Chiang Rai’s Golden Clocktower

Designed by Thai artist Chalermchai Khositpipat and unveiled in 2008 in honour of His Majesty the King, Chiang Rai’s elaborate golden clocktower (Hoh Nalika Chalerm Prakiat) is a work of art and tourist attraction in its own right. Chalermchai was the man who built the White Temple in Chiang Rai and that same distinctive architectural style from Wat Rong Khun can be seen again with the clocktower. The structure serves as a traffic roundabout and whilst it is distinctive enough during the day, the clocktower and setting takes on a whole new quality when it is lit up in the evening.

If you can time your visit for 7, 8 or 9pm you’ll also be treated to a light and sound show as the clock chimes the hour. The laser lights with musical accompaniment make for a surreal night-time scene as pick-up trucks, tuk-tuks and motorbikes continue to buzz around the clocktower as it changes in colour from gold to pink to green.

The Chiang Rai clocktower is located where Thanon Jet Yot meets Thanon Baanpa Pragarn. Look out too for the elaborate gilded street lights which line Baanpa Pragarn road on either side of the clocktower.