A day trip to Chiang Rai can be something to add to your Chiang Mai itinerary, especially if you enjoy visiting temples. Chiang Rai is home to a number of stunning temples and they blew me away. This itinerary covers the spots we visited on our Chiang Rai day trip, in order. You can follow it in order as this sequence of attractions has been optimised for the best possible route. The reverse order works as well.
Getting to Chiang Rai from Chiang Mai
The easiest way to get to Chiang Rai from Chiang Mai would be by car. It’s a 3-hour drive and there are various options, ranging from tours to private hires.
If you have more time, there are also bus options, ranging from THB 500 – THB 700. The bus takes longer a little longer though.
Golden Triangle
The Golden Triangle marks the point where Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar meet, with the Mekong River running through the middle. One of the landmarks to spot here is Kings Romans Casino across the river, in Laos, rumoured to be ran by a triad boss. It’s a huge golden building so it’s hard to miss.
This is a quick stop mainly for photos. If you do not have enough time, you can consider giving this a miss as it is 40 minutes out of Chiang Rai. However, I thought it was pretty cool and it was arguably my favourite stop of the day.
Recommended time spend: ~15 minutes
Wat Rong Suea Ten (Blue Temple)
Wat Rong Suea Ten is known for its vibrant blue colour and gold accents, representing “heavenly” teachings of Buddha.
The blue temple was designed by Phuttha Kabkaew, a student of Chalermchai Kositpipat, the designer of the famous white temple (more on that later), so you can see some similarities in the two.
Recommended time spend: ~ 30 minutes
Opening hours: 7am – 8pm
Entrance fee: Free
Address: 306 หมู่ที่ 2 Maekok Rd, Tambon Rim Kok, Mueang Chiang Rai District, Chiang Rai 57100, Thailand
Lalitta Cafe
Lalitta Cafe is a garden-themed cafe famous for its waterfall backdrop and lush greenery. It’s a relaxing mid-day lunch spot for drinks and photos between temple visits. There is however, an entrance fee for this cafe, which does not include food and drinks.
The food here is exactly what you would expect from a whimsical themed cafe, so tailor your expectations. The mama noodles I got was oily and salty and the Thai milk tea felt like 3-in-1 instant Thai tea.
Recommended time spend: ~30 – 60 minutes
Opening hours: 8am – 8pm
Entrance fee: THB 60
Address: 392, 6, Rim Kok, Mueang Chiang Rai District, Chiang Rai 57100, Thailand
Wat Huay Pla Kang (Red Temple)
Wat Huay Pla Kang is a Chinese-styled temple features a massive white Guan Yin (Goddess of Mercy) statue that can be accessed by elevator for panoramic views. The complex also includes a nine-tier pagoda with red-tiled roof, which is also the reason Wat Huay Pla Kang is known as the red temple.
Transportation up to the base of the Guanyin statue can be found at the base of the pagoda, which makes it very accessible for those with mobility issues.
Wat Huay Pla Kang is just a 3-minute drive from Lalitta drive, so it’s worth checking out if you plan on visiting Lalitta cafe.
Recommended time spend: ~30 minutes
Opening hours: 7am – 9pm
Entrance fee: Free, THB 40 for the elevator up the Guanyin statue
Address: 553, Ban Du, Mueang Chiang Rai District, Chiang Rai 57100, Thailand
Wat Rong Khun (White Temple)
Wat Rong Khun is Chiang Rai’s most famous landmark, a temple designed entirely in white. The temple’s design is a symbolism of the path to enlightenment. Its intricate details and surreal artwork make it the highlight of most Chiang Rai itineraries.
Recommended time spend: ~30 – 60 minutes
Opening hours: 8am – 5pm, last ticket sale at 4.40pm
Entrance fee: THB 200
Address: Pa O Don Chai, Mueang Chiang Rai District, Chiang Rai 57000, Thailand
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