Immerse Yourself in Chiang rai (Thailand) ‘s 21 Best landmarks and archaeological sites to Visit
Our guide features 21 can’t-miss landmarks and archaeological sites in Chiang rai (Thailand) for your next adventure. Explore the best of Chiang rai (Thailand) with our list of top-rated landmarks and archaeological sites. For thrill-seekers, we’ve compiled 21 exciting landmarks and archaeological sites. Journey through Chiang rai (Thailand) and discover 21 fascinating landmarks and archaeological sites with unique stories.
Information about Chiang rai (Thailand)
The city of Chiang Rai is located in northern Thailand, specifically in the mountainous region of the same name, and it is home to some indigenous Thai tribes, and there are many impressive archaeological, religious and natural attractions, which makes it one of the best tourist destinations in the Asian continent, and everyone who visits it can Get to know the real Thai culture. Founded in 1262 as the capital of the Mengrai dynasty, it still retains a strong Lanna identity today, mostly through its impressive collection of Buddhist temples, creative arts, local languages, traditional cuisine and folk music.
A list of the best Landmarks and archaeological sites in Chiang rai
Don’t waste your time sifting through endless reviews and recommendations – let our team do the work for you. Our list of the best landmarks and archaeological sites in Chiang rai (Thailand) is carefully crafted to include only the most highly-rated and well-regarded options based on visitor feedback.
1- Doi Tung Royal Villa
Doi Tung Royal Villa – Visit and appreciate the beautiful architecture of Doi Tung Royal Villa or Princess Mother Royal Villa that blends Lanna style with modest architectural styles, enjoy the view of colorful plants and flowers around, this place was built in 1989 on a hill with a wide view of the surrounding landscape. Princess Mother intends to live and work in Chiang Rai, and she adopts the Lanna style of architecture mixed with Swiss chalet style. The wall with stars matching Princess Mother’s birthday is one of the exciting attractions here.
Place address: Thoet Thai, Mae Fa Luang, Mae Fa Luang District, Chiang Rai 57240, Thailand
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2- Wat Huay Pla Kang
Wat Huay Pla Kang – Nestled atop a mountain surrounded by green hills in the heart of Chiang Rai, Wat Huai Pla Kang is an impressive site from afar that gets more interesting the closer you get, with its unusual architectural and structural designs and styles. It started as a small monk’s office and has grown over the years. 4 years to become the temple we see today, and it is believed that anyone who prays in this temple will get good health or a wide livelihood.
Place address: 553 Tambon Mae Yao, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Rai, Chang Wat Chiang Rai 57100, Thailand
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3- Wat Phrathat Pha Ngao
Wat Phrathat Pha Ngao – Wat Phrathat Fa Ngao is an ancient and sacred Buddhist temple, and legend says that if anyone gets sick and comes to worship Buddha here, the disease will soon vanish. The temple is a beautiful ornate hall decorated with finely carved wood in the Lanna style depicting the life of Lord Buddha. The temple also has wonderful souvenir shops.
Place address: 391 หมู่ที่ 5 Tambon Wiang, Amphoe Chiang Saen, Chang Wat Chiang Rai 57150, Thailand
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4- Wat Rong Khun – White Temple
Wat Rong Khun – White Temple – Wat Rong Khun or the White Temple is a strange-looking white temple, located about five kilometers south of the city of Chiang Rai. It is the brainchild of Chiang Rai-born visual artist and painter Chalermchai Kositpipat. The temple brings an unconventional approach to temple architecture. The white color is combined as a pure color to embody the sanctity of the temples with the orthodox Buddhist teachings about heaven, hell, karma, and earthly sins. The temple is also filled with Buddhist symbols reflected in its planning, architecture, relief inscriptions, and mirror decorations.
Place address: 60 หมู่ที่ 1 Thanon Phahon Yothin, Tambon Pa O Don Chai, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Rai, Chang Wat Chiang Rai 57000, Thailand
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5- Wat Pa O Rom Yen
Wat Pa O Rom Yen – Wat Pa or Rum Yen is located in the north of Chiang Rai, among the green hills. One of its main attractions is the golden chedi and the viharn, which is distinguished by its unique Lanna-style architecture. It also includes a long staircase protected by two statues of two mythical creatures with bulging eyes, in addition to the presence of a number Ceramic figurines of animals, accompanied by amulets, are arranged in the middle of the various rafters.
Place address: Nang Lae, Mueang Chiang Rai District, Chiang Rai 57100, Thailand
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6- Wat Saeng Kaeo Phothiyan
Wat Saeng Kaeo Phothiyan – Wat Saeng Kaew Futian is located in Mae Suai, Chiang Rai Province. It is a relatively new temple complex. Its construction began in 2010. It covers a large area in Chiang Rai, and there is a lot to see in this wonderful complex, so make sure you have plenty of time with you. To explore all the temples in it, and the buildings of this complex are distinguished by a unique architecture that includes many statues, decorations, murals, and many other amazing elements.
