landmark
Wat Rong Suea Ten (Blue Temple)
A striking modern temple drenched in vivid sapphire blue with intricate gold details and a luminous white Buddha inside.
2 km · about 5 min drive
AsiaThailandChiang Rai
Chiang Rai
Chiang Rai, Thailand · Asia
About Chiang Rai
Chiang Rai is worth a stop: 20 minutes from Wiang Chai, 36km from Doi Mae Salong.
Chiang Rai is in Thailand, with about 79,000 people. You drive on the left here. The nearest town is Wiang Chai, about 11 km away.
Chiang Rai (Thai: เชียงราย, pronounced [tɕʰīaŋ rāːj]; Northern Thai: ᨩ᩠ᨿᨦᩁᩣ᩠ᨿ, pronounced [tɕīaŋ hāːj]) is the northernmost major city in Thailand, with a population of approximately 70,000 people. It is located in Mueang Chiang Rai District, Chiang Rai Province. Chiang Rai was established as a capital during theRead more
reign of King Mangrai, in 1262 CE. Chiang Rai is recognized as a "Design City" by UNESCO's Creative Cities Network.
Where to Stay in Chiang Rai
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is there to see near Chiang Rai?
Within an hour or so of Chiang Rai: Wat Rong Suea Ten (Blue Temple) (2 km), Baan Dam (Black House Museum) (10 km), Wat Rong Khun (White Temple) (12 km), Doi Mae Salong (36 km).
Are there any good drives near Chiang Rai?
The nearest famous roads are Doi Mae Salong.
Where is Chiang Rai?
Chiang Rai is in Chiang Rai, Thailand, about 11 km from Wiang Chai.
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Quick Information
- Population
- 78,756
- Continent
- Asia
- Country
- Thailand
- Region
- Chiang Rai
- Timezone
- Asia/Bangkok
- Coordinates
- 19.9086, 99.8325
Emergency & Services
Essential numbers in Thailand
Tourist police (English): 1155.
Full driving guide for ThailandTags
Worth the detour from Chiang Rai
5 notable places within an hour's drive.
museum
Baan Dam (Black House Museum)
A mysterious collection of dark-timbered buildings filled with animal bones, skins, and hunting trophies by artist Thawan Duchanee.
10 km · about 20 min drive
cathedral
Wat Rong Khun (White Temple)
A contemporary, unconventional Buddhist temple in Chiang Rai known for its striking all-white exterior.
12 km · about 20 min drive
mountain pass
Doi Mae Salong
Ridge-top former Kuomintang settlement in Chiang Rai province, reached by a winding tea-plantation road at 1,200 metres.
36 km · about 40 min drive
landmark
Doi Tung Royal Villa
A former royal residence of the Princess Mother in the mountains of Chiang Rai, surrounded by beautiful botanical gardens and a Mae Fah Luang Garden.
42 km · about 50 min drive
Driving roads near Chiang Rai
- 36 kmDoi Mae SalongRidge-top former Kuomintang settlement in Chiang Rai province, reached by a winding tea-plantation road at 1,200 metres.
- 65 kmPhu Chi FaA dramatic mountain peak in Chiang Rai province offering one of Thailand's most spectacular sunrise views above a sea of clouds.
When to drive here
Year-round
Tropical latitude: plan around the wet season rather than temperature.
Nearby Destinations
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