How to Explore Chiang Rai's Top Attractions in 3 Days

Famed as Thailand's mountainous travel hub, Chiang Rai is both a cool retreat hotspot and a cultural epicentre. Home to some of the country's most iconic temples, the natural beauty and the natural heritage of this hill station makes it the perfect stopover for discerning travellers. Although 3 days is insufficient to experience all that this dynamic city has to offer, here's a 3-day itinerary to help you hit the best highlights during a short stay.

Secure a Convenient Base

Those who have only a few days at their disposal but are intent on seeing and experiencing most of the city's main attractions must secure a strategic base. Whether you select the Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort or any other hotel, it's necessary to ensure that the property is not too far from the top highlights and things to do in Chiang Rai. This is due to the fact that, unlike Bangkok, getting around and exploring Chiang Rai is not as easy as it is in the capital as tourists will have to rely on private transportation options rather than the subway and Skytrains.

Day One- Morning

After checking into your hotel, the first point of interest you should head to is Chiang Rai's famed Black Temple. The brainchild of local artist Thawan Duchanee, the Black Temple is well-known for its startling exhibits and the infamous Black Room Museum with its depictions of hell. A stark contrast to the White Temple, the antiques, animal bones and primitive tools used to create the art installations are what make the venue a fascinating attraction. After grabbing a hearty lunch, tourists can proceed to the White Temple by Chaloemchai Khositphiphat.  This is another spiritual hotspot that couldn't be more different from a traditional Thai temple. The installations and artworks on display here, however, are far less disturbing than those at the Black Temple.

Afternoon Hours

There's nothing quite like spending your first afternoon in Chiang Rai at the Pong Phra Bat Hot Springs. Considered the perfect way to unwind after a busy day of sightseeing, travellers can splash around the hot springs or take a dip in the pool at the base of a nearby waterfall. Those who pack a picnic basket can also relax and indulge in a snack after exploring these natural wonders.

Day Two- Morning

A tour of the Mae Fah Luang Art and Culture Park is a fun way to begin your second day in Chiang Rai as the park welcomes visitors from 8.30 am onwards. Located just 5km away from the heart of the city, the enclave contains ponds, lakes and a pleasure barge. The Teak structures occupying the park are historic landmarks in their own right and a guided tour will acquaint visitors with the Lanna architectural features of the buildings.

Afternoon Hours

Reserve the post-lunch hours of your second day to discover the Oub Kham Museum which is a cultural institution that documents the legacy of the Lanna Dynasty. Although the venue's chief exhibits include countless Buddha sculptures, royal regalia and ceramics, some of the most popular items on display include the dragon robes and antiques that decorate the halls of the museum.

Day Three- Morning

A trip to Chiang Rai would not be complete without encountering the hill tribe communities that are an integral part of the province. First-timers should sign up for a guided tour of these "Long Neck Villages" to understand the tribes and their customs as they have largely remained unchanged for centuries.

Last Day- Afternoon

Drop by the Chiang Rai City Centre for a shopping spree in the remaining hours of the day so that you can pick up a few keepsakes of your time in the mountains. The Chiang Rai Day Market is another great retail paradise for budget shoppers in search of local foods, spices and other knick-knacks while Central Plaza is an equally affordable haunt for souvenir hunters.