If you’re traveling to Thailand, make sure to visit Chiang Rai, a true gem in the far north of the country! Here, art, culture, and nature blend seamlessly into breathtaking landscapes, highlighted by the impressive architecture of its temples. Home to the magnificent Wat Rong Khun (white temple), a dreamlike masterpiece, the city offers a peaceful atmosphere—perfect for those looking to escape the crowds of Bangkok and Chiang Mai.
Founded in 1262 by King Mangrai (hence the name: “Chiang” = City and “Rai” from Mangrai), Chiang Rai was the first capital of the Lanna Kingdom, a powerful empire in northern Thailand. For centuries, the city played a strategic role in regional trade routes, influenced by Thai, Burmese, and Laotian cultures.
Chiang Rai also serves as the gateway to the famous Golden Triangle, the tri-border area between Laos, Myanmar, and Thailand. Once infamous for the opium trade, today this region attracts visitors seeking panoramic views of the Mekong River, boat tours, temples, and other natural wonders.
To explore Chiang Rai’s attractions, you can either stay in the city or take a day trip from Chiang Mai, another popular destination in northern Thailand.
Since we were short on time, we chose the second option—and we have no regrets! We joined a one-day tour with Monkey Travel Asia, and it was an excellent experience. Here’s how our trip went.
Meeting Point
The tour started early, at 7:00 AM. The meeting point was at the Burger King near Chiang Mai’s old city walls. The first pleasant surprise was the transportation: no cramped vans! We traveled in a spacious and comfortable bus, perfect for the 3.5-hour journey.
The tour was conducted in English and Spanish and our guide spoke both languages fluently. She was very friendly and shared plenty of useful tips about the trip.
1st Stop: Mae Kachan Hot Springs
Our first stop was at the Mae Kachan Hot Springs, located along the highway. Since we had woken up early, this was the perfect place for a quick break and a hearty breakfast. The entrance is free.
The site itself is quite simple, and the warm water streams are usually crowded. Don’t expect to swim—the hot waters are best for a brief foot soak, but be careful; the temperature is quite high!
For us, the stop was worth it since we hadn’t had time for breakfast. We followed our guide’s recommendation and tried the freshly made crepes—absolutely delicious!
After 15 minutes, we were back on the bus, ready to continue our journey.
2nd Stop: The Long-Neck Women Village
Our second stop in Chiang Rai took us to one of the most intriguing and controversial destinations in the region: the village of the long-neck women (Mae Kachan Hill Tribe).
The Padaung women, also known as Kayan Lahwi, are a subgroup of the Karen people who sought refuge in Thailand due to conflicts in Myanmar. They are known for their long necks adorned with brass rings—a centuries-old tradition that sparks both curiosity and debate.
The origins of this custom remain uncertain. Some believe it began as protection against tiger attacks, while others claim it was meant to enhance feminine beauty. Today, this practice continues as a strong cultural symbol, passed down through generations. However, beyond aesthetics, it is deeply connected to the struggle for survival and the preservation of their identity.
Due to their status as refugees, many Karen people lack Thai citizenship, which severely limits their job opportunities. In this context, the neck rings have become both a cultural expression and a means of livelihood, raising ethical concerns among visitors.
The entrance fee to the village is 300 bahts and must be paid separately. Some argue that visiting the village encourages the exploitation of these women, who are treated as “living attractions.” Others believe that tourism provides income for a community with few opportunities, helping preserve their culture.
If you choose to visit, the tour takes about 30 minutes and follows a circular path through simple market stalls where women sell handmade crafts, pose for photos, and allow visitors to try replicas of their rings. Communication is limited, as they speak little English, but the experience encourages curiosity and deeper research into their history and customs.
For a more enriching experience, avoid stopping at the first stalls. Since the products are similar throughout the village, walking a bit further ensures a quieter environment for interaction and directly supports the women by purchasing their crafts.
Regardless of your decision to visit or not, it’s essential to reflect on the complexities of this reality and respect the dignity of the community.
Wat Rong Khun: the spectacular White Temple
Finally, we arrived at the highlight of the tour—the spectacular Wat Rong Khun, also known as the White Temple. This stunning blend of surrealist art and spirituality was meticulously designed by artist Chalermchai Kositpipat, from the symbolic bridge representing the journey of life to the sculptures depicting the temptations of the modern world.
The temple’s history is as fascinating as its aesthetics. Chalermchai, originally a painter, gained recognition for his work with the Thai royal family. During the 1997 Asian financial crisis, he decided to create something that would inspire hope in the Thai people. To preserve his artistic vision, he fully funded the project himself, rejecting external donations.
