Is Chiang Rai the same as Chiang Mai?

You may be confused by Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai, as they are have similar-sounding names. But they are indeed two different cities in Thailand.

What is Chiang Rai known for?

Chiang Rai is regarded as the northernmost “large city” in Thailand, though it isn’t actually that big. It’s much smaller and less developed as a tourist destination than neighboring Chiang Mai. It’s perhaps best known for Wat Rong Khun, a striking all-white temple located about 14 km south of the city.

How long does it take to drive from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai?

approximately 3h
Yes, the driving distance between Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai is 188 km. It takes approximately 3h to drive from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai.

Is there a train from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai?

Unfortunately there is no train service up to Chiang Rai and the closest train station is in Chiang Mai. There are plans to connect the two cities in the future if and when the high-speed train service gets built, but for now you will have to go either by road or by air.

Is Chiang Rai worth visiting?

Is Chiang Rai worth visiting? 100% yes! This Thai city is hugely underrated. Being the northernmost major city in Thailand, it’s often overlooked in favor of other spots like the digital nomad hub of Chiang Mai and the hippy hill town of Pai.

Is Chiang Rai a good place to live?

Living in Chiang Rai in Thailand’s far north is a great alternative to Chaing Mai and Bangkok’s city life. Life in Chiang Rai really is a breath of fresh air and a complete escape from traffic congestion. Even better, it’s cheap.

How many days in Chiang Rai is enough?

Chiang Rai is ideally situated for discovering Thailand’s Golden Triangle, so three days in the city give you ample time to immerse yourself in local culture and cuisine, and explore the northern highlands.

How many days do you need in Chiang Rai?

Many travelers visit Chiang Rai as a day trip from Chiang Mai. This is ideal if you’re short on time but I recommend that you try to spend at least 2 days in Chiang Rai to make the most of the region. Besides the temples, you have museums, art galleries, waterfalls, and even a beach to discover.

How much does it cost to live in Chiang Rai?

How much does it cost to live in Chiang Rai per month? The total cost of living is around $486 in Chiang Rai. The average rent in Chiang Rai for a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre is approximately $247 per month, and utilities cost around $56 a month.

What is it like living in Chiang Rai?

Big skies, rice farms, and vistas of surrounding mountains mean Chiang Rai is bursting with rustic charm. A little further into town, large tree-lined streets, historic buildings, ancient temples as well as a large lazy river create a peaceful atmosphere. Chiang Rai certainly offers a relaxed, slow-paced lifestyle.

How to get from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai?

There are regular and daily buses that run from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai, but you’ll be limited to arriving at Chiang Rai city. By far the best way is to travel by car, which will let you get off the main tourist trail, and explore the real cultural gems that lie en-route to Chiang Rai.

Is Chiang Rai worth a visit?

It’s interesting to see that many articles or forum posts on the internet say that Chiang Rai is not worth a visit. Or that there’s not much to see and do in Chiang Rai, and Chiang Mai is much more ‘happening’.

What is Chiang Mai like to live in?

Today Chiang Mai is a sprawling low-rise metropolis, ringed by mountains, surrounded by lush sub-tropical countryside. The different areas of the city such as the old city, and nimmanhemin area are centralized and walkable. The streets are lined with guesthouses, restaurants and shops. Most of its buildings and architectural style are circa 1980’s.