What to do in the small city of Chiang Rai

In my previous post, I wrote about the three main attractions that drive visitors to Chiang Rai – the Blue Temple, the White Temple and the Black House. None of these are in the town centre, but this is still the best place to stay as a base. The bus station has a central location, perfect for a seamless journey from and back to Chiang Mai.

My first impression when I first got off the bus station was immediately one of quietness. After having spent time in Bangkok and Chaing Mai, both busy cities, I welcomed the much more laid-back atmosphere of Chiang Rai.

The town itself had little to do, but enough to entertain you if you are only spending a couple nights here. The night market for instance was a big letdown after coming from Chiang Mai. I was hoping I could find here a more varied and unique collection of handcrafts at potentially lower prices, but this wasn’t true. I suppose they send all the good stuff to Chiang Mai, where the crowds and demand are higher.

There is some nice street art here and there, with the bus station particularly colourful with paintings portraying the diverse ethnic groups of the area. I always find bus stations to be so unwelcoming across many parts of the world (particularly the ones in my country, Portugal) but being welcomed with such joyful art was almost a reassurance – I was welcomed there.

The Clock Tower

The Clock Tower is probably the only landmark of most significance located in the heart of the city. It was created by the same artist who designed the White Temple, Chalermchai Kositpipat, as a dedication to the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX). Built in 2008, its design is rooted in Lanna traditional artistry, and covered in gold, making it look like it should be in a palace and not in a roundabout in a busy traffic intersection in the city.

Every day at 7pm, 8pm and 9pm, the Clock Tower comes alive with a light and sound show. Definitely something you shouldn’t miss. Gather around, and see the gold taking the vibrant colours of pinks, oranges, greens and blues, accompanied by traditional Thai music.

Get a Thai Massage

If you have more time to kill, there are plenty of places to get a Thai massage. I had had my first one in Chiang Mai, and decided to have another go at it in Chiang Rai. It was so, but so painful, that I really thought I would be covered in bruises, especially around my neck and shoulders. I had to stop myself from screaming as she used her knuckles and her elbows to really go deep into my muscles. But guess what? No bruising in sight. I can only assume that was a real Thai massage, and she was working hard on my stiff muscles. I had heard many times about how it could be painful, but the one I got in Chiang Mai had been far from that. This one though… ouch. I can say I did leave the place feeling somehow lighter, so I know that it was one of those “no pain, no gain” sort of situations.

Have lunch at Barrab Restaurant

The space is small and busy, so you might have to wait for a table. The wait would be worth it though – they serve delicious traditional Northern Thai food, and the staff is incredibly nice and welcoming. This was also a recommendation from my host at Baan Jaru. I would have gone there for all of my meals, but unfortunately it was closed on Wednesdays, my second and last day in Chiang Rai.

Visit CAT ‘n’ A CUP Cat Café

Finally, if you like cats, I recommend the cat café just next to the bus station in Chiang Rai. I had only been to a cat café once in London, and typically you’ll pay a fee just to be there for a limited amount of time, and any drinks and food will be on top of that, making it quite frankly an expensive experience. Most times you just end up looking at the cats sleeping, or hiding away somewhere out of sight, and the food isn’t even good. As a cat person myself, I understand cats to the point that as much as I’d like to pet them, I know how bad it can be to force your company on them. They are independent creatures, each one with its own unique personality… and sometimes, they don’t want your dirty hands on them.

This place though was just a normal café/restaurant and there were no additional fees to just go in and sit there. Of course, there are rules – you can’t wake up the cats or grab them, as in any other decent cat cafe. But the fact they didn’t charge a fee made the place look more animal-friendly and less profit-oriented. You can buy some treats to give to the cats as well, which I’m sure also helps with their pet-related expenses.

I decided to have lunch here and it was a lovely experience. The space is very bright, with plenty of windows which cats obviously love, as one of their favourite pastimes is people watching in the windowsill. They were all so beautiful and incredibly well taken care of. And the space was also kept very, very clean.

From Chiang Rai I would then take a bus back back to Chiang Mai to get my flight from there to Koh Samui. I was about to finally set foot in the famous islands of Thailand, and was very much looking forward to it.

Love, Nic