Chiang Rai on a Budget: A Three-Day Adventure

Discover Chiang Rai's magic without breaking the bank.

21 June 2023

A trip to Chiang Rai, Thailand on a limited budget can be an enjoyable experience for any budget-conscious traveler. Explore its majestic temples, roam the streets for some tasty street food, and visit the night markets for a shopping spree, all without breaking the bank. Staying in budget-friendly guesthouses or hostels and taking local transportation can save you money while still allowing you to experience the beauty and culture of the city.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Arrival and Exploration

  • Check into Nak Nakara Hotel, a charming boutique hotel with stylish rooms and a cozy atmosphere
  • Visit the famous Wat Rong Khun, also known as the White Temple, a stunning contemporary temple with intricate artwork and crystal embellishments
  • Explore the Hill Tribe Museum and Education Center to learn about the culture and history of the local ethnic groups
  • Grab a bite to eat at Chivit Thamma Da Coffee House, a cozy café serving delicious Thai and Western cuisine with a quirky, vintage vibe
  • Wander the Night Bazaar, a bustling market with local vendors selling handicrafts, souvenirs, and delicious street food
Day 2

Nature and Adventure

  • Enjoy breakfast at Chiang Rai Beach Resort & Restaurant, a waterfront restaurant with delicious Thai and Western cuisine overlooking the river
  • Take a Baan Dam Museum tour, a unique museum showcasing contemporary artwork inspired by traditional Lanna architecture and culture
  • Visit the Singha Park, a scenic park with beautiful gardens, a petting zoo, and activities like ziplining and biking for adventure seekers
  • Lunch at Chiang Rai Khao Soi, a local restaurant offering the traditional Chiang Rai noodle dish with a variety of toppings and spicy curry broth
  • Take a relaxing dip in the hot springs of Mae Ka Chan and soak in the natural beauty surrounded by lush greenery
Day 3

Culture and History

  • Visit the breathtaking Wat Phra Kaew, the site of the original emerald Buddha now located in Bangkok, with a stunning replica housed in a golden shrine
  • Head to the Oub Kham Museum, a small museum showcasing traditional art and artifacts from Chiang Rai and Southeast Asia
  • Lunch at the funky Lisu Lodge Café, a social enterprise café supporting the local Lisu tribe with delicious Thai and international dishes
  • Explore the Baan Dam Siam, a cultural village showcasing traditional crafts and customs of various ethnic groups in Northern Thailand
  • End the day with the charming nightly show at Chiang Rai Cultural Hall, showcasing traditional Thai dance and music performances.
  • With this itinerary, you'll experience the best of Chiang Rai, from stunning temples and unique museums to gorgeous parks and delicious cuisine, all while staying at a charming hotel and staying within a limited budget. Enjoy your adventure in this beautiful city!

Length of stay

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Type of trip

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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

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Type of trip

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Chiang Rai: A Family Adventure of Wonders

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