Last visited in December 2025

Chiang Rai is the overlooked sidekick of Chiang Mai – the forever second. I could be wrong, but has anyone only been to C’Rai?

This small city is quietly intriguing and will surprise you if you give it more than the usual two recommended days. Let me share three catchy reasons why the northernmost corner of Thailand is worth exploring.

1. GODDESS OF MERCY

CR is the city of gold and creepy sculptures. There’s something excessively bizarre and kitschy here that’s hard to explain or justify. Just look at the famous clock tower: am I the only one seeing the Cheshire Cat in it?

Or take Wat Rong Khun, the signature White Temple. It’s mind-blowing.. once. The first visit dazzles with millions of mirrors and shocks with grotesque figures (spoiler alert: they represent human desires). Reading about the concept adds context, and I don’t mean to diminish the artistic achievement, but for me, it mainly functions as a crowd magnet.

If exaggerated, nonsensical art is your thing, CR is truly your place – don’t miss Wat Phra That Doi Khao Kwai (with a great city view), and Wat Saeng Kaeo Phothiyan (on the way between CR and CM).

Beyond the creative madness, pure beauty is present, too. One is Wat Rong Suea Ten – the Blue Temple of the white-blue-black triangle. It’s charming inside and out and really couldn’t be more blue. Thais also make a great product pairing with butterfly pea – the blue temple and blue sticky rice ice cream are a match made in heaven.

The reason I’d put Chiang Rai at the top of a travel list is Wat Huay Pla Kang. It stands out from all the other temples, and not just because it’s on a hill. As far as I know, this is the newest temple complex in the region, and it looks like all the knowledge gained from previous constructions was perfected here.

The nine-story pagoda, glowing in woody yellow light, resembles the Tower of Babel. The main temple is pure white and insanely detailed (I root for this Lanna-Chinese fusion), and the chanting (on endless loop) makes the ambiance mystical. The enormous statue of Guan Yin (Goddess of Mercy, not Buddha, despite popular belief) radiates an overwhelming sense of tranquility and warmth.

The best time to visit is after sunset (I prefer 7 pm). No tourists, empty temples, and the illumination will leave you in awe. It’s the perfect place if you’re looking for inner and outer peace while letting yourself be completely captivated by beauty and aesthetics. I have some questions about the disco ball with the speakers hidden in the back, tho.

And if you’ve had enough temple visits, Chiang Rai also has a Contemporary Art Museum, where you really should stop by.

2. OPIUM

The province is a well-known destination for those who want to dive into the colorful history of the Golden Triangle. I don’t suggest getting involved in any drug smuggling (unless you want to), but I strongly recommend a road trip to the Mekong.

Actually, take road trips in any direction. Doi Tung is an excellent choice, so is Phayao (a bit off sight). The playful rhythm of the valleys is gorg, and nothing beats cruising on curvy mountain roads.. with or without a destination in mind. Just dress up warm!

3. PIZZA

Yes, pizza at Chef Sasa. A Neapolitan moved to Chiang Rai to treat you to the damn best pizza and panna cotta in the north.

But that’s not all. The city is home to great food, and I promise, you’ll get hooked. I’m not a big fan of Indian food, but Accha Authentic Indian Cuisine is outstanding. Breakfast Factory is a busy brunch spot for good reason: excellent food, smoothies, and coffee. Good Carb is the go-to place for tasty breakfast and to get some work done. Book’s Cafe & Bistro has a cozy vibe, live music and wine. And if your belly is craving street food, pun pao and patongko are must-tries (the good ones are pinned on the map).

The region is famous for its coffee and tea plantations. Yoddoi and Doi Chang are the major coffee brands, known for their aromatic beans, though good coffee is easy to find almost anywhere.

However, tea is the real deal. One of my favorites is Sawanbondin Farm & Tea House, where a wide selection of heavenly teas is paired with excellent cakes and an atmosphere that invites you to slow down and enjoy it fully. It’s a happy place – the kind where you can challenge all your senses and discover your own taste in tea, because there’s far more to it than just black, green, or white.

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