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Mae Fah Luang Art & Culture ParkIn addition to a museum that houses one of Thailand’s biggest collections of Lanna artefacts, this vast, meticulously landscaped compound includes antique…
Must see attractions in Chiang Rai Province
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Wat Rong KhunWat Rong Khun’s construction began in 1997 by noted Thai painter turned architect Chalermchai Kositpipat. It's a striking structure that, from a distance,…
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BaandamThe bizarre brainchild of Thai National Artist Thawan Duchanee, and a rather sinister counterpoint to Wat Rong Khun, Baandam unites several structures,…
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Hilltribe Museum & Education CenterThis museum and cultural centre is a good place to visit before undertaking any hill-tribe trek. Run by the nonprofit Population & Community Development…
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Hall of OpiumOne kilometre north of Sop Ruak on a 40-hectare plot opposite the Anantara Golden Triangle Resort & Spa, the Mae Fah Luang Foundation has established the…
- Wat Phra Singh
This temple dates back to the late 14th century, and its oldest surviving original buildings are typical Northern Thai–style wooden structures with low,…
- WWat Phra Kaew
Originally called Wat Pa Yia (Bamboo Forest Monastery) in the local dialect, this is the city’s most revered Buddhist temple. The main prayer hall is a…
- OOub Kham Museum
This slightly zany private museum houses an impressive collection of paraphernalia from virtually every corner of the former Lanna kingdom. The items,…
- WWat Pa Sak
About 200m from the Pratu Chiang Saen (the historic main gateway to the town’s western flank) are the remains of Wat Pa Sak, where the ruins of seven…
- WWat Pha Khao Pan
Inside the grounds of this active wát near the river stands a magnificent Lanna-period chedi. The large square base contains Lanna-style walking Buddhas…
- WWat Phra That Pha Ngao
Located 3km south of town in the village of Sop Kham, this Buddhist temple complex contains a large prayer hall built to cover a partially excavated…
- WWat Phra That Doi Wao
Take the steps up the hill near the border to Wat Phra That Doi Wao for superb views over the Myanmar border town of Tachileik. The wát was reportedly…
- KKhunsa Museum
Displays on Shan culture and history and on Khun Sa, the narco-warlord known as the Opium King, can be seen at the Khunsa Museum, located in Khun Sa's…
- WWat Phra That Chom Kitti & Wat Chom Chaeng
The remains of Wat Phra That Chom Kitti and Wat Chom Chaeng can be found about 2.5km northwest of town on a hilltop. The round chedi of Wat Phra That Chom…
- MMorning Market
A tiny but busy and vibrant morning market convenes at the T-intersection near Shin Sane Guest House. The market attracts town residents and hill peoples…
- WWat Santikhiri
To soak up the great views from Wat Santikhiri, go past the market and ascend 718 steps (or take the road if you have a motorbike or car). The wát is of…
- CChiang Saen National Museum
Housing archaeological artefacts from the area, Buddha imagery and exhibitions about the local hill peoples, this is an impressive museum despite its…
- TTham Tu Pu & Buddha Cave
Cross the Mae Fah Luang Bridge (located just northwest of the city centre) to the northern side of Mae Nam Kok and you’ll come to a turn-off for both Tham…
- HHouse of Opium
This small but informative museum features historical displays pertaining to opium culture. Exhibits include the various implements used in the planting,…
- WWat Phra That Doi Chom Thong
King Mengrai, Chiang Rai’s founder, first surveyed the site for the city from this peak, just west of contemporary Chiang Mai’s centre. The Lanna-style…