Chiang Rai: Budget-Friendly Day Trip Guide

Discover the natural wonders of Chiang Rai on a budget-friendly adventure.

21 June 2023

Chiang Rai, Thailand offers an amazing travel experience for those on a limited budget. Visitors can explore the city's stunning temples, breathtaking natural scenery, and local markets while saving money on transportation and food costs. For accommodations, there are plenty of budget-friendly hostels and guesthouses to choose from, making it an ideal destination for budget-conscious travelers.

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Day trip plan

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Chiang Rai on a Budget

  • Chiang Rai is a charming city in the north of Thailand. Here's how to make the most of your one-day stay, without burning a hole in your pocket.
  • Start your day with a visit to the Wat Rong Khun temple, a glistening white structure that looks like it's made of ice. Entry is free, but donations are appreciated.
  • Next, head to the Khun Korn Waterfall for a refreshing swim. There's a small fee for entry, but it's worth it to escape the heat. Bring your own food and drinks, as there are no vendors nearby.
  • For lunch, stop by the local market near the Chiang Rai Clock Tower. You'll find delicious, cheap street food like noodle soups and grilled meats.
  • After lunch, take a stroll through the city's Night Bazaar. You'll find everything from handcrafted souvenirs to cheap clothing and accessories.
  • In the evening, head to the Singha Park for a beautiful sunset over the tea plantations. Entrance is free, but if you want to try the tea or go on a horse ride, there's a small fee.
  • End your day with dinner at the Rim Kong Restaurant, located on the banks of the Kok River. Here, you'll find cheap, tasty Thai dishes that won't break the bank.

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

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Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

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