Buses depart every 30 minutes from 7 a.m to 6 p.m and the total journey takes about 3.5 hours. The bus ride takes 2-4 hours. The capital city/town shares the same name as the province, Chiang Rai. The two provinces are located approximately 180 kilometers (112 miles) apart by road. We had nam prik ong (red chili) and nam prik noom (green chili) several times on this trip and the version at Lu Lam was excellent. This might be more convenient for those traveling as a group. Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai - the best way to get from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai is the Green Bus (tickets and timetable).Tickets start from 129 THB per person. This is more challenging as you move away from the city center. Get your queue number and wait for your turn. Bus Terminal 2 is located 7km from the city center. Its just three hours away so its even possible to do it on a day tour. You may change the jump-off point or the area where you will stay for the night based on your itinerary. Admission Fee: THB 80 Admission Fee: THB 50 You are, of course, correct. If you are flying via Air Asia, you will most likely land here. You can get a domestic flight from Don Muang Airport to Chiang Rai for 1000 THB. Visitors can take a tour to learn about their unique cultures, traditions, and lifestyles. Aside from the usual chicken khao soi, they offer shrimp and fish khao soi as well, the latter being a more rare variety based on what Ive read. Its easy enough to find a citys top attractions, but how do you organize them all to maximize what limited time you have? Address: Pa O Don Chai, , Chiang Rai 57000, Thailand Both became the capital of the ancient Lanna Kingdom; Chiang Rai being the first, followed by Chiang Mai. You are spending the night at a budget hotel or hostel for (more or less) THB 450 per person. One drawback is that it is nowhere near a beach. Check Rates & Availability! But it is an interesting stop if you are interested in learning more about the Northern Thailand culture which is hugely influenced by the ethnic groups. The methods above outline the most common means of getting to Chiang Rai, but there may be other ways of getting there depending on where you are. Although located in the capital, Chiang Rai City, it will take you 15-20 minutes to reach the city center as the airport is located about 8km from there. If youre spending time in Chiang Mai and making a side trip to Chiang Rai, then one full day should be enough. Subscribe on Youtube! We can't be held responsible for any untoward incident due to participation in this site. Ja Jaroenchai is a restaurant that specializes in Thai Chinese food. One of the most popular dishes is hotpot. When you My name is Tao Wimae. Yes, RAW pigs blood soup. By Air: This is the fastest way to get to Chiang Rai. You are traveling as a duo and splitting the cost (hotel and transport). How much to tip a guide in Chiang Rai - Chiang Rai Forum The iconic temple is one of the famous landmarks in Chiang Rai. It's up to you. Thats what we did. The reflected fare is inclusive of in-flight meal/snack and free 20kg baggage allowance. If you want to see the scenic drive, you may choose the day bus. What Sygic Travel does is make it easy for you to see where everything is on a map so you can lump attractions that are in close proximity to one another to create an efficient itinerary. Thank you! Chiang Rai is the northernmost province of Thailand filled with the atmosphere of a complex mountain range and valuable Lanna Culture.The province offers many interesting cultural attractions such as Wat Rong Khun, designed and built by Ajarn Chalermchai Kositpipat, stands out with exquisite white architecture, as well as Mingmuang Temple which is the oldest temple in Chiang Rai; Wat Rong Suea . Make the most of your time in South East Asia and discover not 1 but 3 exciting countries. Private Local Guides & Guided Tours in Chiang Rai | tourHQ Explore the Mekong river on a longtail boat and enjoy a tasty lunch. If you're thinking about retiring in Chiang Rai then you'll no doubt be interested in healthcare options. During high season (November-May), it is highly advised to purchase in advance. We hired a tuk-tuk to take us to both places, wait for us, then drop us off at Lu Lam restaurant for THB 500. Looks like I wrote myself into a pickle there. The fastest and most convenient option. Thinking of retiring in Thailand and? per adult (price varies by group size) Chiang Rai : Small-Group Day Trip from Chiang Mai City with Golden Triangle. The bus ride takes 3-5 hours. Chiang Rai Coffee - Ultimate Coffee Guide for 8 great cafes in Chiang Rai We, and third parties, use cookies for technical and analytical purposes, for marketing purposes and for integration with social media. Estimated Time to Spend: 1 hr / Cost: FREE No time to read this now? If you are looking for a higher-end apartment, with more luxurious amenities, the cost will be upwards of 