In Chiang Rai

The city of Chiang Rai was founded in 1262 by King Meng Rai as the first capital of the Lanna Thai Kingdom. The capital was later moved to Chiang Mai. Over 150 years (1786 to 1933), the region of Chiang Rai officially became a province of Thailand.

The small city lends itself easily to delightful discoveries, and if time permits, booking a city tour with a competent guide, then renting a bicycle to explore on your own is a nice combination. There are a number of lovely old temples, the most revered being Wat Phra Kaeo, where the original 'Emerald Buddha' (now in Bangkok's Grand Palace) was once enshrined. Wat Phra Sing, houses several interesting Buddha images, and is also a long-established school for Pali, the language of the scriptures of Theravada Buddhism. Atop a breezy hill, Wat Doi Thong provides a pleasant and scenic finale to a city temple tour. The most visually impressive and most-photographed because of its pure white ‘wedding cake’ appearance and startling interiors, is the recently-built Wat Rom Kung, or “White Temple” located just outside the city. Its creator, and now-famous artist, Chaloemchai Khositphiphat, also painted murals for the Buddhapadipa temple in Wimbledon, England. Also on the city outskirts, and in stark colour contrast, the "Black Temple” is actually a museum, created by national artist Thawan Duchanee, and comprising around three dozen black-painted structures housing a variety of Thawan’s paintings and sculptures, plus many other unusual exhibits.

The small Cultural Hall Museum close to the TAT building in town offers some informative exhibits which provide added interest to a stay here, and for those desiring a broader historical and cultural perspective, the elaborate Oub Kham private museum houses a large variety of rare and antique Lanna exhibits. Worth seeing too, is the Princess Mother '90 Museum, dedicated to the beautiful and benevolent life (1900-1995) of the much-loved mother of the current King Bhumipol Adulyadej, likewise the Mae Fah Luang Art and Cultural Park, located in lovely manicured grounds on the fringe of the city, and home to some of the finest examples of Lanna art and Culture. For browsing and shopping, Chiang Rai offers a number of markets, including the ever-popular Night Bazaar, and two colourful weekend markets - the Saturday Walking Street Market and the Sunday ‘Happy Street’ Market, which although smaller, also features a variety of entertaining and unusual street performers.

Naturally, you can enjoy the fantastic Thai cuisine in Chiang Rai—or you can just relax on the banks of the Mae Kok River and watch the day go by.

The Legend Chiang Rai Boutique River Resort & Spa wants you to experience everything that we have love about this city. This is why we have created a comprehensive index of why you should come and visit Chiang Rai. Following is this list. You can also use the navigation on the left to explore why Chiang Rai is worth visiting.

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  Chiang Rai Culture

  This is a list of cultural sites The Legend is recommending you visit during your stay in Chiang Rai.:

  • Regional Legacies
  • Mae Kok River
  • Wat Rong Khun (The White Temple)
  • Wat Phra Keow
  • Wat Phra Sing
  • Wat Phra That Doi Tong
  • Hill Tribe Museum
  • Mae Fah Luang Museum
  • Doi Din Dang Pottery
  • Mae Fah Luang Botanical Garden

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  Local Tribes (Hill Tribes)

  Chiang Rai is a melting-pot of regional cultures. You are bound to come across some of them even in the city.

  • Akha
  • Lisu
  • Karen
  • Hmong
  • Lahu
  • Mien

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  Arts in Chiang Rai

  Chiang Rai has a thriving arts scene with some artists having reached international and national reputations for their work.

  • Contemporary Art
  • ArtBridge Chiang Rai
  • Tawan Duchanee
  • Chalermchai Kositpipat
  • Somluk Pantiboon
  • Angkrit Ajcharasophon
  • Songdej Thipthong
  • Phantong Saenchun
  • Apiruk Punmoonsilp
  • Sompol Yarangsee
  • Sa-Ngiam Yarangsee

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  Chiang Rai Festivals

  Thailand celebrates its culture, heritage and itself with many festivals—this is also the case in Chiang Rai. Here is a list of annual festivals.

  • Chiang Rai Festival Dates
  • Hae Phra
  • Wai Sa Phaya Mengrai
  • The King's Cup Elephant Polo Tournament
  • Songkran
  • Candle Festival
  • Loy Krathong Festival
  • Flower Festival

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  Chiang Rai Events

  Chiang Rai has regular events happening within the city limits. The following are happening weekly:

  • Happy Street
  • Night Market