Introduction
What to do
When to visit
How to get there
Where to stay
Hiring a car

Chiang Rai travel guide

Chiang Rai Tourism | Chiang Rai Guide

You're Going to Love Chiang Rai

With a population of 78,756, Chiang Rai is a must-see destination in Chiang Rai, Thailand. It is one of the most popular cities to visit in the country. We recommend you stay at least 3 days in order to fully appreciate everything Chiang Rai has to offer.

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When to visit Chiang Rai

Chiang Rai in July
Estimated hotel price
$17
1 night at 3-star hotel
Chiang Rai in July
Estimated hotel price
$17
1 night at 3-star hotel

How to Get to Chiang Rai

Plane

When flying to Chiang Rai, you’ll arrive at Chiang Rai (CEI), which is located 7 km from the city centre. The shortest flight to Chiang Rai from Australia departs from Melbourne and takes around 18h 35m.

Car

Another option to get to Chiang Rai is to pick up a car hire from Chiang Mai, which is about 153 km from Chiang Rai. You’ll find branches of Alamo and Drive Car Rental, among others, in Chiang Mai.

Bus

The most popular bus station is Chiang Rai Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 2, located 6 km from the city centre of Chiang Rai. Chiang Rai Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 1 is also a commonly used station, and is 0.4 km from the city centre.

Plane

When flying to Chiang Rai, you’ll arrive at Chiang Rai (CEI), which is located 7 km from the city centre. The shortest flight to Chiang Rai from Australia departs from Melbourne and takes around 18h 35m.

Car

Another option to get to Chiang Rai is to pick up a car hire from Chiang Mai, which is about 153 km from Chiang Rai. You’ll find branches of Alamo and Drive Car Rental, among others, in Chiang Mai.

Bus

The most popular bus station is Chiang Rai Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 2, located 6 km from the city centre of Chiang Rai. Chiang Rai Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 1 is also a commonly used station, and is 0.4 km from the city centre.

Airports near Chiang Rai

NNTNan
CEIChiang Rai
CNXChiang Mai

Airlines serving Chiang Rai

KLM
Good (1,437 reviews)
Lufthansa
Good (7,709 reviews)
British Airways
Good (7,666 reviews)
Delta
Good (8,039 reviews)
Turkish Airlines
Good (4,163 reviews)
SWISS
Good (1,847 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (3,714 reviews)
Air France
Good (1,522 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (3,465 reviews)
Austrian Airlines
Good (890 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (10,618 reviews)
Etihad Airways
Good (1,369 reviews)
Cathay Pacific
Good (1,130 reviews)
Finnair
Good (1,348 reviews)
Singapore Airlines
Excellent (1,431 reviews)
Ethiopian Air
Good (944 reviews)
Malaysia Airlines
Good (289 reviews)
China Eastern
Good (188 reviews)
Thai Airways
Good (378 reviews)
Japan Airlines
Excellent (1,680 reviews)
Show more
Find flights to Chiang Rai

Where to stay in Chiang Rai

From 5-star hotels such as the The Riverie by Katathani to great affordable options like the Hi Chiangrai Hotel, Chiang Rai offers a range of accommodations for every taste. Average rates range from around $36 per night for a double room in a 3-star hotel to $1,333 and up for a 5-star experience. If you’re on a budget, well-reviewed accommodations include Stay In Hostel and The Garage.

Where to stay in popular areas of Chiang Rai

Most booked hotels in Chiang Rai

See all
Le Patta Resort & Hotel Chiang Rai
4 stars
Excellent (9.4, Excellent reviews)
$102+
View
Le Méridien Chiang Rai Resort, Thailand
5 stars
Excellent (9.1, Excellent reviews)
$228+
View
Nak Nakara Hotel
4 stars
Excellent (8.9, Excellent reviews)
$75+
View

Hiring a car in Chiang Rai

Hiring a car in Chiang Rai costs $37 per day, on average, or $111 if you want to hire it for 3 days.

You’re likely to save money by hiring your car at the airport: locations in the city are, on average, 3% more expensive than at Chiang Rai.

Expect to pay $2.01 per litre in Chiang Rai (average price from the past 30 days). Depending on the size of your car hire, filling up the tank will cost between $24.01 and $32.01. The most frequently booked car type in Chiang Rai is Full-size (Hyundai H-1 or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Compact car hire (Nissan Almera or similar) is, on average, 63% cheaper than other car hire types in the city.

Hiring a car in Chiang Rai costs $37 per day, on average, or $111 if you want to hire it for 3 days.

You’re likely to save money by hiring your car at the airport: locations in the city are, on average, 3% more expensive than at Chiang Rai.

Expect to pay $2.01 per litre in Chiang Rai (average price from the past 30 days). Depending on the size of your car hire, filling up the tank will cost between $24.01 and $32.01. The most frequently booked car type in Chiang Rai is Full-size (Hyundai H-1 or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Compact car hire (Nissan Almera or similar) is, on average, 63% cheaper than other car hire types in the city.

Find car hire in Chiang Rai