Top Destinations
Chiang Rai Province has many tourist destinations and some unknown places to visit. We selected Top Destinations and provide you with more information about this place. Please select the destination of your choice and you will be forwarded.
Top destination 1 Phu Chi Fa
Top destination 2 Wat Phra Keow
Top destination 3 Khun Korn Waterfall
Interesting Places in Chiang Rai
Wat Rong Khun, also known as the white temple, is located about 11 kilometres south from Chiang Rai, next to the Superhighway in the direction of Chiang Mai.This
magnificent place of worship was built in 1998. It is the realization of a dream for Thailand's noted artist Ajaarn Chalermchai Kositpipat, who designed and is supervising the construction of this beautiful white temple and its many statues of figures based on religious beliefs. The main temple, the so called Ubosot, is white colored decorated with reflected glass. The paintings inside the temple are worth to have a closer look, and you will see more...
It's a top destination you just need to see, when visiting Chiang Rai!
Click here to read the interview with Ajaarn Chalermchai Kositpipat.
King Meng Rai The Great Monument is located at Ha Yaek intersection and along the Super Highway. King Mengrai was the founder of the Lanna Kingdom and Chiang Rai city, which was established in the year 1262.
Wat Phra Keow is located along Trairat Road. This ancient temple, which used to be called Wat Pa Ya, is said to have been the original place for the Emerald Buddha. This image is now venerated in Bangkok's Wat Phra Kaew Chapel of the Emerald Buddha.
A newer image which locals call Phra Yok (meaning Jade Buddha) has been installed to replace the original Emerald Buddha image.
Karen Ruammit Village is located at Mae Yao sub-district, about 19 kilometres from town and can be reached by either car or by long-tail boat. Many people come here for home-stays. This village has various tribal populations such as Karen, Hmong, Akha, Lahu, Lisu and Tai Lue. Tourists can start trekkings or Elephant Tours from the village. The Elephant Tour is an eco-tourism, formed by Karen Ruammit Elephant Tour Club. They have 28 elephants.
Another interesting tourist spot not far from here is the Huai Mae Sai waterfall. This waterfall originated from Mae Sai stream at Doi Bo and it actually has 2 waterfalls. The first is 15 metres and the second is 20 metres. The area is a good place to cool down and relax.
Next to the waterfall there is Ban Ja Lae, a hilltribe village with a fascinating history. You can see and hear about their story at the Ban Ya Lae Museum. This museum has been built in 2002 by the Mirror Art Foundation and Jalae villagers. In the museum hall there is a performance of tribal culture of Akha and Lahu and also you get an impression of their way of life. The museum opens daily from 8 am till 5 pm (except on Wednesdays). The entrance fee is THB 20 a person.
Khun Korn Waterfall is the most beautiful waterfall in Chiang Rai. It has water running all year round and it has an impressive fall of 70 meters. It is situated in the midst of a forest park and surrounded by mountains. The Khun Korn National Park is an evergreen forest with diverse species of flora and fauna. There is plenty to see and explore in the park. From the car park it is ahike of 1400 meters to the waterfall and swimming at the falls is allowed. make sure you have the time and energy to enjoy all what's at Khun Korn National Park and you'll be glad you did it.
Located about 30 kilometres southwest from Chiang Rai city along Routes 1211 & 1208, the 70-metre high Khun Korn Waterfall is the highest in the province. It's a 1.5 kilometres rough walk through the park to get to this waterfall.
Mae Kok River known in Thai as Mae Nam Kok, this scenic 130-kilometre long waterway runs through the heart of Chiang Rai. The river is a major transportation route from Chaing Mai province, especially the town of Tha Ton (180 kilometres north of Chaing Mai provincial capital), whence long-tailed boats make the 3-4 hour journey every day at 12.30 PM (Chiang Rai-Tha Ton: 10.30 AM). The river passes several hilltribe settlements and elephant camps from where jungle treks originate.
The White Buddha and it's temple Wat In Cee can be found on Doi In Cee, a mountain in Doi Hang district, just 10 kilometres outside Chiang Rai. The white Buddha was built in 2007 by Doi Hang villagers and the Chiang Rai government. The sculpture is 15 x 10 meters. In order to get to the top of that mountain where the White Buddha sits, you need to walk up a steep stairway with 899 steps. Up there you will find absolute silence, tranquility and the most magnificent view over Chiang Rai. This is a new top destination for Chiang Rai visitors, but it's not easy to get there.
Chiang Rai beach is located 4 kilometres from the city. This scenic riverside area and promenade is a recreation area for local inhabitants. There are plenty of huts where you can sit, relax, order food and overlook the Mae Kok river, but please bring your dictionairy with you, because there are no English menus.
Ancient Monks Cave is opposite from the Chiang Rai beach and 6 kilometres out of town. The Cave is a beautiful stone mountain with various buddha images inside and a peaceful garden along the riverside. King Rama VII used to visit this place and the Department of Fine Arts has been registered the place as an important ancient site.
Rai Mae Fah Luang, the Art and Cultural Park, serves as a venue for art exhibitions and cultural performances. It was once a centre for education and development, offering skills training to hill tribe youths from various villages in the northern region. The Park covers an area of over 150 rai and about 3 kilometres west from Chiang Rai city. A stroll through this wonderful park with its forested areas is an experience unlike any other. Open on Tuesday-Sunday 8am-6pm. Admission is 200 bath per person.
Wat Phra Singha, on Singhakhlai Road, is a fine example of Lanna Thai religious architecture. The Phra Buddha Singh image now hourse in Chaing Mai's Wat Phra Singh. It was formerly enshrined here.
Ku Phra Chao Meng Rai situated in Wat Ngam Muang, on Ngam Muang Hillock, this stupa contains King Mengrai's ashes and relics.
Wat Phra That Doi Thong, this ancient hilltop pagoda overlooks the Mae Kok River and predates the founding of Chiang Rai as the capital of Lanna Thai.
Oub Kham museum, located at Den Ha and about 1 kilometre from the centre. This museum presents a collection embracing objects from the areas once belonging to or affiliated with the Lanna Kingdoms. A golden bowl used by rayals is the masterpiece. Open daily from 8am till 7pm. Admission is 200 bath per person.
Suan Mae Fa Luang or The Mae Fa Luang Garden is located in front of the Royal Villa, at Doi Tung. Covering a hillside area of 500 rai, this large flower garden also includes fountains and waterfalls, a palm garden, a rock garden, an ornamental plant section and a handicraft center. The numerous seasonal flowers and plants in this garden makes this the most beautiful garden in Thailand.
The entrance fee is only 80 baht and it's open daily from 7:30 a.m. till 6:00 p.m.
Do you have a suggestion for a Top Destination or want to inform the world about any interesting place in Chiang Rai? Please fill in the contact form or send an email to info@chiangraitouristinformation.com
