Yes, Chiang Rai is worth visiting if you have enough time in northern Thailand and want to see a quieter side of the country. It’s best known for the White Temple, Blue Temple, and unique modern temple architecture, but I also loved its slower pace, night markets, local coffee, and great-value hotels.
That said, I don’t think Chiang Rai is for everyone. If you only have one week or ten days in Thailand on a first trip, I probably wouldn’t rush all the way there just to tick off the White Temple. But if you’re already visiting Chiang Mai, planning a northern Thailand itinerary, or want a calmer alternative to Bangkok, Phuket, or Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai can be a beautiful and worthwhile stop.
I visited Chiang Rai over a weekend from Bangkok and explored the city without renting a car or motorbike. In this honest review, I’ll share what I liked, what I didn’t like, who I think Chiang Rai is best for, and whether I’d add it to a Thailand itinerary again.
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My Experience: Is Chiang Rai Worth Visiting?
Since I’ve been living in Bangkok for a little over a year, I have the luxury of time to explore different corners of Thailand. So a few months ago, I figured it was finally time to make a trip to Chiang Rai and see whether the famous temples were really worth it.
Looking back on my trip, I’d definitely go back. Mainly for the slower, less crowded atmosphere, the night markets, the temples, the northern Thai food, and the excellent coffee. Chiang Rai is also one of those places where you’re unlikely to get bored or run out of ideas, because there are plenty of activities and places to visit both in and around the city.
If you can’t decide whether to come just for a day or stay overnight, I recommend staying at least one night, ideally two. Otherwise, you’ll miss out on Chiang Rai in the evening, which was one of my favourite parts of the trip.
➞ Planning your trip already? Read my full 2 days in Chiang Rai itinerary for exactly how I visited the city.
What Is Chiang Rai Like to Visit?
Coming from Bangkok or tourist-heavy places like Krabi or Phuket, Chiang Rai felt like their calmer sibling. Although I have to admit, I visited in October, which is probably one of the quietest months of the year, and there were barely any tourists in town.
Of course, they all seemed to appear at the White Temple, which is the main reason many people visit Chiang Rai in the first place. The city is easy to reach, with regular bus connections from Chiang Mai and direct flights from Bangkok. The airport is also only about 10 km from the city centre, which makes arriving really easy.
The weather in October was mainly sunny, with a little overcast sky and barely any rain, so don’t be too scared to visit during the official rainy season. I think you’ll enjoy Chiang Rai if you like unique architecture, temples, smaller cities over chaotic tourist hubs, great food, coffee, and the idea of taking a few trips outside the city, for example to a tea plantation, the mountains, or the Golden Triangle.
What I Like About Chiang Rai
1. The Unique Temples
I’ve already seen many temples in Thailand, but none of them were quite like the ones in Chiang Rai. They are also probably the biggest reason most people visit. The most famous one is the White Temple, officially called Wat Rong Khun. I was actually surprised to learn that it’s not even that old, construction only started in 1996. It’s bright white, covered in sparkly details, and truly stunning.
Then there is the Blue Temple, which is smaller but again feels like a piece of art. And finally, there is the giant white Guan Yin statue, which honestly made me say wow. You can see it from far away, and if you pay a small fee, you can take a lift up inside the statue for views over the surrounding countryside.
2. Chiang Rai Is Quiet Compared to Chiang Mai
Maybe you’re also wondering whether you should visit Chiang Mai or Chiang Rai, but I’d say they are very different. Chiang Mai is bigger and more touristy, while Chiang Rai is smaller and quieter. There may not be as many things to do in the city centre as in Chiang Mai, but that actually gives you space to slow down, and focus on the main highlights.
When I compare it to Ao Nang in Krabi, which I visited recently, or to Bangkok, Chiang Rai felt like a balm for my soul.
3. It’s a Great-Value Destination
As I already mentioned, I visited Chiang Rai in October, which is generally one of the cheapest times to visit Thailand. But even taking the low season into account, Chiang Rai felt very affordable and noticeably cheaper than Bangkok.
Everything from hotels, food, cafés, and local transport felt like better value than in Bangkok, Phuket, Koh Samui, or other very popular tourist areas.
We found an amazing restaurant serving northern Thai dishes that were absolutely delicious, and I honestly thought that anywhere else, the same meal would cost double. At the evening market, I also got a massive mango sticky rice for 60 THB. In Bangkok, I usually pay at least 120 THB for one.
4. The Local Coffee Is Incredible
I didn’t know much about coffee from Chiang Rai before my trip, but while I was there, I quickly realized it’s something everyone who loves this brown liquid should pay attention to.
I found out that Chiang Rai has some of the largest coffee-growing areas in Thailand, with a strong focus on Arabica beans. So it makes sense that you can find so many cafés serving some of the best coffee I’ve had in the country.
Since my trip, whenever I go to a café anywhere in Thailand and see they use Chiang Rai beans, I order it. It’s just that good.
5. It’s a Good Base for Nearby Nature and Day Trips
Chiang Rai is not just about temples. I was actually surprised by how much there is to do around the city. If you have spare time, you can visit Choui Fong Tea Plantation, the Golden Triangle, Doi Tung, rice terraces, local villages, or even make a trip to Laos.
Since there isn’t really an efficient public transport system for exploring the surrounding area, you’ll need to plan this part a little more. The easiest options are to rent a car or motorbike, hire a private driver, or book an organized day tour.
