Ultimate guide to the best and lesser-known Chiang Rai temples that should be on your bucket list!
The small city of Chiang Rai features some of the most beautiful and unusual temples I’ve ever seen in all of Thailand.
From the famous White Temple boasting the most incredible architecture to the all-blue Wat Rong Suea Ten or the more underrated Wat Phrathat Doi Khao Kwai perched on top of a mountain, this guide will show you all the best temples in Chiang Rai that you should visit during your next trip.
So without further ado, here’s a list of the most beautiful temples to visit in Chiang Rai, Thailand.
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Best Temples in Chiang Rai
White Temple
Wat Rong Khun, also known as the White Temple in Chiang Rai, is one of the most popular and unusual temples to visit.
Created by the talented Thai artist, Chalermchai Kositpipat, the White Temple boasts an all-white façade with thousands of mirror fragments that glisten in the sunlight.
The path leading to the temple is flanked by two huge horns and sculptures of hands rising from the ground, skulls, and Buddha statues.
But the most interesting and weirdest features of the temple are the colorful paintings of superheroes and pop culture icons that can be seen inside. Unfortunately, photos aren’t allowed inside but you can take as many as you wish outside the temple.
Also, be sure to check out the other buildings within the temple complex like the two gold buildings and Art Cave. The latter requires an additional fee of 50 baht.
To get to the White Temple, you can take the bus from Chiang Rai bus terminal 1. The bus departs every 45 minutes from 8.10 a.m to 16.20 p.m and tickets cost 25 baht. Other options include renting a car or scooter, hiring a songthaew, or taking a Grab.
As one of the most popular Chiang Rai temples, I highly recommend visiting as soon as it opens to avoid crowds. Alternatively, you can visit about one hour before closing time.
Entrance fee: 100 baht for the White Temple and 50 baht for the Art Cave.
Opening hours: 8 a.m to 5 p.m, daily
Related post: 1 or 2 day Chiang Rai itinerary
Wat Phrathat Doi Khao Kwai
Sitting atop a mountain, Wat Phrathat Doi Khao Kwai is one of the most underrated Chiang Rai temples to visit.
It’s located only about a 15-minute drive from the city center and well worth a visit if you want to avoid the crowds and at the same time enjoy a panoramic view of Chiang Rai.
The ordination hall features an emerald Buddha flanked by rows of columns covered with intricate gold designs and colorful paper lanterns.
But the best part is the panoramic view of Chiang Rai with the layers of mountains, which in itself is enough reason to visit this hidden temple in Chiang Rai.
Entrance fee: Free
Blue Temple
The second most popular temple on this list is Wat Rong Suea Ten or the Blue Temple. It’s the closest temple to the city center and thus easily accessible by Songthaew or Grab.
The inside features a huge white Buddha statue surrounded by several paintings of Buddha and mythological figures, all in the same blue tone.
Similar to the White Temple, it can get packed with tourists so make sure to visit early if you want to skip the crowds.
Entrance fee: Free
Opening hours: 7 a.m to 8 p.m, daily
Wat Huay Pla Kang: Goddess of Mercy
For the best views in Chiang Rai, be sure to visit Wat Huay Pla Kang: Goddess of Mercy Temple.
Commonly referred to as the Big Buddha of Chiang Rai, the temple features a huge statue of Guan Yin, the Goddess of Mercy, a 9-tier pagoda, and an all-white ordination hall.
The temple is free to visit but I highly recommend paying the 40-baht fee to go to the top of the Guan Yin statue where you can enjoy a panoramic view of Chiang Rai.
While you can visit at any time of the day, the view gets even better at sunset. The best way to get there is to rent a car or hire a private taxi. Otherwise, you can take a Grab.
Entrance fee: Free, except for the lift which costs 40 baht
Opening hours: 7 a.m to 9.30 p.m, daily
Read more: How to get to Khun Korn Waterfall in Chiang Rai?
Wat Phra Kaew
Another place I recommend visiting during your Chiang Rai temple tour is Wat Phra Kaew. Despite being right in the city center, the atmosphere within this temple is very peaceful and quiet.
But what’s really special about Wat Phra Kaew is that it used to house the famous Emerald Buddha which is now exhibited at the Grand Palace in Bangkok.
Nowadays, you can find a giant bronze Buddha and a smaller replica of the Emerald Buddha sitting directly in front. There’s also a small museum featuring several exhibits that you can visit for free.
Tip: If you’re interested in learning more about Buddhism, you can join the discussion group every Tuesday from 9.30 a.m to 11 a.m which also includes a 30-minute meditation.
Entrance fee: Free
Opening hours: 9 a.m to 5 p.m, daily
Wat Phra Sing
Not too far from Wat Phra Kaew is another beautiful temple, Wat Phra Sing which used to house the most sacred Buddha image, Phra Phuttha Sihing.
The temple features an ordination hall, a gold Chedi, and a small chapel with beautifully carved designs on the door and windows.
Entrance fee: Free
Opening hours: 6 a.m to 6.30 p.m, daily
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Wat Doi Ngam Mueang
Another temple to visit in Chiang Rai is the lesser-known Wat Doi Ngam Mueang. It’s also located within the city center at the end of a long flight of stairs.
The temple’s main feature is the Chedi ruin, which is said to contain the ashes of King Mengrai, the founder of Chiang Rai.
I was fascinated by the intricate carvings on the wooden gate and columns scattered around the temple, so I think it’s worth visiting during your trip to Chiang Rai.
Entrance fee: Free
I hope you found this Chiang Rai temple guide helpful. If you have any questions or other temples you’d like to recommend, just share them in the comments below.
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