Place address: 191 ม .11 บ้าน ใหม่ แสง แก้ว Tambon Chedi Luang, Amphoe Mae Suai, Chang Wat Chiang Rai 57180, Thailand
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7- Wat Phra Kaew
Wat Phra Kaew – Wat Phra Kaew is one of the oldest and most revered Buddhist temples in Chiang Rai. In the past, it was surrounded by a grove of thick yellow bamboo. In 1434, the octagonal chedi in the temple was struck by lightning, and collapsed to reveal the Emerald Buddha, who was hidden inside. The temple also houses A 700-year-old bronze statue of King Phra Chao Lan Thong in his ordination hall.
Place address: 19 หมู่ที่ 1 Trairat Rd, Tambon Wiang, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Rai, Chang Wat Chiang Rai 57000, Thailand
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8- Wat Phrathat Chom Kitti
Wat Phrathat Chom Kitti – Wat Phrathat Chum Kiti is an ancient monument in northern Thailand, located on top of the Chum Kiti hill, Chiang Saen district, Chiang Rai province, and is believed to house real relics of Lord Buddha. Standing Chiang Saen Buddha statues, the temple complex also features charming landscaping and a collection of interesting sculptures.
Place address: Wiang, Chiang Saen District, Chiang Rai 57150, Thailand
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9- Phrathat Chedi Sinakarintra Stit Mahasantikhiri
Phrathat Chedi Sinakarintra Stit Mahasantikhiri – The Phratat Chedi Srinagarindra State Mahasantikhiri is of traditional Thai architecture and was built on a hill near the village of Mae Salong in honor of the late Princess Srinagarindra. Next to it is the Princess Mother’s Hall, a modern Thai-style pavilion that resembles the exterior of a temple but does not contain On any religious holdings, the temple also offers sweeping panoramic views across the city and west towards Myanmar from the top.
Place address: Mae Salong Nok, Mae Fa Luang District, Chiang Rai 57110, Thailand
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10- Wat Phrathat Doi Tung
Wat Phrathat Doi Tung – Wat Phratat Doi Tung is one of the most famous tourist attractions in Chiang Rai. It is a Buddhist temple located on the top of Mount Doi Tung, approximately 2000 meters above sea level. It was built in the 10th century with two subsequent restorations in the 13th century by King King Mengrai and built in the 20th century by the revered monk Khru Ba Siwichai, it is believed to contain the left collarbone of Lord Buddha, attracting devout Buddhists from all over Thailand, Laos and Myanmar.
Place address: Huai Khrai, Mae Sai District, Chiang Rai 57220, Thailand
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11- Wat Phrathat Chedi Luang
Wat Phrathat Chedi Luang – Located next to the Chiang Saen National Museum, Wat Phratat Chedi Luang is an ancient main bell-shaped chedi 88 meters high and 24 meters in circumference at the base. It was built by King Saen Phu; The third ruler of the Lanna Dynasty in 1290, this temple is the tallest religious monument of Lanna architecture in Chiang Rai and features an interesting collection of Buddhist statues surrounded by beautiful nature.
Place address: Wiang, Chiang Saen District, Chiang Rai 57150, Thailand
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12- Wat Pra That Pukhao
Wat Pra That Pukhao – Wat Phratat Bokao is a small temple and one of the oldest temples in the Chiang Saen district of Chiang Rai Province. It is located near the Golden Triangle. When you reach the top after climbing the stairs that follow the souvenir stalls, you can enjoy a charming view of the borders of Laos and Myanmar, and it is exciting It is also interesting to see some old teak trees scattered throughout the temple.
Place address: Wiang, Chiang Saen District, Chiang Rai 57150, Thailand
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13- Wat Phra Sing
Wat Phra Sing – Wat Phra Singh is one of the oldest temples in Chiang Rai. It was built in 1385, just over a century after the founding of the city of Chiang Rai by King Mengrai in 1262. The main structures of the temple are in the Lanna style. There is a small temple containing Footprints of Buddha and Koti. The temple also includes a gold-plated Sinhalese-style chedi, consisting of a square base with small shrines containing Buddha statues and a spiral-shaped top.
Place address: Wiang, Mueang Chiang Rai District, Chiang Rai 57000, Thailand
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14- Wat Rong Suea Ten
Wat Rong Suea Ten – Also known as the Blue Temple, Wat Rong Sui Tin is instantly recognizable thanks to the brilliant colors of the rich sapphire blue that covers its walls, ceiling, and surrounding statues. It is an unusual decorative choice in a country where most temples are made of gold, as this color is symbolically associated with With the purity, wisdom, and lack of materialism that Buddhists aspire to, the temple is a wonderful amalgamation of traditional Buddhist values and classic Thai architecture with contemporary design choices.
