7 Places You Must Visit During A Road Trip In Chiang Rai

Mention Thailand and most people may first think of the dazzling Bangkok or the sunny Phuket, but little did we know that hidden up in the North is the ancient city of Chiang Rai. Filled with historical sights and cultural landmarks that will leave you in awe, this idyllic destination is truly one of Thailand's best kept secrets.

A road trip in Chiang Rai the best way to experience all that this captivating destination has to offer. While traversing across the city centre and its temples is manageable on foot, most of the top attractions in Chiang Rai, such as the iconic White Temple, are located on the outskirts of the city and you will still need to travel by car.

If you're up for a fun road trip, we've shortlisted the top must-visit spots in Chiang Rai for you to add into your itinerary, as well as some tips on how to rent a car while you're there. Keep reading to find out more!

It ain't a road trip if you haven't gotten your car sorted out. Renting a car in Thailand is actually really simple and you can even book directly on Klook! All you have to do is input the dates you plan on driving, select a car and input your driver information. You can check out our car rental booking guide on Klook for more details, as well as how to get your international driver’s license if you don’t have one yet.

Ready for your road trip in Chiang Rai? Add these must-visit places and fun activities into your list of stops:

The spectacular White Temple, also known as Wat Rong Khun, is probably the most popular attraction in Chiang Rai and it's no surprise why. Designed by artist Chalermchai Kositpipat, this temple is not your traditional Thai temple. True to its name, the temple's exterior is entirely white, meant to symbolise purity, while elaborate carvings, murals and sculptures cover the walls and roof.

The temple is a stunning work of art that combines traditional Buddhist architecture with modern elements. There's more to its intricate motifs once you step closer for a better look - starting with the skulls on the traffic cones, to famous people and characters such as the Minions, Michael Jackson and even Iron Man found on the walls inside the main hall, this place is truly one of a kind!

Although relatively newer and lesser known that its famous White counterpart designed by the same artist, the Blue Temple is equally stunning and definitely worth a stop! The temple is predominantly blue in colour, with a striking gold exterior, intricate carvings and murals, all making it a sight to behold. The elaborate details in its design, as well as the giant white Buddha statue in the main hall, still draw crowds from all over the world.

The temple is also known as Wat Rong Suea Ten, which translates to House of Dancing Tigers, and this name came about as the location it is built on used to be a natural habitat brimming with wildlife. The surrounding grounds of the temple is a peaceful space, home to a small garden and a fountain, and there are usually small vendors selling snacks and drinks nearby, including one selling blue coconut ice cream!

The massive Singha Park spans over 8,000 acres and is filled with landscaped gardens, lush greenery, sparkling lakes, and even tea and coffee plantations. We highly recommend renting and bringing a bike over, as there is a cycling track that winds through the beautiful park, probably the best way to enjoy the stunning views of the surrounding mountains and fields. Other activities you can try out here also include zip-lining, horseback riding, fishing, and exploring the park's botanical gardens for its colourful blooms.

Every February, the park also hosts an annual balloon festival, with hundreds of hot air balloons soaring up to the sky. This sight alone makes it worth a visit. Even if you’re not visiting in February, there is still plenty of reason to head here, including a petting zoo where you can get up close and feed furry friends, such as giraffes, sheep and zebras!

Scenic views await you up at Doi Tung. From the top, soak in stunning panoramic vistas of the surrounding hills and valleys. On clear days, you can see for miles away, even as far as Myanmar! The beautiful landscaped gardens at the Mae Fah Luang Garden is also a great place to explore, home to a wide variety of plants and flowers from different regions of Thailand as well as other countries.

Known for its historical significance, the Doi Tung Royal Villa is situated here. The former residence of the late Princess Mother of Thailand now serves as a museum that showcases the life of the beloved Thai figure. Several hill tribe villages also call this mountain their home, and visitors can drop by for a visit to experience the local culture here. However, the highlight here would definitely be Wat Phra That Doi Tung, the sacred temple that sits at the top of the mountain, known for its golden stupas and breathtaking views.

Nestled in the hills of Chiang Rai is the beautiful Doi Mea Salong, a hidden gem with a unique history, tea plantations, and misty hills. This was where Chinese soldiers once settled after fleeing to Thailand, giving the town here its distinct character with colourful Chinese architecture and narrow, colourful streets lined with shops selling tea, snacks, and traditional Chinese goods.

The area was also once a major hub for opium production and trade, but was eventually transformed into a tea plantation in the 1980s, now one of the main highlights of the region. The village is known for producing some of the best oolong teas in Thailand. We recommend going for a walk through the tea bushes, and sample cups of aromatic tea at the tea shops here.

Immerse yourself in Thai culture and history at the Mae Fah Luang Art & Cultural Park, a unique park in Chiang Rai that focuses on showcasing the art and traditions of various ethnic groups in Northern Thailand. The galleries and museum here house a large collection of traditional Thai art and Southeast Asian artefacts, and there are traditional Lanna-style buildings and temples within the park too.

This destination isn't just perfect for the culture vultures out there, nature lovers would also delight in what the park has to offer. Mae Fah Luang is essentially still a botanical garden, so you can expect beautiful landscapes of lush greenery, waterfalls and a lake for you to explore here, as well as its colourful variety of orchids, roses and other blooms. In fact, the park hosts a number of events throughout the year, including a flower festival!

Located just half an hour's drive away from the city centre is Choui Fong Tea, a tea plantation in Chiang Rai that has been growing tea since 1955. They offer a variety of teas, such as green tea, oolong tea, black tea and more, which are renowned for their refreshing taste and rich aroma. Why not drop by for a visit to learn about the tea-making process and enjoy a cup of freshly brewed tea at their on-site café?

Even if you do not drink tea, the plantation is still worth a visit due to its location and idyllic setting. The cool and fresh air up here offers a refreshing break from the hot and humid lowlands, so sit back and enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding valleys and hills, or take a leisurely stroll through the tea gardens here.

Planning to join in the splashing fun of Songkran at Chiang Rai this year? From epic water fights and lively parties, to temple visits and street parades, this annual event celebrated in Thailand is a one-of-a-kind experience that you won't want to miss out on. We hope you're as excited as we are, because we're throwing in an additional 10% discount off all Thailand activities! Get your water pistols ready and hit the road! 🔫 🚗