4 Days of Adventure in Chiang Rai

Discovering Chiang Rai's wonders on a shoestring budget.

21 June 2023

A trip to Chiang Rai, Thailand on a limited budget offers unique experiences to budget-conscious travelers. From exploring majestic temples, wandering through vibrant night markets, and savoring delicious street food, there are plenty of affordable things to do in Chiang Rai. Travelers can also find budget-friendly accommodations and transportation options that provide maximum value for their money.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Getting Acquainted with Chiang Rai

  • Check into the Baan Bua Homestay located in the heart of the city, with clean rooms at an affordable price.
  • Onward to the Chiang Rai Night Bazaar for Thai street food galore.
  • Visit the breathtaking White Temple or Wat Rong Khun, the city's most famous attraction showcasing intricate Buddhist art and architecture.
  • Head to the Chiang Rai clock tower for a stunning display of lights every evening, a real treat for the eyes.
  • Drive out to the Singha Park, just outside the city for walks, park rides and all the Singha beer you can have.
Day 2

Exploring Nature and Wildlife

  • Head to the Doi Tung Royal Villa in the nearby hills, surrounded by gardens and boasting breathtaking views of the mountains.
  • Continue hiking through the Doi Mae Salong tea plantations, a great place to learn about Thai tea and sample it too!
  • Visit Khun Korn Waterfall for a refreshing dip in the water or a picnic.
  • Enjoy a scenic drive to the Golden Triangle, where Thailand, Laos and Myanmar meet.
  • Take a boat to the Boon Rawd Farm, a microbrewery on the Thai-Laos border, known to be the highest brewery in the world!
Day 3

Culture and Heritage

  • Spend the day at the Hill Tribe Museum, with displays of ethnic groups and their customs, costumes, and art.
  • Take a visit to the Wat Phra Kaew and marvel at intricate murals and carvings as well its claim to fame which is the jade Buddha statue it houses.
  • Walk around the Baandam Museum or Black House Museum, a unique museum featuring the artwork of national artist Thawan Duchanee inspired by the Lanna culture.
  • Rent a bike and ride around the Mae Fah Luang University, a beautiful campus with its stunning architecture and lush lawns.
  • End the day with a relaxing traditional Thai massage at one of the many spas in the city.
Day 4

Last Minute Shopping and Goodbye Chiang Rai

  • Start the day at the Chiang Rai Saturday Walking Street, the largest and most colorful weekend market with a wide range of souvenir choices and clothing.
  • Head to the Mae Indra Ceramics plant, ranging from pottery, cooking utensils, and beautiful teapots.
  • Visit Chiang Rai's famous Blue Temple or Wat Rong Seur Ten, a more recent temple with blues and whites giving off a serene atmosphere.
  • Enjoy a fun-filled day with the kids at the Singha Park with scooter rides, zip lines, and an amazing greenhouse to explore.
  • End your stay in Chiang Rai with hot pot at Laab Khow Wang claiming the best hot pot in the city.

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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