Temples in Chiang Rai

The White Temple, also renowned as Wat Rong Khun, is the most popular attraction in Chiang Rai. It is a privately-owned art exhibit in the form of a temple, beautifully depicting the Buddhist teachings of karma, hell, heaven, and earthly sins. An architectural wonder in its own right, this temple is filled with many Buddhist elements in its architecture, mirror decorations, and ornate reliefs.
Timings: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM every day
Entry Fee: THB 50

Wat Rong Suea Ten, better known as the Blue Temple of Chiang Rai, is a renovated Buddhist shrine in the Rimkok district. The temple's facade is a blend of gold and brilliant cerulean blue. Outside the temple is a statue of Phra Upakut, a revered monk in Theravada Buddhis. Inside the monastery, the presiding deity is Lord Phra Buddha Rajamongkol Bodhi Trilokanat, seated on a lotus in a serene, meditating pose.
Timings: Daily: 07:00 AM - 08:0 PM
Entry Fee: Free

The majestic Wat Huay Pla Kang, or Big Buddha Temple, looms over Chiang Rai from a rolling green hilltop. The temple stands out due to its Chinese-Lanna style of architecture and striking colors. The main highlight is the 90m white statue of Guan Yin, the Buddhist Goddess of Mercy, locally referred to as Chow Mae Kuan Im. You can take the elevator to the top of the 25-floored structure to enjoy a panoramic view of rice fields, forests, and mountains around Chiang Rai.
Timings: Daily: 07:00 AM - 09:30 PM
Entry Fee: Temple: Free
Elevator to the top of Guan Yin statue: THB 40 (Foreigners), THB 20 (Thai)

Wat Phra That Doi Chom Thong is a popular temple and religious spot. Also known as Wat Phra That Doi Jom Thong, it is built on the tallest point in the city, thereby providing a beautiful view of the Chiang Rai skyline. The wat has a massive 14-meter (45 feet) golden stupa at its center that evokes the ancient Burmese and Lanna style of architecture.
Timings: 6:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Entry Fee: No Entry Fee

Located on Trairat Road in Wiang, Wat Phra Kaew is a third-common-class royal temple and one of the oldest shrines in Chiang Rai. It has immense historical importance as it is where the Emerald Buddha or Phra Kaew Morakot idol was unearthed. The temple also houses a jade replica of the Emerald Buddha, Phra Yok Chiang Rai, installed in 1991 on a Thai Princess-Mother’s 90th birthday.
Timings: 07:00 AM - 05:00 PM

Wat Klang Wiang stands right at the center of the city of Chiang Rai. Built with exquisite modern Lanna architectural influences, the temple’s ornate gold and red relief gives it a majestic look. It consists of an ubosot or ordination hall, a viharn, a chedi, a city pillar, and a scripture library. The city pillar is flanked by statues of Jatulokaban, the keepers of the four cardinal directions as per Theravada Buddhism.
Timings: Daily: 06:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Entry Fee: Free