10,000 THB per month (approximately $320 USD). You are arriving at Chiang Rai Airport in the morning from Bangkok. Chiang means city in Thai, so Chiang Rai literally means City of (King) Rai. Estimated Time to Spend: Around 2-3 hours / Cost: FREE. The latter (DMK) also handles international flights but the majority is domestic. The travel time is 10-12 hours for the overnight bus and 12-14 hours for the day bus. No content on this site may be copied without written consent from TheThailandLife.com, The 21 Best Guesthouses in Chiang Mai - Chosen By Location,, A Guide to the Mae Hong Son Loop (Includes 7-Day Itinerary). If youre just going to a country like Hong Kong to traveleat for a few days, then you probably wont need it as much. + Check Cost of Retirement Lu Lam specializes in Northern Thai cuisine so its a great place to try staples like larb (minced pork), sai oua (Northern Thai sausage), and this nam prik ong (chili-based dip). BY DAY TOUR: If youre interested in seeing the must-visit attractions in Chiang Rai but dont want to spend the night, then you can do so on a guided day tour from Chiang Mai. Its the coolest and driest time of the year. I didnt have any problems with it in Thailand. Found this article useful? Chiang Mai is more developed in terms of tourism amenities and services and its capital is bustling with tourists. 270. from. Its also the logical base from which to plan excursions to the more remote corners of the province. Check Rates & Availability! April is the peak of summer and the hot weather can be a bit harsh. Bangkok will be your jump-off point. Ren and I got the chicken and shrimp, both of which were supremely delicious, but you may want to get the fish if you want something different. Start with pickup from your hotel and meet your passionate tour guide who will impart tidbits of history and culture on a full-day . The nearest BTS Station is the Mo Chit Station. You may check State Railway of Thailand for the fares and schedule. There are many opportunities for outdoor activities such as trekking, cycling, and rafting. 7 activities found Sort by: Recommended Day trip From Chiang Mai: Chiang Rai Temples Small Group/Private Tour 14 hours Small group Pickup available Top pick Booked 7 times yesterday 4.6 (1,039 reviews) From 38.59 per person Day trip From Chiang Mai: White Temple & Golden Triangle Day Trip 13.5 hours Small group Pickup available During the festival, there are various events and activities that visitors can enjoy, including flower exhibitions and competitions, live music and cultural performances, and local food and craft markets. Once the sun has come down and youve had your fill of temples, then its time to head over to the Night Bazaar for some late night shopping and eating. I use it and so do many of my readers. This trip is brought to you by the Tourism Authority of Thailand, Bangkok Airways, and King Power. For this itinerary, the jump-off point is Chiang Rai City. May to October is the monsoon period and the low season for tourists, meaning cheaper hotels and services. Parallel Tour Co,. Neighboring countries Myanmar and Laos have their own version of this soup dish too. 08:00pm Hotel: Rest & Sleep. Its ticket counter/office is at Bus Terminal 3. A majority of the tourists coming to Chiang Rai head to the mountains for trekking, nature tripping, trail running, chasing waterfalls, dipping in hot springs, and finding good viewpoints among others. The primary gateway to Chiang Rai by air is Mae Fah Luang International Airport (CEI), formerly named Chiang Rai International Airport. From Chiang Mai: Customize Your Own Private Chiang Rai Tour. Things to do in Chiang Mai - GetYourGuide I use both. $129.06. Bangkok is one of the transportation and tourism hubs in Southeast Asia. The whole complex is still a work-in-progress. Chiang Rai is an important entry point for Thailand's trade activities with other countries. Theres no railway directly linking Chiang Rai to Bangkok. So far, weve taken cooking classes in Bali, Phuket, Chiang Mai, Hoi An, and Marrakech. There are a lot of temples and museums, showcasing the customs and tradition. Some buses make a stop here first, then terminate at Bus Terminal 1. Oh dear. You might want to take a tuk-tuk, taxi, or Uber. Located just north of the Kok River, you can make a stop here on your way back to the city from Baan Dam Museum. CHIANG RAI TRAVEL GUIDE with Budget Itinerary Ja Jaroenchai is a popular restaurant about a block away from the Clock Tower. Mae Salong is also home to of some of the hill tribes Yao, Akha, and Padong. $105.01. The intricate and ornate design of the temple incorporates both traditional Thai temple architecture and modern elements, making it a unique blend of old and new. If you are flying Bangkok Airways, your point of departure is Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK). The town/district of Chiang Khong is usually overlooked by those heading further to Laos. Aside from the