful scenery. Easier access and improved infrastructure has seen the area become an increasingly popular destination for budget travellers and upmarket tourists alike. The city of Chiang Rai makes a great base for the adventurous who wish to go rafting or trekking and many local tour companies offer the chance to stay overnight at a hill-tribe village.
Chiang Rai was founded in 1262 by King Mengrai. Three decades later, Mengrai founded Chiang Mai (’New City’) and it was the new city which rose to prominence in the Lanna kingdom ahead of Chiang Rai.
Getting To Chiang Rai
Most people travel to Chiang Rai from Chiang Mai which can be done in just over 3 hours by bus. A more scenic option is a combined boat and road journey which takes considerably longer. Direct flights are also available from Chiang Mai and Bangkok. The majority of tour operators in Chiang Mai offer various transport and accommodation packages for Chiang Rai.
Buses depart from Chiang Mai Arcade bus station every hour from 06.00 through to 17.30. The current fare is 119 Baht for air-conditioned buses and 66 Baht without air-con. A refreshment stop is made halfway. For the return journey, buses depart from Chiang Rai’s Khonsong bus station.
Review: VIP Bus Sevice Chiang Mai - Chiang Rai >>
Chiang Rai Accommodation
Chiang Rai’s increasing popularity has seen a rise in the standard and variety of accommodation with something available for every budget.
Search Chiang Rai accommodation >>
Review: Wiang Inn Hotel, Chiang Rai >>
Chiang Rai Attractions
The Golden Triangle is within easy reach (the point where Laos, Burma and Thailand meet), but the reality is less romantic than many people envisage. More impressive are the mountains, rice fields and ancient ruins to be found near by. Every hotel and tour operator in Chiang Rai will be able to arrange trips to the Golden Triangle. ‘Trips’ probably isn’t the best word to use for an area that has earned its former notoriety as a centre for opium production!
The Night Bazaar is a popular place to visit for entertainment, food and drink and many hotels offer a free transfer to and from the Night Bazaar which is located next to the bus station.
Doi Tong is located in the north-west of the city close to the banks of the Kok River and a walk up to the top of Doi Tong offers fine views of the city and the river. Another viewpoint can be found south-west of the city at Doi Khao Kwai (Buffalo Horn Hill). The temple of Wat Khao Kwai has a terrace where the view can be enjoyed.
Wat Phra Kaew is Chiang Rai’s most revered temple and once housed the Emerald Buddha which now resides in the Wat’s namesake in Bangkok.
Chiang Rai Weather
Check current weather details for Chiang Rai >>
| Month | Average Minimum Temp. °C |
Average Maximum Temp. °C |
Average Rainfall (mm) |
Average No. of Days with Rain |
| Jan | 12 | 28 | 12 | 2 |
| Feb | 13 | 31 | 8 | 1 |
| Mar | 16 | 34 | 19 | 3 |
| Apr | 20 | 35 | 90 | 10 |
| May | 22 | 33 | 204 | 17 |
| June | 23 | 32 | 211 | 19 |
| July | 23 | 31 | 308 | 22 |
| Aug | 23 | 31 | 385 | 24 |
| Sept | 22 | 31 | 268 | 18 |
| Oct | 20 | 30 | 142 | 12 |
| Nov | 17 | 28 | 61 | 6 |
| Dec | 13 | 27 | 26 | 3 |
