Chiang Rai, Thailand: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2023]

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Ready to pack for Chiang Rai, Thailand? If you're planning to go to Chiang Rai, I've got some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

When to go to Chiang Rai, Thailand

Based on the climate and weather in Chiang Rai, Thailand, the best time to go is February. See below for details.

What to wear/what to pack for Chiang Rai, Thailand

Already know when you're traveling?

Here are some general tips on what to wear in Chiang Rai, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.

What to wear/what to pack for Chiang Rai, Thailand by month

January

January for Chiang Rai is extremely warm. Temperatures average in the low 80s F (high 20s C) during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Thailand has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing things these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Chiang Rai. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A, B, C and O. Take care to get the necessary kind. Many adapters for sale now are just plug changers and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should work in most places.

  • Travel neck pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

If you visit a temple, such as Baan Dam - Black House Museum, wear:

If you go to Namtok Khun Kon Forest Park, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:

February

February for Chiang Rai can be very hot. Temperatures average in the 80s F (low 30s C) during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Thailand has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Chiang Rai. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A, B, C and O. Be careful to get the right type. The vast majority of adapters that you can buy are simply plug changers and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should work in most countries.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

If you visit a temple, such as Baan Dam - Black House Museum, wear:

If you go to Namtok Khun Kon Forest Park, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:

March

If you vacation in Chiang Rai during March, you might see that it is really hot. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 90s F (low 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 50s F (mid 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Thailand has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Chiang Rai. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing things recently, an AirTag can find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A, B, C and O. Make sure to get the necessary type. Most adapters currently available are simply plug changers and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should work in most countries.

  • Travel neck support pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

If you visit a temple, such as Baan Dam - Black House Museum, wear:

If you go to Namtok Khun Kon Forest Park, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:

April

If you are traveling to Chiang Rai in April, you will notice that it is blindingly hot. Daytime temperatures are in the low 90s F (mid 30s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Thailand has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing things these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Chiang Rai. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A, B, C and O. Take care to get the necessary type. The vast majority of adapters available are simply plugs and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should be appropriate for most places.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel pillow

    An excellent option is this one

If you visit a temple, such as Baan Dam - Black House Museum, wear:

If you go to Namtok Khun Kon Forest Park, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:

May

If you go to Chiang Rai in May, you will notice that it is really hot. Daytime temperatures are in the low 90s F (low 30s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Thailand has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Chiang Rai. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing luggage recently, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A, B, C and O. Be careful to get the necessary kind. The vast majority of adapters on sale are simply plugs and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should work in most locations.

If you visit a temple, such as Baan Dam - Black House Museum, wear:

If you go to Namtok Khun Kon Forest Park, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:

June

June for Chiang Rai is constantly hot. Temperatures average in the high 80s F (low 30s C) during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Thailand has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing things recently, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Chiang Rai. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A, B, C and O. Make sure to find the necessary type. A lot of adapters available online are simply plug changers and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one works in most countries.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A great choice is this one

If you visit a temple, such as Baan Dam - Black House Museum, wear:

If you go to Namtok Khun Kon Forest Park, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:

July

July in Chiang Rai is really hot. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the high 70s F (mid 20s C) to 80s F (low 30s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Thailand has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing things nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Chiang Rai. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A, B, C and O. Be careful to get the necessary type. Most adapters for sale now are just plugs and expect your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one is sufficent for most countries.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel pillow

    Our favorite is this one

If you visit a temple, such as Baan Dam - Black House Museum, wear:

If you go to Namtok Khun Kon Forest Park, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:

August

August in Chiang Rai can be very hot. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the high 70s F (mid 20s C) to 80s F (low 30s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Thailand has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Chiang Rai. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing luggage these days, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A, B, C and O. Take care to find the correct kind. The vast majority of adapters for sale now are just plugs and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should be appropriate for most places.

