Chiang Rai Province Must-Sees

Chiang Rai Province showcases a blend of avant-garde architecture and historical landmarks in northern Thailand. The region features the contemporary White Temple, the sapphire-hued Blue Temple, and the colossal Guan Yin statue at Wat Huai Pla Kang. Cultural sites include the former home of the Emerald Buddha at Wat Phra Kaew and the darker aesthetic of the Baandam Museum. Natural and historical highlights include the Golden Triangle border, the tea plantations of Singha Park, and the Tham Luang cave system.

Wat Rong Khun - White Temple

Wat Rong Khun, better known as the White Temple, is a privately owned art exhibit in the style of a Buddhist temple in Pa O Don Chai,…

Wat Rong Suea Ten

Known for its sapphire-blue interior and gold carvings, this contemporary temple was completed in 2016. The main hall features a massive white Buddha statue surrounded by modern Buddhist murals designed by a protégé of the White Temple’s artist.

Wat Huai Pla Kang

This temple complex features a 90-meter-tall statue of Guan Yin, the Goddess of Mercy, and a nine-story pagoda. Visitors can take an elevator inside the statue to a viewpoint on the 25th floor overlooking the surrounding hills.

Clock Tower

Designed by artist Chalermchai Kositpipat, this golden monument functions as a traffic circle in the city center. It features a synchronized light and sound show every evening at 7:00 PM, 8:00 PM, and 9:00 PM.

Wat Phra Kaew

This 14th-century royal temple is the original discovery site of the Emerald Buddha. The grounds include a museum housing Lanna-style artifacts and a jade replica of the famous Buddha image commissioned for the temple's 1991 anniversary.

Singha Park

An agro-tourism destination featuring oolong tea plantations, flower gardens, and orchards. The site includes cycling trails, a zipline, and a large golden lion statue at the entrance.

Phu Chi Fa

Phu Chi Fa, also Phu Chee Fah, is a mountain area and national forest park in Thailand.

Golden Triangle

The confluence of the Ruak and Mekong Rivers where the borders of Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar meet. The site features a riverside park with a giant golden Buddha statue and viewpoints overlooking the neighboring countries.

Baandam Museum

Also known as the Black House, this complex of 40 structures was created by artist Thawan Duchanee. The buildings house a collection of animal remains, skins, and furniture crafted from bones, reflecting a dark interpretation of Buddhist philosophy.

House of Opium

This museum documents the history of the opium trade in the Golden Triangle. Displays include antique pipes, weights, and scales, alongside educational exhibits on the cultivation and socio-economic impact of the drug in the region.