My Chiang Rai Travel Guide
Chiang Rai is the northernmost province in Thailand and the natural second stop on any extended northern Thailand trip. The famous draw is Wat Rong Khun – the White Temple – an ongoing piece of contemporary religious architecture that looks more like a fantasy film set than a Buddhist temple. After that the city itself slows down: smaller than Chiang Mai, easier to walk, with a quieter night market and some serious hill-tribe villages within a short drive.
We’ve done a couple of Chiang Rai stops as side trips from Chiang Mai. The pace is slower, the food is sharper (more Yunnan and Shan influence), and the Golden Triangle area – where Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos converge – is the kind of geography it’s hard to stop thinking about.
My 2026 Chiang Rai Travel Guide
- Skip to our Chiang Rai FAQ
Chiang Rai Basics
- Where to stay in Chiang Rai (coming soon)
- Best time to visit Chiang Rai (coming soon)
- Getting to Chiang Rai from Chiang Mai (coming soon)
Chiang Rai Hotels
- Best Hotels in Chiang Rai (coming soon)
- Best Hotels near the Golden Triangle (coming soon)
- Best Marriott Bonvoy Hotels in Chiang Rai (coming soon)
Chiang Rai Activities and Attractions
- Wat Rong Khun (the White Temple) (coming soon)
- The Black House (Baan Dam) (coming soon)
- Golden Triangle day trips (coming soon)
- Doi Mae Salong and the tea villages (coming soon)
- Hill tribe village ethics and recommendations (coming soon)
Chiang Rai Travel Planning
Frequently asked questions
Chiang Mai or Chiang Rai?
Chiang Mai for a first trip to the north. Chiang Rai for the second trip, or as a 2-3 night side trip from Chiang Mai. Both work; don't substitute one for the other.
How do I get to Chiang Rai from Chiang Mai?
Three hours by car or van on a winding mountain road. Direct flight is only 40 minutes if you can find a connecting schedule (most flights route via Bangkok). Most people drive or take a private transfer.
How long should I stay?
Two to three nights. Long enough for the White Temple, the Black House, a half-day at the Golden Triangle, and one slow morning by the hotel pool.
Keep reading
About Bangkok John
Bangkok John was started in 2020 when I posted my first hotel review. The site now publishes regularly updated guides to Bangkok, Phuket, Chiang Mai, Koh Samui, Krabi, Hua Hin, and all of Thailand.
I'm a Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite member and an Emirates Skywards Gold member, so I lean toward Marriott properties when the choice is close. I pay for my own rooms.
Questions? Email me at hello@bangkokjohn.com.