solo trip to chiang rai

A solo trip to Chiang Rai had been on my radar for ages—a charming, laid-back province in northern Thailand with a slower pace and a vibe that just feels different. I decided to take the plunge and head out on a spontaneous solo trip from Chiang Mai on a weekend off from teaching. Spoiler alert: it was so worth it. Here’s the lowdown on what I did, what I loved, and why Chiang Rai might just be one of the best places in Thailand for a solo trip.


Getting There

The journey to Chiang Rai is pretty straightforward. I grabbed a bus from Chiang Mai bus terminal—about a four-hour ride that’s surprisingly chill, with rolling countryside views that make the time fly. In typical Thai fashion, it was a few minutes late but that’s alright. When I arrived, I checked into Backpack Hostel, where I had booked a private room for $20 / night. The local owners were so sweet and welcoming—the kind of vibe that instantly makes you feel at home.

They also have a really nice rooftop where I hung out after long days of exploring. I’m not a huge hostel girlie but I really liked this one because I had a private room & because it was super chill.


Making a Travel Buddy

Solo trips are awesome, but sometimes the universe throws a travel buddy your way. Within five minutes of arriving at the hostel, I met Leonie, a super cool Dutch girl. We clicked instantly and decided to team up for the weekend—proof that you never know who you’ll meet on a solo trip! Since I was traveling alone, I was way more open to meeting new people and making new friends.


Exploring Choui Fong Tea Farm

Our first adventure was Choui Fong Tea Farm, a dreamy spot nestled in the mountains about 45 minutes from town. We rented motorbikes through the hostel (highly recommend!) and hit the road. The ride itself was stunning, but the tea farm? Next level.

Rolling hills of vibrant green tea fields as far as the eye can see. It’s beyond, and wandering through the fields felt almost meditative. After soaking it all in, we hit the on-site restaurant for lunch—everything is infused with tea, from savory dishes to desserts, and it’s all ridiculously good. The green tea ice cream was creamy and delicious.

Choui Fong Tea Farm is absolutely beautiful

Pro tip: you can also join a tea tour if you’re into learning about how it’s made.


Visiting the Blue and White Temples

Next up? Chiang Rai’s iconic temples. Let me just say: wow.

The Blue Temple (Wat Rong Suea Ten) is an absolute showstopper. Its deep indigo tones, intricate gold accents, and dreamy interior make it feel like you’ve stepped into another dimension. I went later, around 4pm, and was the only one there! I actually preferred this one over the famous white temple because it was quieter (and I went when it was sunny lol).

Then there’s the White Temple (Wat Rong Khun), which is like walking into a surreal art installation. It’s famous for a reason! Every detail is mind-blowing. Since I went during the rainy season, there wasn’t too many people there once the rain cleared and we got to experience it quietly.

These two temples easily rank as my favorite in all of Thailand. They’re must-sees if you’re visiting Chiang Rai.

You can visit them alone, or join a tour that provides history & transportation.


Dining in Chiang Rai

When it comes to food, I’ll be honest—the night market didn’t blow me away. It was pretty loud and stuffy. That said, there are some hidden gems if you know where to look. The highlight for me was Barrab Restaurant & Accha Authentic Indian Cuisine Chiang Rai. The food there? Chef’s kiss. These are the perfect spots to recharge after a long day of exploring.


Beyond the City

Here’s the thing about Chiang Rai: the town itself is pretty small and chill, so if you’re craving adventure, you’ll want to venture beyond the city limits. The surrounding mountains are packed with hidden gems—from cozy hillside cafes to scenic hiking trails.

If you have the time (and a motorbike), definitely take a day to just explore. There’s something so freeing about cruising through the countryside with no real plan, stumbling upon cool spots along the way. This is my plan for basically all of Northern Thailand lol.


Lalitta Café is a totally crazy beautiful fairy forest misty cafe in Chiang Rai. It’s a total experience and beautiful photo op. Go here if you have some extra time.

Final thoughts – A solo trip to Chiang Rai

This trip to Chiang Rai was exactly what I needed. Travel just has this way of resetting my soul—and this weekend did exactly that.

Whether you’re traveling solo or with friends, Chiang Rai is one of those places that’s low-key but unforgettable. Between the temples, the tea farms, and the stunning countryside, it’s a destination that deserves a spot on your Northern Thailand itinerary.

So, if you’ve been daydreaming about taking a little getaway, here’s your sign to make it happen. Go book that trip—you won’t regret it!

Happy travels, xx Gracie

If you liked this blog post on a solo trip to Chiang Rai then you’ll like my others:

Best national parks in Thailand

How to travel Thailand on a budget

Places to avoid in Thailand & alternatives

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