peculiar indigenous culture and antiquities, Chiang Rai boasts its countryside and mountainous region. Weather-wise, November to February is the best time to visit the region. Ran Lab Sanam Keela is one of the most popular local restaurants in Chiang Rai. Travelers recommend Safaris & wildlife activities Culture & history Extreme sports & adrenaline Family-friendly activities How to get to Chiang Rai Where to Stay in Chiang Rai Top Chiang Rai Temples to visit With over 1000 temples, deciding which ones to visit can be pretty confusing. Note: The town or district nearest to the Golden Triangle is Chiang Saen, situated between Mae Sai and Chiang Khong. Located north of the city, you can visit Baan Dam Museum on the same day trip as Wat Rong Khun. Chiang Rai used to be a part of the Lanna Kingdom. immigration departments, tourism boards, airlines, hotels, brands). Heres a sample 2-day 1-night itinerary. It was opened to the public in 1997 and has been a significant structure that captured the reverence of the locals and the hearts of those who laid eyes on it. Like Ran Lab Sanam Keela, Lu Lam is located on the outskirts of town, right by the Kok River, so it may be best to go via taxi, tuk-tuk, or Uber. Enjoy a private driver that will bring you wherever you want to go in an air-conditioned vehicle and learn about the sights you see with a local guide. The city is home to many temples and museums that showcase the region's rich cultural heritage. As a tourist destination in northern Thailand, these two are unique in their own right. Chiang Rai travel - Lonely Planet | Thailand, Asia 08:00am Breakfast Opening Hours: 6:30 AM 6:00 PM (Note that schedule varies and may change, but this is the usual operating time.) However, there dont seem to be any Super Rich branches in Chiang Rai. Chiang Rai. If you were to have just one dish in Chiang Rai, then it should be khao soi. And the street food scene and night or weekend markets? All applicable laws apply and will be enforced. Yet, it still has its distinct character that elicits excitement when I think about visiting again. From Chiang Mai: Chiang Rai Temples Group/Private Tour And while this is great for a holiday, you'll soon get bored of these attractions if you lived here permanently. Subscribe to Lonely Planet newsletters and promotions. Blue Temple is situated approximately 3 kilometers north of the center of Chiang Rai, less than a 10 minute drive from the night bazaar. Heres what you can do with one day in Chiang Rai. Simply. Spinomad Hostel. Follow us on Instagram! The White Temple / Wat Rong Khun 2. A Beginner's Guide to Chiang Rai in Northern Thailand - The Thailand Life A full-day tour has an English-speaking guide, transfers, and lunch. The cost is approximately 2,000-3,000 Baht. Baan Dam Museum 8. Others choose to book a private transfer between Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai. Like Wat Rong Khun, Wat Rong Sear Tean or the Blue Temple is probably one of the most unique temples in Chiang Rai. 1 or 2 Day Chiang Rai Itinerary: Must-Visits + Hidden Gems Travel in a comfortable car and choose from a group or private tour. The times indicated here are just estimates. However, there are some dishes that are unique to Northern Thailand like the Khao Soi. On the other hand, if you're an outdoors person, the province is blessed by beautiful landscapes, including forests, hills, and rivers. Asta is the Managing Editor at PhilippineBeaches.org and a regular contributor to The Poor Traveler. April is also the month of Songkran Festival where the locals splash each other with cold water to celebrate their new year. 09:10am Hotel Check-in And you did! Chiang Rai is still in the process of developing and keeping up in terms of tourist-friendly amenities and services. We, and third parties, use cookies for technical and analytical purposes, for marketing purposes and for integration with social media. Aside from the capital Chiang Rai City, here are some of the towns/districts that tourists prefer as their base, depending on their itinerary and interests. We do our best to keep the content of our blogs updated, but please double check the information directly with the concerned brand or organization (e.g. That said, flights cost as little as 1,500 Baht. Chaing Mai forms a part of the northern Golden Triangle. Also, the capital has several hospitals private, semi-private, and public. Here, visitors can take a boat trip along the Mekong River and explore the local markets and temples in the area. MAR-MAY: March to May is the hottest time to be in Chiang Rai with temperatures often reaching 40C (104F). Estimated Time to Spend: Around 1-2 hours / Admission: THB 50. BOOK PRIVATE TRANSFER BETWEEN CHIANG RAI AND CHIANG MAI HERE, BOOK CHIANG RAI DAY TOUR FROM CHIANG MAI HERE, SOUTHEAST ASIA BACKPACKING ON A BUDGET: Travel Guide, BANGKOK TRAVEL GUIDE with Budget Itinerary, PHUKET TRAVEL GUIDE: Budget, Itinerary, Things to Do, CHIANG MAI TRAVEL GUIDE: