Counties (Districts)

Chiang Rai Town | Wiang Kaen | Chiang Saen | Mae Fah Luang | Mae Sai | Phan

Photo : commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:The_National_Museum_in_Chiang_Saen.jpg

Chiang Saen District Route 110, then 1016

About 60 kilometres from Chiang Rai, Chiang Saen is a small town on the bank of the Mekong River. The ruins of the earthen city walls and temples that scattered throughout the town are existing proofs of the Chiang Saen kingdom and thus are worth visiting especially for those interested in history.

Chiang Saen National Museum

The museum, located near the old city walls, is famous for its invaluable Buddha images and artefacts of the Chiang Saen Kingdom which flourished in the 11th and 12th centuries.

Admission Fee : 100 baht

Open : 09.00-16.00 hrs., except Mondays, Tuesdays and national holidays

Wat Phra That Chedi Luang

Located next to the museum, this ancient temple features the tallest pagoda in Chiang Rai. The 88-metre high brick pagoda is in the bell shape of the classic Lanna style. The stupa was built in circa 1290 by King Saen Phu, the 3rd king of the Lanna kingdom.

Wat Pa Sak

Wat Pa Sak is located approximately one kilometer west of Chiang Saen. With ornamental stucco motifs, the temple’s chedi, which is 12.5 meters tall with a base of 8 meters wide, is regarded as one of the most beautiful Lanna-style structures in northern Thailand.

Wat Phra That Chom Kitti

This temple ruin, situated on a hilltop a few kilometers north of Wat Pa Sak, has a pagoda containing a Buddha relic. While on the hilltop, visitors can enjoy a good view of Chiang Saen and the Mekong River.

Chiang Saen Lake

It is located 5 kilometres south of Chiang Saen along Highway 1016. This vast, scenic lake is home to large flock of migratory waterfowls which they are usually seen around November to February. Accommodations are available.

Golden Triangle

Located 9 km to the north of Chiang Saen town is this world-famous place where the borders of Thailand, Myanmar and Laos meet at the confluence of the Ruak and Mekong Rivers.

The Golden Triangle was formerly known as the world’s major producer of opium, which was later improved thanks to the works of the Royal Projects. Now the area is peaceful and dotted with hill tribe villages, ancient temples and markets.

Boats services are available to enjoy the view upstream of the Golden Triangle and to cruise downstream to Chiang Khong. The journey to the Golden Triangle would take about 40 minutes and 1 hour is required to travel to Chiang Khong. Hotels and guesthouses are available as well as restaurants and souvenirs shops.

Phra That Doi Pu Khao

This riverside temple was presumably built in the middle of the 8th century. It is located on a hill near Sop Ruak town just before the Golden Triangle. It offers spectacular views of the river, mountains, and Golden Triangle.

The Hall of Opium, Golden Triangle Park

Location : 10 km north of Chiang Saen Town (near the Golden Triangle)

The Hall of Opium Museum is a combination of multimedia and exhibition to make learning more fun. Aiming to educate people about opium, this exhibition portrays every angle of the story, starting from the history of the Golden Triangle, the origin of opium, the opium war, opium warlords, drug smugglers, opium effects, the battle against opium and poppy growing, to rehabilitation of living conditions of the people who live in the area of the Golden Triangle, the former worldwide infamous drug trading zone.

The exhibition features the following zones :

• Entrance Zone: A 137-meter-long dark tunnel towards an artificial poppy field in the Hall Zone.
• Hall Zone: An artificial poppy field, where you can learn about various species of poppy flowers.
• Opium in Siam Zone: A mock-up of a Chinese tea house in Yaowarat where people came to smoke opium and the story about the origin of opium in Siam.
• Magic Medicine Zone: This zone shows science behinds the development of morphine and heroin.
• Opium Effects Zone: This zone shows the adverse impact of drugs and drug addiction on individuals and the society.

Opening Hours : 08.30-16.00 hrs. / Tuesday - Sunday

Admission fee : Thais - 200 baht / Foreigners - 300 baht

For more information, please contact Hall of Opium Tel: +66 (0) 5378 4444 to 6

Counties (Districts)

Chiang Rai Town | Wiang Kaen | Chiang Saen | Mae Fah Luang | Mae Sai | Phan

Phu Chi Fa

Doi Pha Tang

Located some 32 kilometres from Wiang Kaen District, this scenic mountain is the home of Chinese, Hmong and Yao ethnic minorities. From the hilltop, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of Thai and Lao rural areas. The mountain is more popular during winter when the cherries blossom and a sea of mist cover the whole area.

Mount Phu Chi Fa

Phu Chi Fa is 1,628 metres above average sea level. In the cool season, the landscape is so charming. Several kinds of wild flowers are in full bloom, especially Nang Phaya Suakhrong or Thai sakura (Prunus cerasoides D.Don) which will welcome you with its prolific charming pink flowers. Another factor making Phu Chi Fa attractive is its appearance.

Its top shapes like a finger pointing to the sky and this is why the mountain is called "Phu Chi Fa" (the mountain pointing to the sky). When on the mountain top, you can absorb the beauty of the fluffy mist that seems to embrace you and the mountain. Besides the mist, travellers to Phu Chi Fa will love the white bauhinias (Bauhinia variegata Linn.) which bloom from February to March, painting the forests with its white colour.

Recommended period : December-February 

To get there : From Chiang Rai city, use Chiang Rai-Thoeng Route (64 km) and then turn onto Thoeng-Pang Kha Route (24 km). Then there is a laterite road leading to Phu Chi Fa (19 km).