  • Travel pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

If you visit a temple, such as Baan Dam - Black House Museum, wear:

If you go to Namtok Khun Kon Forest Park, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:

September

If you go to Chiang Rai in September, you will notice that it is extremely hot. Daytime temperatures are in the 80s F (low 30s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Thailand has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing bags these days, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Chiang Rai. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A, B, C and O. It's important that you find the right kind. The majority of adapters for sale now are just plugs and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should be appropriate for most locations.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

If you visit a temple, such as Baan Dam - Black House Museum, wear:

If you go to Namtok Khun Kon Forest Park, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:

October

Traveling to Chiang Rai in October, you will notice that it is extremely hot. Daytime temperatures are in the 80s F (low 30s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Thailand has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Chiang Rai. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A, B, C and O. Make sure to find the necessary type. Many adapters currently available are just plugs and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should be sufficient for most areas.

  • Travel pillow

    Our favorite is this one

If you visit a temple, such as Baan Dam - Black House Museum, wear:

If you go to Namtok Khun Kon Forest Park, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:

November

If you are traveling to Chiang Rai in November, you will notice that it is hot. Daytime temperatures are in the low 80s F (high 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Thailand has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing luggage these days, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Chiang Rai. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A, B, C and O. Be careful to get the correct kind. Most adapters on sale are just plug changers and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should work in most areas.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

If you visit a temple, such as Baan Dam - Black House Museum, wear:

If you go to Namtok Khun Kon Forest Park, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:

December

If you visit Chiang Rai during December, you might see that it is warm. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 70s F (mid 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 50s F (low 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Thailand has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Chiang Rai. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing things these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck support pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A, B, C and O. Be careful to choose the necessary type. The majority of adapters currently available are just plugs and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should work in most countries.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

If you visit a temple, such as Baan Dam - Black House Museum, wear:

If you go to Namtok Khun Kon Forest Park, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:

What to do in Chiang Rai, Thailand

Chiang Rai, located in the northernmost part of Thailand, is a city with rich cultural heritage and natural beauty. Its serene atmosphere, cool climate, and scenic landscapes make it a perfect destination for tourists seeking peace and relaxation. Here are the top tourist attractions in Chiang Rai that offer captivating experiences to visitors.

1. White Temple: The White Temple or Wat Rong Khun is an impressive temple designed by the renowned Thai artist, Chalermchai Kositpipat. Its unique and intricate architecture, depicting good and evil, is a stark contrast to the traditional Thai temples. The temple has a pure white exterior with glimmering tiles and mosaics, and inside features stunning murals that reflect the artist's perspective on human desire and suffering.

2. Black House Museum: Black House Museum or Baan Dam is a collection of over forty teak wood houses designed by contemporary artist Thawan Duchanee. The houses showcase a blend of modern and traditional architecture along with unique art pieces, sculptures, and animal remains.

3. Mae Fah Luang Art and Cultural Park: This cultural park, located in the heart of Chiang Rai, is home to the Lanna heritage and displays works of traditional Thai art and handicrafts. The park also consists of traditional Thai houses, a beautiful garden, and a museum that houses rare tribal artifacts and textiles.

4. Golden Triangle: The Golden Triangle is the point where the borders of Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos meet. The Mekong River flows through this region, and tourists can take pleasure in the scenic views of the river and the vast lush mountains. Visitors can also take a boat ride over the river to explore the local markets and sample the food.

5. Choui Fong Tea Plantation: Choui Fong Tea Plantation is one of the largest tea plantations in Thailand offering a spectacular panoramic view of the landscape. Visitors can take a tour of the production process and sample the various tea flavors.

6. Doi Tung Royal Villa: This beautiful villa was once the residence of Princess Srinagarindra, the mother of the current King of Thailand. The villa, located on a mountain, provides a breathtaking view of the terraced gardens and the surrounding forest. Visitors can also take a trip to the nearby Mae Fah Luang Garden and enjoy the beautiful flowers.

Chiang Rai, with its charming attractions and serene landscape, is gradually becoming a popular tourist destination in Thailand. The city's rich heritage and cultural significance impart a feel-good factor that attracts visitors worldwide. Plan your next vacation to Chiang Rai and immerse in the charming natural beauty and cultural heritage of the city.

About your travel guide

Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.

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