Chiang Rai City is a friendly provincial town with around 565.000 (2022) inhabitants. It is situated at an altitude of about 600 meters above sea level and on the banks of the Maenam Kok River. It has a laid-back atmosphere, cosy cafes, restaurants, bars and a well-known vibrant night market.
The town has also lots of historical and cultural attractions such as the famous White Temple – Wat Rong Khun, a striking, modern Buddhist shrine with quirky sculptures and murals. Only a few km away you will find the amazing Blue Temple, Wat Rong Seua Ten and the mysterious Black Temple, better known as the Black House, Baan Dam.
On a warm day the city beach Haad Chiang Rai, is a popular place to go. The river beach is located on the Kok River, 4 kilometers outside the centre. Locals come here for swimming, and the place is also a popular meeting point for eating out and having some drinks. The view of the river and the opposite Wat Tham Phra temple is beautiful.
For people who love to be surrounded by nature or who like to go hiking, there are many opportunities for unforgettable walking and trekking tours through the lush and abundant nature around town.
While Chiang Mai often takes the spotlight, Chiang Rai, its neighboring province, offers a compelling alternative for those seeking an affordable place to live. Chiang Rai charms residents with its affordability and a distinctive array of attractions that set it apart from its more famous counterpart.
One of the standout features of Chiang Rai is its affordability across various aspects of daily life. Housing options, from apartments to guesthouses, come at a fraction of the cost compared to major cities. Food, whether indulging in local street eats or dining at affordable restaurants, is budget-friendly. Transportation expenses are also relatively low, allowing residents to navigate the city and its surrounding areas without breaking the bank.
Chiang Rai is renowned for its unique attractions. The White Temple (Wat Rong Khun) stands as a masterpiece of contemporary art and architecture, offering a surreal experience. The Blue Temple (Wat Rong Suea Ten) enchants visitors with its intricate blue and gold details. These captivating landmarks, along with others like the Black House (Baan Dam Museum) and the Golden Clock Tower, make Chiang Rai an artistically inspiring place to live.
Beyond its artistic allure, Chiang Rai offers a relaxed lifestyle surrounded by nature’s wonders. The province is home to beautiful mountains, waterfalls, and lush landscapes, providing ample opportunities for outdoor activities like trekking, cycling, and exploring national parks. This harmonious blend of nature, art, and affordability makes Chiang Rai an appealing choice for those seeking a peaceful and fulfilling lifestyle.
Cost of living in Chiang Rai Thailand:
In Thai baht THB: https://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/in/Chiang-Rai-Thailand
In USD:
https://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/in/Chiang-Rai-Thailand?displayCurrency=USD
In €:
https://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/in/Chiang-Rai-Thailand?displayCurrency=EUR
According to recent statistics, Chiang Rai is one of the safest cities in the entire country.
Mueang Chiang Rai
The province itself is evidence of past civilization. Attractions range from magnificent mountain scenery, ruins of ancient settlements, historic sites, Buddhist shrines and ethnic villages as the province is also home to several hill tribes who maintain fascinating lifestyles. Several hiking trails through the lush nature in the area, serve the outdoor enthousiasts.
Climate Chiang Rai
Chiang Rai has a tropical wet and dry climate with warm and pleasant winters that are moderately dry. The summers are hot and humid. The monsoon season lasts between mid-April and mid-October.
Winter runs from mid-November through mid-March. The temperature averages highs of 20°C (68°F) and lows of 15.5°C (59.9°F). Most days experience up to eight and a half hours of sunshine, making it an excellent time to be outdoors.
Summer falls between May and September, temperatures ranges between 31.6°C (88.9°F) and 35.3°C (95.5°F) during the day and between 17.6°C (63.7°F) and 22.3°C (72.1°F) at night. This season receives the highest rainfall in the year with as high as 358.4mm (14.1″) of rain and as many as twenty-four days of rain in the wettest month – August
The peak of the travel period to Chiang Rai is between November and February. This period features excellent weather for outdoor fun and activities like trekking, biking, and picnicking, among others.
Chinese New Year and other events
Some of the popular events in Chiang Rai include the Songkran or Thai New Year, which happens every April on varying dates. Chiang Rai holds feasts, boat races on the Kok River, performances, parades, and fireworks. Another event is the Chiang Rai Flower Festival, which is held in December amid colourful decorations and festivities.
Baan Din Dang (Red Earth Pottery Home) Chiang Rai
A humble place nestled in a quiet hill farmland area that exists to inspire. A walk-in natural studio of huge amounts of creative and colorful artworks fused with Japanese home style architecture, artist Somluk Pantiboon makes the visitor feel right at home. Pottery that can be both functional and aesthetically peaceful, is displayed across the red soil and bamboo shaded adobe. A magical gem that can have you transfixed in all of the craft for hours.
