Chiang Rai Clock Tower

With a far-reaching history before its 34-year stretch as the second capital of the Lanna Kingdom, Chiang Rai is considered one of the oldest settlements in Thailand. It may be less well known than Chiang Mai as a tourist destination on its own, but what makes Chiang Rai fascinating is its strong association with the Tai ethnic culture – the origins of Lanna people – which can still be seen in the temple and museum architecture around the city area.

While retaining a strong Lanna identity, however, Chiang Rai City has also been blessed by a new artistic movement, which attempts to modernise the Lanna’s cultural essence so that it offers a new perspective on what constitutes ‘Lanna-ness’ in the modern world. The famous White Temple is an extreme example of this movement, followed by the blazing red ubosot (main chapel) at Wat Klang Wieng. On the opposite spectrum, head over to Oub Kham Museum for a concentrated dose of ancient Lanna history and cultural heritage. Better yet, visit the recommended sights below to get both the ancient and modern perspectives.