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Фотогалерея ‒ Chiang Rai, Thailand

Guide to Chiang Rai

Chiang Rai Virtual Tour

Chiang Rai's main attractions often draw day-trippers who come to explore its remarkable temples. These include the renowned White Temple, hailed as one of Thailand's most exquisite religious structures, the intriguing Black Temple (Black House), the Temple of the Emerald Buddha (the original home of the world-famous Buddha statue, now residing in Bangkok), and an array of Buddhist stupas.

The city's architectural landmarks extend to a gilded monument honoring King Mengrai, the founder of Chiang Rai, and the iconic Clock Tower, both considered the city's iconic symbols. Don't miss Tung Garden, where natural beauty harmoniously blends with themed statues, offering a delightful experience. For those seeking new insights, the Opium Museum is an informative stop, shedding light on Thailand's historical connection to opium production.

The Botanical Garden of Chiang Rai, established on former rice plantations, is a must-visit, boasting around five hundred species of rare exotic flora.

To round off your Chiang Rai adventure, a visit to the Night Market is a fitting conclusion. Here, many tourists find unique souvenirs, gifts for loved ones, and savor local delicacies, making it a vibrant and memorable part of their journey.

Photos of Chiang Rai

Tips for tourists

Population
136000
Time zone
GMT+7
Language
Thai Baht (THB)
Currency
Thai

Tours to Chiang Rai

Chiang Rai is often included in one-day tours of Thailand's northern provinces, but a single day is rarely enough to truly appreciate this northern capital. A better option is a self-guided tour planned with resources from the internet, with costs starting from $1,200 USD for a week-long trip.

A standard package tour from a travel agency typically covers basic insurance, flights to Bangkok, bus transfers to Chiang Rai, hotel accommodations, and meals. Prices for such tours start at around $1,400 USD during the low season, with a 10-15% increase in high season.

Regardless of the tour option you choose, the flight is usually the largest portion of the expense. To save on airfare, it's advisable to book your flights at least 2-3 months in advance.

During your Chiang Rai tour, don't miss the chance to explore the temples, parks, squares, and intriguing museums. The best time to visit this resort is from December to April when the weather is warm and dry, with cooler evenings providing respite from the heat experienced in southern provinces.

At night, Chiang Rai comes to life, offering a vibrant and enchanting experience for visitors.

Interesting places in Chiang Rai

Chiang Rai is home to numerous unique temples, showcasing architectural styles distinct from traditional religious buildings. Alongside these, you'll find captivating monuments, museums, and natural attractions. Despite its modest size, the city offers a plethora of places to explore and enjoy leisurely walks, ensuring there's always something new to discover around every corner.

Sights

Travel budget

Flight ticket prices

Chiang Rai Airport receives domestic flights within Thailand, as well as international flights from Laos, Myanmar, and Vietnam. Most tourists arrive at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport and then travel to Chiang Rai via a domestic flight (from 30 EUR) or by bus (from 10 EUR, travel time around 11 hours). Connecting flights are available via Singapore, Dubai, Doha, and Istanbul, with airlines such as Turkish Airlines, Qatar Airways, Emirates, Thai Airways, and Finnair.

Flights from Warsaw, Frankfurt, Prague, Budapest, and Paris to Bangkok take 10–14 hours, followed by a 1-hour 20-minute flight to Chiang Rai. Tickets from Europe start at 550–800 EUR in the low season and 900–1100 EUR in the winter months. Booking 2–3 months in advance can help secure better prices.

The best hotels in Chiang Rai

Chiang Rai has an ample selection of affordable accommodation. The vast majority of hotels are of the urban type in the form of high-rise buildings. Detached single-storey houses or bungalows are rare in Chiang Rai.

Budget two-bed apartments (TT Hostel Chiangrai, Adchara Mansion, Baan Mai Kradan Hostel Chiang Rai, Tourist Inn) start at 7 USD per night.

Three-star hotels (Doowall Hotel, Homey Dormy Chiangrai, Baanmalai Guest House, Bann Pin Kaew) offer similar rates from 18 USD, while 4-star hotels (Nak Nakara Hotel, Rasa Boutique Hotel Chiang Rai, NAI YA Hotel) start at 25 USD.

Five-star luxury hotels (Le Meridien Chiang Rai Resort, Mora Boutique Hotel, The Heritage Chiang Rai) offer double room rates from 39 USD per night.

The cost of vacation

Chiang Rai, thanks to its low prices, is ideal for a long-term stay, such as a winter vacation. The resort has enough budget accommodation, affordable food, and free temples. The main expense for those going to Chiang Rai is the flight. Transfer to Chiang Rai - from 23 USD one way by bus.

We have calculated an approximate estimate for a four-day, three-night vacation based on the following costs:

  • flight to Bangkok airport;

  • accommodation in a 3-star hotel including breakfast;

  • lunch and dinner at a restaurant;

  • tuk-tuk travel;

  • cultural program (visit to the zoo).

The budget for a trip to Chiang Rai
Accommodation from 18 USD Average check in a restaurant from 6 USD
Excursion from 20 USD Transport fare from 1.7 USD
Flight from 750 USD
Total: from 1000 USD for 1 person for 4 days of vacation

Chiang Rai: tips for tourists

A trip to Chiang Rai is a great option for a weekend getaway or an entire winter. tripmydream can help with tips for the perfect vacation!

Visa to Chiang Rai

Citizens of most European Union countries do not need a visa for short-term tourist trips to Thailand. They can stay in the country for up to 30 days without a visa if they arrive by air and up to 15 days if they enter by land. However, the rules are subject to change, so it's best to check the latest information before you travel.

Airport

Chiang Rai Airport has a passenger traffic of about 1 million people per year. It is located at a distance of 700 kilometers from Suvarnabhumi Airport in the capital of Thailand. It takes an hour to travel this distance by air on a domestic flight.

Transfer

To get from Bangkok Airport to Chiang Rai, you can take an intercity bus (from 23 USD), a shuttle bus (from 39 USD) or an airplane (from 56 USD). It takes 10.5 hours by road and 1 hour by air.

Car rental

Car rental in Chiang Rai costs from 25 USD per day of use. The conditions for renting a car: age from 21 years old, driving experience from 1 year, international license, basic knowledge of English or Thai.

Transport

There is no public transportation in Chiang Rai. The most convenient way to get around is by tuk-tuk (fare from 50 THB), motorcycle cab or car cab (fare from 100 THB).

Safety

Chiang Rai is cozy and peaceful. But it's worth following basic safety rules, such as planning your transfer from the airport to the city in advance. It's best to leave valuables in the hotel safe.

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