Chiang Rai is one of the most popular spots on Instagram. Let’s see how many Instagram – worthy places we found. Before we start, most of the places have a dress code (shoulders and knees covered) so don’t forget to pack some long skirts with you.
1. White temple
Yes, you guessed it. The white temple is one of the most beautiful places in all Thailand. This temple is just out of this world. I can’t believe how they could do something like this in a third world country. You can get there by public bus, grab car, taxi, or songthaew (Thai jeepney). The ride takes around 15 minutes from the center of Chiang Rai. The entrance fee costs 100 bath/person and they only open at 8 am.
How to take photos:
If you have any intentions to take photos, you will have to be there 7:45 the latest and start to make the queue. Have your camera ready with the right setting, the entrance fee in cash, and at the moment they open the door, you have to run. Exactly at 8 am at least 3 buses loaded with people arrive at the same place and they are ready to ruin your photo. Obviously, everyone can be there at 8 am. They would make the photographer’s job so much easier if they open at 6:00-6:30. (By the way: no, it is not opened at sunset either). For 100 bath per every single person who enters, they could extend their opening hours.
You get a ‘one-way ticket’, the “traffic” goes one way. The entrance (as shown on the photo) is very beautiful, but if you stop for more than 30seconds to take photos and you block the way of people the staff will whistle at you to keep moving. Yes, it´s chaotic. At some corners of the temple, you can have pretty nice photos with the architecture.
If you think this is too stressful for you, you can head there at sunset (the sun sets behind the white temple so is really beautiful). The entrance will be closed, but the temple is surrounded by a low bush instead of a fence, so it looks pretty on photos with the temple in the background and no people at all.
2. Gold temple
Most of the people visiting the white temple and then take the exit. They do it so wrong. With the same entrance ticket, you get to see the gold temple. You just have to explore the garden a little bit. The temple has a museum/gift shop inside, and you can get a free postcard of the white temple and stamp it. It is less crowded, so with a couple of minutes waiting, you can get a photo on your own.
3. Wat Huay Pla Kang (The big dragon)
You probably saw beautiful photos of big white dragons. First, I thought it is at the white temple, but after research, I realized that they are 25minutes far from each other. This place is also famous for a big statue which looks like buddha, but it is the Goddess of Mercy. It has no entrance fee and is accessible at sunrise, so it is the photographer’s favorite spot. Type ‘sunrise’ in google and it will tell you what time it is. I recommend to be there 20 minutes before sunrise because the pinkie clouds look very beautiful on photos. We haven’t met anyone here and we’ve been there from 6:30 am until 7:15. You can take a taxi, tuk-tuk or a grab, but make sure you ask them to wait for you because early in the morning it can be complicated to return.
By the way, the sun sets behind the big goddess statue so you can also get an amazing view at that hour of the day.
4. Blue temple
This is like the brother of the white temple. It is less chaotic, less crowded and free of charge. We’ve been here in the middle of the day and took some pretty nice photos. If you have several days, it is always better to go early, just to take photos more quietly. We had to wait several times until people passing in front of me, behind me. Some spots seemed to have like a line (of 2-3people) so everyone got the photo they wanted.
5. Clock Tower Chiang Rai
This is in the middle of a roundabout in Chiang Rai. You might need some patience to wait for the moment no cars are passing. If you want to be in the photo, don’t risk getting in the middle of the roundabout. Just have it as a nice background on the picture.
Here you find a map of all the places. They are not in walking distance, so the cheapest option is to hire a MOTORBIKE for the day. It will come out cheaper than taking tuk-tuks or grabs from one spot to another.
How many days you need in Chiang Rai?
If you want, you can visit all these places in 1day like we did. Chiang Rai is a ‘small town’, but if you have the time for it, spend a couple of extra days here. We loved to be there.
Thank you so much for reading my blog. I wish you the best of luck on your next Trip to Thailand. Hope you enjoy these magical views capturing the beauty of Chiang Rai in your heart.
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Be ready to explore!
Anita.-
