Things to do in  Chiang Rai

With brilliant white spires, eaves, and bridges that all glitter in the sunshine and reflect in surrounding pools, the White Temple (Wat Rong Khun) is Chiang Rai’s signature sight. The building’s surroundings and interior are filled with art inspired by everything fromThe Matrix, to Hello Kitty andKung Fu Panda.

The mountainous border regions of Myanmar, Laos, and Thailand come together in the exotically named Golden Triangle—a haven of Buddhist architecture, lush forest, and colorful riverfront villages. Located in the Chiang Rai province at Thailand's northernmost tip, the Golden Triangle is thick with wonders, both natural and man-made.

One of the few natural hot springs in northern Thailand, the Mae Kachan Hot Spring (Mae Ka Chan) is so hot—reaching temperatures of 194˚F (90˚C)—it can boil an egg in minutes, a feat that locals are more than happy to demonstrate. Along with enjoying the cooking, you can dip your toes in several pools.

Located at the heart of the Golden Triangle—the intersection of Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar—the Hall of Opium Museum explores the impact that opium seed has had on the area. Exhibits trace the seed back to its first use 5,000 years ago and raise awareness of current abuse and addiction issues.

The remnants of Chiang Saen’s former glory—as the 7th-century capital of the Lanna Kingdom—still lie scattered around the modern town. One of Thailand’s oldest towns, it boasts a strategic location along the Mekong River, serving as a border crossing to Laos and the gateway to the famed Golden Triangle region.

Perched in the highlands near Chiang Rai, the Choui Fong Tea Plantation has been producing some of Thailand’s highest quality teas for decades. Benefitting from the rich soil and climate of the region, the plantation grows a variety of teas that are handpicked and then blended by tea specialists from Taiwan.

Amid the rolling peaks of the Daen Lao Rang mountains, Doi Mae Salong is the gateway to some of Northern Thailand’s most scenic landscapes. The village of Mae Salong is known for its rich Chinese heritage, while the surrounding highlands abound with jungle-clad slopes, hillside tea plantations, and ethnic minority villages.

Wat Thaton, a sprawling Buddhist temple complex located in the forested hills near Thailand’s border with Myanmar, sits overlooking the village of Ban Thaton and the Mae Kok River. The complex of pagodas, temples, stupas, and shrines is built on nine levels, offering stunning views over the surrounding countryside.

According to local legend, the founder of Chiang Mai had a vision for the city on the hill that Wat Phra That Doi Chom Thong sits atop. In addition to offering panoramic views, the Lanna-style temple is home to a 14th-century golden stupa.

Located on the grounds of a former training camp for hill tribe youth, the Mae Fah Luang Art and Cultural Park houses an impressive collection of art and artifacts from the culturally distinct Lanna Kingdom, including many murals and teak pieces. It’s surrounded by a beautiful expanse of parkland full of indigenous plants.

Straddling the border of Thailand and Myanmar, the Mae Sai Valley is a lush, mountainous area that serves as a convenient gateway to the Golden Triangle—the intersection of Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos. The border town of Mae Sai, though not the prettiest in northern Thailand, has plenty of accommodations, food stalls, and souvenir stalls.

Flowing from the Daen Lao Mountains in Myanmar and running for more than 177 miles (285 kilometers) before meeting the Mekong River along the Laos border, the Mae Kok River is one of the most important in Northern Thailand. Linking Chiang Rai to the northern villages and borders, it serves a key role in the lives of residents and as a route for trade.

Often referred to as simply the “Blue Temple" by English speakers, Wat Rong Suea Ten is a modern temple known for its intricate ornamental designs and its heavy use of the color blue. It was created by local artist Sala Nok, a student of Chalermchai Kositpipat, the artist who created the better-known White Temple just south of Chiang Rai.

Dedicated to the artifacts of the Lanna Kingdom, the private Oub Kham Museum has a collection that features carved thrones, embroidered costumes, Buddha images, and antique jewelry.

Run by a nonprofit organization, the Hilltribe Museum contains a wealth of information on Thailand’s hill tribes and the issues that threaten their preservation. All of the major hill tribe cultures, including Karen, Akha, and Hmong, are represented by information panels and artifacts.