King Meng Rai The Great Monument is located at Ha Yaek intersection and along the Super Highway. King Mengrai was the founder of the Lanna Kingdom and Chiang Rai city, which was established in the year 1262.

Wat Phra Kaew is located along Trairat Road. This ancient temple, which used to be called Wat Pa Ya, is said to have been the original place for the Emerald Buddha. This image is now venerated in Bangkok's Wat Phra Kaew Chapel of the Emerald Buddha.
A newer image which locals call Phra Yok (meaning Jade Buddha) has been installed to replace the original Emerald Buddha image.

Karen Ruammit Village is located at Mae Yao sub-district, about 19 kilometres from town and can be reached by either car or by long-tail boat. Many people come here for home-stays. This village has various tribal populations such as Karen, Hmong, Akha, Lahu, Lisu and Tai Lue. Tourists can start trekkings or Elephant Tours from the village. The Elephant Tour is an eco-tourism, formed by Karen Ruammit Elephant Tour Club. They have 28 elephants.

Another interesting tourist spot not far from here is the Huai Mae Sai waterfall. This waterfall originated from Mae Sai stream at Doi Bo and it actually has 2 waterfalls. The first is 15 metres and the second is 20 metres. The area is a good place to cool down and relax.

Next to the waterfall there is Ban Ja Lae, a hilltribe village with a fascinating history. You can see and hear about their story at the Ban Ya Lae Museum. This museum has been built in 2002 by the Mirror Art Foundation and Jalae villagers. In the museum hall there is a performance of tribal culture of Akha and Lahu and also you get an impression of their way of life. The museum opens daily from 8 am till 5 pm (except on Wednesdays). The entrance fee is THB 20 a person.

Khun Korn National Park and Waterfall is located about 30 kilometres southwest from Chiang Rai city along Routes 1211 & 1208, the 70-metre high Khun Korn Waterfall is the highest in the province. It's a 1.5 kilometres rough walk through the park to get to this waterfall.

Mae Kok River known in Thai as Mae Nam Kok, this scenic 130-kilometre long waterway runs through the heart of Chiang Rai. The river is a major transportation route from Chaing Mai province, especially the town of Tha Ton (180 kilometres north of Chaing Mai provincial capital), whence long-tailed boats make the 3-4 hour journey every day at 12.30 PM (Chiang Rai-Tha Ton: 10.30 AM). The river passes several hilltribe settlements and elephant camps from where jungle treks originate.

Chiang Rai beach is located 4 kilometres from the city. This scenic riverside area and promenade is a recreation area for local inhabitants. There are plenty of huts where you can sit, relax, order food and overlook the Mae Kok river, but please bring your dictionairy with you, because there are no English menus.

Ancient Monks Cave is opposite from the Chiang Rai beach and 6 kilometres out of town. The Cave is a beautiful stone mountain with various buddha images inside and a peaceful garden along the riverside. King Rama VII  used to visit this place and the Department of Fine Arts has been registered the place as an important ancient site.

Rai Mae Fah Luang, the Art and Cultural Park, serves as a venue for art exhibitions and cultural performances. It was once a centre for education and development, offering skills training to hill tribe youths from various villages in the northern region. The Park covers an area of over 150 rai and about 3 kilometres west from Chiang Rai city. A stroll through this wonderful park with its forested areas is an experience unlike any other. Open on Tuesday-Sunday 8am-6pm. Admission is 200 bath per person.

Wat Phra Singha, on Singhakhlai Road, is a fine example of Lanna Thai religious architecture. The Phra Buddha Singh image now hourse in Chaing Mai's Wat Phra Singh. It was formerly enshrined here.

Ku Phra Chao Meng Rai situated in Wat Ngam Muang, on Ngam Muang Hillock, this stupa contains King Mengrai's ashes and relics.

Wat Phra That Doi Thong, this ancient hilltop pagoda overlooks the Mae Kok River and predates the founding of Chiang Rai as the capital of Lanna Thai.

Oub Kham museum, located at Den Ha and about 1 kilometre from the centre. This museum presents a collection embracing objects from the areas once belonging to or affiliated with the Lanna Kingdoms.  A golden bowl used by rayals is the masterpiece. Open daily from 8am till 7pm. Admission is 200 bath per person.

You will find Wat Rong Khun, the white temple, about 11 kilometres south from Chiang Rai, near the Superhighway in the direction of Chiang Mai.This temple is designed by Chalermchai Kositpipat in modern Lanna Style. The main temple, the so called Ubosot, is white colored decorated with reflected glass. The paintings  inside the temple, about the world suffering, are very beautiful.