Chiang Rai has many things to do from historical sites and temples to museums and restaurants. Tourists can opt for trekking or visiting the hill-tribe villages of the Akha, Lahu, Lisu, Karen and Shamanic Forest Tribes to learn their culture and traditions, besides elephant treks.
The Kun Korn Waterfall, Golden Triangle, Mae Sai and Buffalo Horn Hill are some other attractions here. The Buffalo Horn Hill can be reached by the old Thanon Ratchayotha, or following Thanon Pracha Santi after reaching Thanon Sanam Bin.
The white temple or “Wat Rong Kuhn”, located on the right-hand side of the road from Chiang Rai, is known for the paintings done by Chalermchai Kositpipat, who is also the architect of the temple. At a distance of 15 km lies Kun Korn Waterfall.
Golf centres are located on the outskirts of Chiang Rai and the Old Airport golf course has a 9-hole course. Tourists can play here without a caddie. The Santiburi golf course is located at a distance of 20 km, on the eastern part of town in Wiang-Chai. The Army Golf Course near the Mae Fa Luang Bridge has a 9-hole course and the Waterford Valley golf course is in the northeast part of Chiang Rai, at a distance of 35 km.
The International Humanity Foundation runs an education centre and orphanage in Chiang Rai. Visitors are welcome not only to spend time with the children, but also to teach them.
Located in the centre of town between the Phaholyothin Road and bus station, the Night Bazaar is very popular with more than 50 food stalls. The cuisines include Indian, Italian, German, Thai etc. and many stalls also offer alcoholic beverages with fried snacks.
The Night Bazaar is also known for a variety of ready-made silk garments, tattoos and even has pets for sale. The hill tribe stalls here sell traditional needlework pieces, old coins and quilted bed spreads.
The festival of Phokhun Mengrai Maharat or Wai Sa Phaya Mengrai, the worshipping ceremony of Buang Suang, is an added attraction. This takes place between 23rd January to 1st February and the provincial office of Chiang Rai organises a fair during this time.
Another fair called the Lychee Fair takes place around mid-May, at the provincial stadium. Beauty contests, exhibition-cum-sale of local handicrafts, folk dances, etc. can be seen during this colourful three-day fest when the lychee fruit is harvested in plenty. | 
