Chiang Rai is often a convenient stopover for travelers heading from northern Thailand to Laos, particularly for those planning to take the slow boat to Luang Prabang. While it’s not packed with things to do, it’s a practical break in the journey.
We stayed at Baan Mai Kradan Hostel for just £6.60 per night. The hostel is centrally located, comfortable, and has a balcony overlooking a lovely garden area. It also has a communal kitchen and living room, making it a great option for budget travelers.
The white temple, Chiang rai
In the morning, we took a 20-minute local bus from Bus Terminal 1 to the famous White Temple (Wat Rong Khun) for 25 baht. It’s easy to find the right bus—just look for one with “White Temple” written on the side and pay on board.
When we arrived, the temple was incredibly busy, with large crowds and a long queue to get inside. Entry costs 100 baht, and while the temple’s intricate exterior is stunning and unique, the inside didn’t offer much. Unfortunately, the experience felt a little underwhelming for us, especially with the crowds. If you’re planning to visit, I’d recommend going early in the morning to avoid the rush.
When leaving, look for a small wooden shelter across the motorway from where you were dropped off. This is the pick-up point for buses or songthaews heading back to town. It’s a bit of a waiting game, but luckily, we managed to catch one without too much trouble.
Free chiang rai tram tour
In the afternoon, Chiang Rai offers a free 2-hour city tram tour that takes you to the main sights of the city. The tours typically leave from the bus terminal opposite Gorilla Gym, with departures at 9:30 am and 1:30 pm. Unfortunately, the tour wasn’t running on the day we were there, leaving us with a free afternoon to fill.
After grabbing some lunch, we decided to check out Gorilla Gym, which has two floors of good quality equipment and costs just 100 baht for entry. Unfortunately, like the rest of the day, things didn’t go as planned—I pulled my hamstring about 15 minutes in and had to limp back to the hostel (stopping at market for a sweet treat first of course).
Khao Soi Restaurant
Back at the hostel, we relaxed on the balcony before heading out for dinner. We tried Khao Soi Restaurant, where I had one of the best massaman curries I’ve ever eaten. They also serve Thai cider, which was surprisingly good.
We’d planned to end the evening at Derry’s Irish Bar, but it was closed. Other bars along the same street were fairly empty, so we decided to call it a night before an early bus to Chiang Khong the next morning.
Chiang Rai might not have been a highlight for us, but it does have options for those staying longer. Many hostels and tour companies offer activities like muay thai classes, cooking classes, or day trips to the Golden Triangle, where Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar meet.
For us, it was a good place to stop over for 1 day but with more time (and fewer hiccups), it could offer more to explore.