24 Hours in Chiang Rai

If you are in Chiang Rai for a short stopover, it's worth visiting the three temples (White, Black, Blue), which aren't really traditional temples. All three blend art and faith, offering experiences that differ from those of regular temples. Visiting them also provides insight into contemporary art trends in the region and country. You can travel by public buses (a bit slow for the Black House, but quite efficient for the Blue and White temples) or hire taxis to move between them. Alternatively, you can find some tours on trip.com that allow for hassle-free navigation. However, I don't recommend visiting the three temples on an excursion from Chiang Mai as many people do. It's a very long day, involving 7 hours of travel between the two cities (3.5 hours each way), while Chiang Rai offers plenty of amenities for a relaxed day. If staying overnight, check out the clock tower at 7 PM, 8 PM, or 9 PM. There's a light show around the clock bells. Then, head to any of the night markets or restaurants in the area for dinner.