Best Chiang Rai Day Trips & Things to Do

Often overshadowed by its bigger neighbor Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai is a smaller, quieter city in northern Thailand that’s worth visiting for its distinctive temples and landscapes. The White Temple (Wat Rong Khun) is its most famous attraction, but the Blue Temple (Wat Rong Suea Ten) and Black House Museum (Baan Dam) also showcase striking modern interpretations of Thai art and spirituality. Chiang Rai is also a base for exploring the Golden Triangle, where Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar meet. Compared with Chiang Mai, it has fewer tourists and a slower pace, perfect if you want to combine culture with countryside escapes.