Place address: 306 หมู่ที่ 2 Maekok Rd, Tambon Rim Kok, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Rai, Chang Wat Chiang Rai 57100, Thailand
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15- Wat Tham Pa Acha Thong
Wat Tham Pa Acha Thong – Wat Tam Pa Acha Tong got its name which means “Horse Temple” in Thai from the unique practice of Buddhist monks available only at this temple: going to offer offerings on horseback, an interesting way of life for the monks who live among the forests, makes the temple A must-visit destination in Chiang Rai, tourists who are interested in this unique lifestyle can join in the giving of donations and watch the impressive horse shows.
Place address: Si Kham, Mae Chan District, Chiang Rai 57110, Thailand
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16- Wat Phra That Doi Chom Thong
Wat Phra That Doi Chom Thong – Legend has it that the history of Wat Phra That Doi Chom Tong predates the city of Chang Rai itself, which was founded in 1272 according to Phraya Prachkorn Jack. It is one of the oldest temples in the province. It has a unique golden Lanna-style temple. You can trek to the top The hill to enjoy the peaceful and spiritual atmosphere of this temple, its stunning views of Chiang Rai and its stunning 10th century architecture.
Place address: ArjAmnuay Rd, Tambon Rop Wiang, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Rai, Chang Wat Chiang Rai 57000, Thailand
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17- Wat Pa Sak
Wat Pa Sak – Secluded outside the ancient city walls of Chiang Saen, Wat Pa Sak, or “Teakwood Temple”, owes its name to the 300 teak trees planted at the time of its founding in 1295, although only one pyramidal chedi has been preserved in the city. This temple, however well worth exploring, is a Lanna-style architectural gem, perfectly combining the three art styles of Bagan, Haribunchai and Sukhothai, and delicately decorated with carvings of flowers and mythical animals.
Place address: Wiang, Chiang Saen District, Chiang Rai 57150, Thailand
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18- Wat Klang Wiang
Wat Klang Wiang – Located in the heart of Chiang Rai, Wat Klang Wiang was built in 1432. It was originally called Wat Chan Ta Lok after Chan Ding or red sandalwood, as the main chedi was built on the spot where it was found. Formerly the red sandalwood tree, which is an auspicious tree according to ancient beliefs, decorative elephant statues can also be found around the base of the chedi, which features stunning Lanna architecture.
Place address: Uttarakit, Tambon Wiang, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Rai, Chang Wat Chiang Rai 57000, Thailand
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19- Wat Mung Muang
Wat Mung Muang – Wat Mong Muang gained its fame in Chiang Rai because of a wonderful miracle that happened in it. In World War II, there was bombing in Chiang Rai province, however, this temple was unharmed, and the locals give credit to the bicolor Buddha statue. Besides, the temple was built in 1839, and its most interesting landmark is an ancient Lanna-style chedi on a square platform supporting the base of the Buddha statue and above it the relics of the Buddha.
Place address: 2415 Ruangnakron Rd, Tambon Wiang, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Rai, Chang Wat Chiang Rai 57000, Thailand
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20- Wat Tham Pla
Wat Tham Pla – Wat Tam Pla, whose name means “fish cave temple” in Thai, is a small Buddhist complex consisting of a fish cave, a crocodile pond, an ancient monument, and Buddhist “hell” statues. In the cave, a stream of fresh water forms a pond that extends outside the cave and houses a variety of Fish, and dotted throughout the temple are macaques who wield so much power over the entire complex that this site is sometimes referred to as the “monkey temple.”
Place address: วัด ถ้ำลิง ถ้ำปลา Tambon Pong Ngam, Amphoe Mae Sai, Chang Wat Chiang Rai 57130, Thailand
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21- Wat Tham Phra
Wat Tham Phra – Wat Tam Phra or the Cave Temple of the Buddha is an ancient temple built inside a cave located in a rocky mountain with a height of about 800 meters along the Kok River in the Muyang district of Chiang Rai. and interesting Buddhist motifs, and this temple is also home to a number of monks and feathers.
Place address: 404 Sankhongluang Soi 7, Tambon Rop Wiang, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Rai, Chang Wat Chiang Rai 57000, Thailand
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Conclusion
Exploring Chiang rai (Thailand) is a journey that will take you through diverse landscapes, vibrant cultures, and captivating histories. Our guide has given you a taste of the must-see destinations and hidden treasures that await, but there’s always more to discover. Take the time to connect with the locals, try the local cuisine, and immerse yourself in the traditions and customs that make Chiang rai (Thailand) so special. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or enlightenment, Chiang rai (Thailand) has something to offer everyone. As you journey through this remarkable region, we invite you to let go of your worries and embrace the present moment. Take time to appreciate the beauty that surrounds you, and allow yourself to be swept away by the magic of Chiang rai (Thailand) . We hope our guide has been a valuable resource in planning your trip, and we look forward to hearing about your travels. Until then, happy exploring!