Chiang Rai on a Budget: 2 Day Adventure!

Discover the hidden gems of Chiang Rai without breaking the bank.

21 June 2023

Chiang Rai, Thailand is a great destination for budget travelers. The city is located in the northern region of the country, offering a captivating blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. With a range of affordable accommodation options, excellent street food, and plenty of free or low-cost activities, backpackers and bargain hunters can explore all that this charming city has to offer without breaking the bank.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Exploring Chiang Rai

  • Start your day with a visit to the stunning white temple, Wat Rong Khun.
  • Stroll through the lively night bazaar and indulge in some street food.
  • Witness the Golden Clock Tower come alive at night with its dazzling light show.
  • Learn about the hill tribe culture and history at the Hill Tribe Museum and Education Center.
  • Take a break at CAT Bar & Cafe, a cozy spot with live music, great drinks, and a relaxed atmosphere.
  • End your day with a visit to the quirky and unconventional Black House Museum.
  • Hotel recommendation: Happynest Inspiring Hostel, a stylish and affordable option with a central location.
Day 2

Nature and Adventure

  • Take a scenic drive to the stunning Khun Korn Waterfall and enjoy a refreshing swim.
  • Embark on an exciting tuk-tuk tour to explore the countryside and visit local villages.
  • Visit the unique Singha Park and enjoy a bike ride through the lush greenery.
  • Check out the impressive and ornate Blue Temple, Wat Rong Seur Tean.
  • Treat yourself to some traditional Northern Thai cuisine at the cozy and unpretentious Chivit Thamma Da Coffee House.
  • Rest your tired feet at the hostel and enjoy the vibrant artworks and colorful decor.
  • End your trip with fond memories of this charming and underrated city, filled with authentic culture, mouth-watering food, and stunning natural attractions.

Length of stay

1 day 2 days 3 days 4 days 5 days

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Chiang Rai, Thailand by plane is to fly into Mae Fah Luang-Chiang Rai International Airport (CEI). There are several airlines that operate direct flights to this airport from major cities in Thailand such as Bangkok and Phuket.

Car

To reach Chiang Rai by car, you can drive from Chiang Mai via Highway 118, which takes approximately 3-4 hours depending on traffic and road conditions. It is a scenic drive through mountains and valleys.

Train

There is no direct train route to Chiang Rai. However, you can take a train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai, and then continue your journey to Chiang Rai by bus or car.

Boat

While Chiang Rai is not located near any major bodies of water, there are no direct boat routes available to reach the city.

Bus

One way to get to Chiang Rai by bus is to take a direct bus from Bangkok's Northern Bus Terminal (Mo Chit) to Chiang Rai Bus Terminal (Terminal 2). The journey takes around 9-10 hours and buses are available throughout the day.

Destination

Chiang Rai

Welcome to the city that's so far north, it's practically in a different country. Don't worry, though - the only things separating you from the Arctic Circle are a few mountains and a whole lot of heat.

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Number of days

1 2 3 4 5

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

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Chiang Rai: Temples, Tuk Tuks, and Thailand's Hidden Gems

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