The temple is entirely white, with tiny mirrored fragments that reflect sunlight, creating a magical effect. The entrance bridge, adorned with hands reaching out from “hell,” symbolizes the journey of purification. According to tradition, visitors must cross it alone, as everyone is responsible for their own actions.
Inside, the murals surprise with their modernity, featuring unexpected references to characters like Hello Kitty and other historical figures. Unfortunately, photography is not allowed inside, but the artwork serves as a subtle critique of contemporary challenges and temptations.
To avoid crowds and take better photos, visit the less busy eastern side of the temple. However, be mindful of time! The temple experience is intense and brief, and we only had a short break for a snack before moving on to our next destination.
Wat Rong Suea Ten: the magic of the Blue Temple
After a quick snack, we headed to Wat Rong Suea Ten. Known as the Blue Temple of Chiang Rai, it is a true gem of contemporary Thai architecture. Inaugurated in 2016 after two decades of planning and construction, it masterfully blends modern art with Buddhist spirituality, captivating visitors with its stunning aesthetics and unique atmosphere.
Designed by the talented architect Phuta Kabkaew, a disciple of Chalermchai Kositpipat (the creator of the famous White Temple), the Blue Temple was built on the ruins of a temple that had been abandoned for over a century. Its name, which means “House of the Dancing Tiger,” references a local legend that tigers once leaped across the nearby Mae Kok River.
The temple’s most striking feature is its breathtaking sapphire-blue hue, deliberately chosen for its symbolism in Buddhism: tranquility, infinity, purity, and healing. The exterior is adorned with golden details and mythological sculptures, including the imposing naga serpents guarding the main entrance, creating a stunning visual contrast.
Upon entering, visitors are immediately enveloped in a mesmerizing display of colors and symbolism. The interior is richly decorated with vibrant murals depicting Buddha’s life in a modern and expressive style. At the heart of the sanctuary stands an imposing 6.5-meter-tall pearly white Buddha statue, seemingly floating against the deep blue backdrop, creating a hypnotic visual effect.
After exploring the temple’s interior, it’s worth strolling around the surrounding area, where various small shops offer local handicrafts and souvenirs. A must-try experience to cool off from Chiang Rai’s heat is tasting the famous blue ice cream sold nearby, made with tropical ingredients like coconut and mango—a delicious treat that perfectly complements the temple’s atmosphere.
For photography enthusiasts, a raised viewpoint accessible via a staircase behind the temple offers a panoramic view of the structure and its intricate details.
Wat Huay Pla Kang: the chinese temple
Our final stop was Wat Huay Pla Kang. Known as the “Chinese Temple,” it is actually a complex that blends Thai and Chinese cultural elements. Its main highlight is the gigantic statue of Guanyin, the Chinese Buddhist goddess of compassion.
Visitors can take an elevator up to the third eye of the statue, where a panoramic view of Chiang Rai awaits. To reach the base of this grand statue, there are two options: an impressive staircase or a free shuttle train—ideal for those with mobility challenges or anyone who prefers a more comfortable ride.
The complex also includes a main temple built in Chinese style and a magnificent nine-story pagoda. Each level of the pagoda houses images of Buddha and other sacred icons, offering a unique spiritual experience.
Baan Dam: the enigmatic black temple
Unfortunately, our tour did not include a visit to the Baan Dam Museum, or Black Temple, in Chiang Rai. Realistically, it would have been impossible to fit another attraction into a one-day tour, as we finished our visit to the Chinese Temple around 4 PM and arrived in Chiang Mai by 8 PM.
The Baan Dam Museum is an intriguing site that blends traditional architecture with dark, introspective themes. Comprising around 40 wooden structures, it houses artifacts that provoke deep reflections on mortality and existence, offering a more contemplative and mysterious experience.
Inside these buildings, visitors will find an impressive—and for some, unsettling—collection of objects, including bones, animal hides, elaborate furniture, and sculptures that evoke philosophical and emotional contemplation.
The arrangement of artifacts and the eerie atmosphere create an experience that many find fascinating, while others may find it unsettling.
Final Thoughts & Recommendations
Our tour of Chiang Rai was an unforgettable experience, filled with incredible temples and rich culture. The comfortable transportation, knowledgeable guide, and unique opportunities—like visiting the long-neck women’s village—made the trip even more special. The only downside was the limited time for lunch.
If you’re planning a trip to Thailand, don’t miss out on Chiang Rai. You’ll be enchanted by the beauty and magic of this city!
For a more immersive experience, consider staying overnight in Chiang Rai. There are direct flights from Bangkok to Chiang Rai Airport (CEI). Otherwise, a day trip from Chiang Mai allows you to see the main temples in just one day. In this case, we highly recommend Monkey Travel Asia for their excellent service.
I hope you like our trip to Chiang Rai, in Thailand. Check out all our travel articles in English by clicking here.
