The top sights, highlights, tours & travel itinaries curated by our Travel Experts.
Chiang Rai is located in the mountains of northern Thailand and captivates visitors with lush jungle and picturesque rivers. The province borders Laos, Myanmar and Chiang Mai and is inhabited by a colourful mix of ethnic groups, which promises a unique holiday experience.
Intricately decorated temples, magnificent palaces and centuries-old artefacts leave a deep impression of times past, but also modern times. It is best to travel to this fascinating region in the cool season from November to February and in the warmer months from March to May. Less
The White Temple
The picturesque high mountains
One of the holiest Buddhist temples in Thailand
The Wat Phra Kaew Temple in Chiang Rai is not only a feast for the eyes from the outside, it is also famous for the emerald green Buddha statue inside. Moreover, it is an example of the art of the Lanna Kingdom, which once resided here. The temple is surrounded by a turtle pond and lovely gardens for a relaxing stroll on your Chiang Rai holiday. The adjacent museum with magnificent exhibits is also worth seeing.
The filigree structure of the temple combines modern elements with traditional Buddhist art. The attention to detail is particularly striking: An almost endless number of decorations and statues adorn the building. An impressive bridge leads across the lake to the entrance, contrasting the deep blue of the water and sky. It symbolizes the journey from the cycle of life to enlightenment. A contrast of a slightly different kind, on the other hand, is provided by a gold-ornamented toilet block. While the white represents the mind and soul, the rare gold on the grounds symbolizes the body.
A prestigious project of the Queen Mother is the Doi Tung Palace. Its beautiful gardens, open to the public, are combined with the cultivation of food for the rural population. Coffee, macadamia and orchids were also planted here and sold along with local handicrafts. In addition, the picturesque country house houses a museum, a restaurant and a small spa. Since the compound is located on a mountain, you will also enjoy stunning views of the surrounding area.
Situated 3,937 feet above sea level, the high mountains of Doi Mae Salong are a wonder of nature and a feast for the eyes: rolling mountains shrouded in white mist are framed by green tea fields. The Chin Haw ethnic group lived here for centuries until they eventually moved to the village of Santi Keeree. Needless to say, sampling a freshly brewed cup of local oolong tea is an absolute must on your Chiang Rai vacation.
The ruined castle of Chiang Saen dates back to the 14th century and is located on the banks of the Mekong River. Visitors marvel at the complex with ancient fortification walls and remains of temples, which is considered one of the oldest settlements of the Thai people. Hiking enthusiasts can also take a detour to the temple Wat Phra That Chom Kitti, which can be reached via a staircase with 300 steps. Less
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