Chiang Rai Travel Guide: The White Temple and the Golden Triangle
A guide to Chiang Rai — Wat Rong Khun (White Temple), the Blue Temple, the Golden Triangle, and using the city as a base for northern border areas.
Guides for Chiang Rai
Chiang Rai at a glance
Chiang Rai is Thailand’s northernmost major city, sitting in a valley 170km north of Chiang Mai. It’s smaller, quieter, and less developed than Chiang Mai — which is either a drawback or a selling point depending on what you’re after. The city has a strong creative community and a few genuinely excellent attractions, most prominently Wat Rong Khun (the White Temple), which is one of the most distinctive modern temples anywhere in Southeast Asia.
The region borders Myanmar and Laos, which makes Chiang Rai the gateway to the Golden Triangle — the area where the three countries meet at the confluence of the Mekong and Ruak rivers.
What to see
Wat Rong Khun (White Temple) — 13km south of the city. A privately-owned contemporary Buddhist temple by artist Chalermchai Kositpipat, begun in 1997 and still under construction. The all-white exterior inlaid with mirror glass is visually unlike anything else in Thailand. The approach bridge over a sea of reaching hands is the most-photographed element. Arrive early — it fills with coach tours by mid-morning. Entrance is free.
Baan Dam (Black House/Museum) — The life’s work of artist Thawan Duchanee — a compound of dark wooden structures housing collections of animal bones, pelts, and art. The aesthetic is deliberately unsettling and highly original. In the city, about 4km north of the centre.
Wat Huay Pla Kang — A large white Buddha figure and nine-story pagoda about 8km north of the city. Less visited than the White Temple, but the views from the upper levels are better.
Chiang Rai Night Bazaar and Saturday Night Market — The Saturday Walking Street (Thanon Thanalai) is the best market — local food, handicrafts, and live music. Less crowded and more local in feel than Chiang Mai’s equivalent.
Golden Triangle — About 65km north of Chiang Rai. The point where Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos meet at the Mekong River. The viewing area is heavily commercialised. The nearby Hall of Opium museum (at Doi Tung) provides genuine historical context on the region’s opium trade.
Practical information
Getting there — Bus from Chiang Mai Arcade Bus Terminal: 3 hours, ฿140. Minivan: slightly faster. Chiang Rai Airport has direct flights from Bangkok.
Getting around — Songthaews run the main routes. Rent a scooter for the outer attractions (White Temple, Black House, Huay Pla Kang). Most can be covered in a single day by rented vehicle.
Staying overnight — Worth it if you want the Saturday market and a slower pace. Guesthouses in the centre start around ฿400–700/night.