Budget, Itinerary, Things to Do, THAILAND TRAVEL GUIDE with Multi-City ITINERARIES: 4, 6, 7, 12 Days, BANGKOK TO CHIANG RAI: By Train, Bus or Plane, CHIANG MAI TO CHIANG RAI: By Bus, Private Transfer or Group Tour, SINGAPORE STOPOVER / LAYOVER: Changi Airport Tips & Best Things to Do, Top 32 BORACAY TOURIST SPOTS & Things to Do 2023 (with Prices! Most travelers choose the night bus to save money and time. The trip will take at least 13 hours and you can book tickets on Bookaway. If you are coming from Bangkok, your bus will most likely terminate at Terminal 2. You can also visit bucolic tea and coffee plantations. Particularly, Chiang Rai shares borders with Myanmar (Shan State) to the north, Laos (Bokeo Province) to the east, Chiang Mai province to the west, Phayao province to the south, and Lampang province to the southwest. Its cheap and readily available. May 2023 Sharing is caring! Chiang Rai was our first stop. Chiang Rai: Full-Day Customizable Private Tour | GetYourGuide The BEST Chiang Rai Tours 2023 - FREE Cancellation - GetYourGuide If you are crossing the border to Laos, you may choose Chiang Khong as your base instead. Located in the north of Thailand, Chiang Mai is an essential stop for any traveler to Thailand. BOOK CHIANG RAI CITY FULL-DAY TOUR HERE, BOOK CHIANG RAI CITY HALF-DAY TOUR HERE. The ultimate Chiang Mai travel Guide blog with a detailed itinerary helps you discover the most iconic attractions, the best places to visit, and things to do for 3 to 5 days. Thanks for sharing the great content with us . Opening Hours: 24 hours Follow this link to check out our 2-day Chiang Rai itinerary on Sygic Travel. Full-Day Tour of White Temple, Blue Temple, and Hill Tribe Full-Day Tour of Wat Rong Temple, Baan Dam and Singha Park. On average, a one-bedroom apartment in a central location, with basic amenities, can cost between 5,000 and 8,000 THB per month (approximately $160 to $255 USD). Chiang Rai () is a backwater that combines natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and modern amenities, making it a unique and memorable destination for travelers, and a retirement destination for many expats and their Thai partners. The former (BKK) is the newer and bigger airport and serves most international flights, both long-haul and short-haul. The food scene in Chiang Rai is generally savory with herbs and spices, just like the rest of the country. From the capital, you can reach Chiang Rai by plane, by bus, and by train. Ive been living & traveling in Thailand for 14 years. Customize your trip Lark Holidays (Incorporated in 2016) offers bespoke services across the board to the entire travel We offer a wide range of customized and personalized tours in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Local provider with experience in customer service. The trip takes a little over 3 hours and you can book tickets on Bookaway. As its name suggests, its a predominantly blue temple bespeckled with ornate golden details. BY BUS: Itll take much longer but you can also travel by bus from Bangkok to Chiang Rai. If you have any suggestions or simply want to share your own experiences, then please feel free to do so in the comment section below. Board your bus and alight at either Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 1 or 2. Copyright 2023 Will Fly for Food. Most tourists, particularly backpackers choose the capital city as their set-off point to other parts of Thailand and even the neighboring countries. If you follow this Chiang Rai itinerary and you spend 450 per night at a hostel, prepare to shell out around 2000 (USD65, EUR60, SGD90, PHP3415), excluding airfare. BY AIR: Our trip revolved around the 2017 Yee Peng Festival so we decided to visit Chiang Rai first before proceeding to Chiang Mai. Embark on a full-day private tour with a visit to Chiang Rai, the northernmost major city in Thailand. Better known as the White Temple, it is just one of the several buildings in the complex. We used Uber a few times in Chiang Rai. More on that in the next section of this guide. You can book the flight from Bangkok to Chiang Rai here>. Chiang Rai: 2-Day Private White Temple & Golden Triangle Stay safe! It also handles domestic flights. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Here is a couple of highly recommended hotels in Chiang Rai: This luxurious resort is set in beautiful gardens and offers spacious rooms, a large outdoor pool, and a range of dining options, including an Italian restaurant and a bar serving cocktails. You may join a group or book a private tour. You can click on the link or use the widget below. Located just a couple of hours north of Chiang Mai, this quiet city is surrounded by lush green hills and mountains that offer a stunning backdrop for outdoor activities such as trekking and cycling. Baan Dam Museum or Black House is the home and studio of the late Thawan Duchanee, a National Artist of Thailand famous for his paintings and architecture.