For more information, please contact Phu Chi Fa Forest Park Po District, Wiangkaen County, Chiang Rai, Tel: 0 5371 4914 Fax: 0 5371 1961.

Counties (Districts)

Chiang Rai Town | Wiang Kaen | Chiang Saen | Mae Fah Luang | Mae Sai | Phan

Wat Rong Khun

King Mengrai Statue

Situated at the starting point of Highway 10 in the heart of the town.

A bronze statue of the founder of the Lanna Kingdom is situated at the starting point of Highway 110, which leads to Mae Chan, Chiang Saen and Mae Sai. Many tourists visit this monument to pay their respects to the ancient king and to have photos taken as souvenirs.

Wat Klang Wiang

Located on Uttarakit Road

Wat Klang Wiang, an ancient temple built in 1432, features contemporary Lanna’s art and has its interesting history back to over 500 years. In the past, the temple was also known as Wat Chan Lok because a big “Chan” tree (Red Sandal Wood) was located in there. And after a geological survey, it was found that the temple was situated right at the centre point of the city. Therefore, a city pillar was erected inside. In 1903, a heavy storm caused the tree to crash down on the convocation hall, which led to the renovation but this time a stupa was built where the tree used to be.

Wat Ngammuang

Located on Doi Ngammuang

Wat Ngammuang is an important ancient temple in Chiang Rai Province as it houses King Meng Rai’s ashes. After being constructed in 1489, the temple was once renovated in 1677 before it had been abandoned for many years. The latest restoration was done in 1952 and the temple has become lively again.

Wat Phra Sing

Located on Doi Ngammuang

This temple is a fine example of Lanna Thai architecture. The famous Phra Phuttha (Buddha) Sing image housed here is believed to be built in 157 A.D. in Sri Lanka or Ceylon and was brought to Thailand in the Sukhothai period (1238-1438)

Wat Phra Kaeo

Located on Trairat Road

This temple is the original place where the Emerald Buddha (now housed in the Temple of the Emerald Buddha in Bangkok) was found in 1354. Now the temple houses a jade Buddha image which was made to commemorate the 90th birthday of the late Princess Mother.

Wat Phra That Doi Chom Thong

Located on the hilltop overlooking the Kok River

This temple features an ancient pagoda which predates the founding of Chiang Rai as the capital of Lanna Thai.

Wat Rong Khun

Located in Pa Or Donchai District, Muang County, Chiang Rai Province

Wat Rong Khun is situated at the entrance to Khun Kon waterfall, 12 km to Muang County of Chiang Rai Province. The temple has been designed and constructed by a famous Thai artist named Chaloemchai Khositphiphat. The construction of this contemporary temple is the artist’s lifework. Even though the temple has not been finished, its striking architecture has attracted many tourists who would like to see the great Buddhist arts. The ubosot of this temple is in pure white and adorned with exquisite traditional Thai style stuccowork, aiming to represent heaven.

Khun Kon Waterfall Forest Park

30 km south of Chiang Rai town along route 1211

The 70-metre high Khun Kon or Tat Mok Waterfall is the highest and most beautiful in the province. Surrounded with dense wood, the area is also good for hiking.

Kok River

Running through the heart of Chiang Rai, this 130-km-long charming river is reputed as among the most scenic and unspoiled rivers still existing in Thailand. Along the banks there are thick jungles, mountain cliffs and many hilltribe villages, some of which are highlighted in tour programs. Elephant riding and trekking are also offered at some villages.

The stream flows gently most of the way except a series of rapids near the lower reaches of the river, making the trip more exciting. It takes 3 days and 2 nights to cover the 80-km distance by raft from Tha Ton of Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai town. River trips to and from Chiang Rai by long-tail boats are also organized regularly. The trip takes about 4-5 hrs.

Somdet Phra Si Nakarin Park

Situated on Chiang Rai - Mae Chan route 8 kilometres from town and behind Ratchaphat Institute

This large 620-rai scenic park includes botanical gardens, palm and bamboo gardens and a big lotus pond covering an area of 223 rai and is ideal for a relaxing stroll or a holiday picnic. (1rai = 1,600 sq m or 0.395 acre)

Doi Tung Royal Villa

• Doi Tung Royal Villa Doi Tung Royal Villa
• Jungle Sanctuary Jungle Sanctuary
• Phu Chu Fa Phu Chu Fa
• Wat Phra That Doi tung Wat Phra That Doi tung
• Wat Rong Khun Wat Rong Khun
• Wat That Doi Phu Khao Wat That Doi Phu Khao
•  

Chiang Rai is located at the northern tip of Thailand, bordering Myanmar on the north and Laos on the east. Of its area of 11,678 square kilometers, more than three quarters are mountains. Yet, because of its fertile soil, plentiful water supplies and favourable climate, it has a surplus of rice and also produces large quantities of maize, beans, tobacco, longans, lychees and strawberries.

Chiang Rai is among the oldest towns of Thailand. It was founded in 1262 by King Mengrai (who also built Chiang Mai in 1296), and was the first capital of Lanna Thai Kingdom. Chiang Rai was occupied by Myanmar from 1558 until 1774 when it became part of Siam once again.

Mostly consisting of mountains and forests, its main tourist attractions lies in scenic places, such as national parks, botanical gardens, caves and waterfalls. Chiang Rai's attractions are divided according to the counties they belong to as follows:

Counties (Districts)

Chiang Rai Town | Wiang Kaen | Chiang Saen | Mae Fah Luang | Mae Sai | Phan

If you want to find some specific places, see the lists on the left.

Note : The names of some attractions may appear in more than one place but with the same data.