Chiang Rai, Northernmost Thai Delight - Kind of
Chiang Rai: Thailand’s Hidden Gem (That’s Tired of Being Called a “Hidden Gem”)
So you're over Bangkok’s chaos, Chiang Mai’s crowds, and you’ve realized Phuket is basically just sunburns and regrets. Enter Chiang Rai, Thailand’s northern city that’s been quietly existing with zero interest in impressing tourists, yet somehow ends up doing exactly that.
How to Get There
By Plane
Direct flights from Bangkok land at Chiang Rai’s humble little airport. Expect to pay 1,000–2,000 THB one way. If you're flying budget, prepare for a bumpy ride and a philosophical reflection on legroom.
By Bus
Overnight or day buses from Chiang Mai cost 200–300 THB, depending on how fancy you want your seat to be. VIP buses come with air-con, snacks, and the faint hope of a nap.
By Scooter
For the brave and possibly unhinged, you can do the scenic Mae Salong loop. Scooter rentals go for 200–300 THB/day. Helmets are optional according to Thai law, but not according to your brain.
Where to Stay
Budget
Clean, simple guesthouses with free coffee, friendly owners, and rooms from 400–900 THB/night. Expect no frills, just chill.
Mid-Range
Boutique hotels with a pool, breakfast buffet, and semi-colonial decor. Around 1,400–2,000 THB/night. Ideal if you're a fan of towel origami.
Luxury
Riverside resorts with spas, rooftop bars, and staff who call you “sir” or “madam” like you’re royalty. Prices start at 3,500 THB/night, and go up depending on how much marble is involved.
What to See
White Temple (Wat Rong Khun)
Entry: 100 THB
It looks like a temple made by someone who just discovered glue, glitter, and the concept of chaos. Features Buddha, Predator, and a healthy dose of existentialism.
Blue Temple (Wat Rong Suea Ten)
Free entry
Imagine the Smurfs opened a church, and you’re halfway there. It’s blue, gold, gorgeous, and strangely serene.
Black House (Baan Dam)
Entry: 80 THB
An art museum full of taxidermy, bones, and vibes that scream “underworld chic.” Definitely not your grandma’s temple.
Clock Tower Light Show
Free
Every night at 7, 8, and 9 PM, the city’s golden clock tower goes full disco-ball with lights and dramatic music. Watch it once, pretend to be impressed, and go get noodles.
What to Do
Explore the Night Bazaar
Entry: free, temptation: high.
Eat your way through it with 50–100 THB meals, from grilled meat skewers to mysterious deep-fried things that definitely weren’t on your diet.
Hike Phu Chi Fa
Tours from Chiang Rai run 1,000–1,500 THB or rent a scooter and go DIY. Go before sunrise for clouds, views, and the rare feeling that waking up early was worth it.
Soak in a Hot Spring
Entry: 100–200 THB, depending on how touristy the spot is.
Boil your legs, inhale sulfur, and pretend it's healing your soul.
Eat Khao Soi
Northern Thai curry noodle soup that costs 40–80 THB. Comes with crunchy noodles, rich broth, and a lifelong obsession.
Nightlife
Chiang Rai’s nightlife is chill. Like, very chill. You won’t find rooftop raves, but you will find cold beer, live music, and the occasional dude playing Bob Marley covers on a loop.
Local bars and pubs
Beers: 60–90 THB
Cocktails: 100–150 THB
Vibes: somewhere between laid-back backpacker and “do you want to join this ukulele circle?”
Excursions
Golden Triangle Tour
Day tours cost 1,000–1,500 THB and include river cruises, border views, and an opium museum that’s more interesting than it should be.
Mae Salong
A tea-covered mountain village with epic views and Chinese food that slaps. Join a day trip (800–1,200 THB) or rent a motorbike and feel like a solo adventurer.
Chiang Saen
Ancient city ruins and peaceful river scenes. Rent a scooter or hire a driver (around 1,000 THB) for a quiet day out without the crowds.
Final Thoughts
Chiang Rai is weird in the best way. It’s quieter than Chiang Mai, cheaper than Bangkok, and filled with temples that look like a weird dream. Come for the White Temple, stay for the noodles and vibes. Pack light, bring bug spray, and absolutely skip the elephant rides.
Because Chiang Rai isn’t trying to impress you, yet that’s exactly why it does.
Comments
Post a Comment