That said, if you enjoy nature, mountain scenery, tea plantations, and slower countryside trips, Chiang Rai makes a great base for exploring this part of northern Thailand.
What I Didn’t Like About Chiang Rai
1. It’s a Bit More Difficult to Navigate Without Your Own Transport
You can’t really rely on public transport in Chiang Rai, so if you want the most flexibility, the easiest option is to rent your own scooter or car.
If you’re like me and don’t feel comfortable driving in Thailand, you can still manage. From the airport to our hotel, we took a Grab, and we also used Grab to get to and from the temples. You can read my full guide here: How to Use Grab in Thailand.
But knowing what I know now, next time I’d either book an organized trip for places like the Golden Triangle or hire a driver for the day to take us around the places outside the city that we wanted to visit.
2. The Main Sights Are Spread Out
The centre of Chiang Rai is easy to explore on foot, but the famous temples and sights are not all close together, so you’ll need transport to visit them. Luckily, Grab worked well in and around Chiang Rai, and it even picked us up from Wat Huay Pla Kang, which is a little outside the city.
3. The White Temple Gets Very Crowded
The White Temple was the only place that felt truly packed during our October trip to Chiang Rai. We arrived around 10 AM, and honestly, that was already too late. It was nearly impossible to take photos inside the temple without disturbing the flow of people, so I’d recommend getting there as early as possible, ideally at 8 AM when it opens.
Best Things to Do in Chiang Rai
Chiang Rai has enough to fill two relaxed days, especially if you enjoy temples, cafés, markets, and slower sightseeing. The main highlights are the White Temple, Blue Temple, Wat Huay Pla Kang, the Clock Tower, Chiang Rai Night Bazaar, and the Saturday Walking Street Market.
If you have more time, you can also visit places outside the city, such as Choui Fong Tea Plantation, the Golden Triangle, Doi Tung, or nearby mountain areas.
For a detailed day-by-day plan, read my 2 days in Chiang Rai itinerary.
Chiang Rai vs Chiang Mai: Which Is Better?
If you’re visiting northern Thailand for the first time, I’d recommend Chiang Mai first, then adding Chiang Rai as a short overnight trip if you have enough time. Chiang Mai works better as a main base, while Chiang Rai is better for a relaxed 1–2 day side trip.
| Choose Chiang Mai if… | Choose Chiang Rai if… |
|---|---|
| It is your first time in northern Thailand. | You want a less hectic city. |
| You want lots of restaurants, cafés, and markets. | You want to see the White Temple and Blue Temple. |
| You like tourist hotspots. | You prefer a more laid-back travel experience. |
| You are staying for several days. | You have 1–2 extra days in northern Thailand. |
Where to Stay in Chiang Rai
When I was planning my trip to Chiang Rai, it took me some time to figure out the best area to stay. Now I can confirm that the most convenient location is near the Clock Tower or the Night Bazaar. This area is central, walkable, and convenient for restaurants, cafés, markets, and transport. If you want something more scenic and peaceful, check out the Riverside instead.
We stayed at Sann Hotel, and I was quite happy with it. The rooms were bright, clean, and very spacious. There is also a pool, and breakfast was included during our stay.
➞ Before booking your hotel, read my full guide to where to stay in Chiang Rai, including the best areas, hotel tips, and my advice for first-time visitors.
FAQ: Is Chiang Rai Worth Visiting?
How many days do you need in Chiang Rai?
Two full days is ideal for most first-time visitors. One day is enough for the main temples, but two days gives you time for cafés, markets, and a more relaxed pace.
Is it worth visiting Chiang Rai from Chiang Mai?
Yes, Chiang Rai is worth visiting from Chiang Mai, but mainly if you are genuinely interested in seeing the temples. Bear in mind that the journey usually takes around 3.5 to 4 hours each way, so by the end of the day, you’ll probably be pretty knackered. You can either book transport via 12Go Asia or join an organized tour.
Is there much to do in Chiang Rai?
Yes, there is definitely enough to do in Chiang Rai for two full days. The main sights are the White Temple, Blue Temple, Wat Huay Pla Kang, the night markets, and the Golden Clock Tower. You can also take trips outside the city, and enjoy plenty of café stops.
Is Chiang Rai safe?
Absolutely. I didn’t feel unsafe for a second here, even when we were walking back from the market late in the evening through quiet streets. I can totally imagine visiting Chiang Rai by myself as a solo traveler.
Is Chiang Rai expensive?
Not really, I was actually surprised by how affordable Chiang Rai was compared to other Thai destinations. Hotels, food, cafés, and local transport felt like great value, so if you are planning your Thailand adventure on a budget, I highly recommend adding Chiang Rai to your travel plan.
Final Thoughts: Is Chiang Rai Worth Visiting in 2026?
If your main goal in Thailand is not to rush through all the must-see destinations, but to slow down a little, explore unique temples, make trips to the mountains and local villages, and spend some time with a book in your hand while sipping amazing coffee, then Chiang Rai is exactly the kind of place to do that.
It’s a destination where you can see some of the most unique temples in the country, enjoy a calmer side of northern Thailand, and still get great value for your money. If that sounds like your kind of trip, then yes, Chiang Rai is definitely worth visiting.
➞ Read my guide: How to Get to Chiang Rai from Bangkok, Chiang Mai & Pai
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