These best things to do in Chiang Rai at night, cover the best attractions, markets, restaurants and bars, to keep you busy as the sun sets.
Chiang Rai, located in northern Thailand, is a city steeped in history, culture, and natural beauty. After spending 3 days in Chiang Mai, heading over to Chiang Rai is a must; is really is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Thailand.
Known for its laid-back atmosphere and stunning temples, Chiang Rai also has plenty to offer when the sun goes down. Whether you’re a culture enthusiast, a foodie, or someone seeking tranquility, Chiang Rai’s nightlife has something for everyone.
Best Things to Do in Chiang Rai at Night
Visit the Chiang Rai Night Bazaar
The first best things to do in Chiang Rai at night, has to be the iconic Chiang Rai Night Bazaar. This is a must-visit for anyone looking to experience the local culture and enjoy some evening shopping.
The market is conveniently located near the city center and offers a variety of goods such as handcrafted souvenirs, clothing, jewelry, and local art. You can also find food stalls selling northern Thai dishes, including khao soi and sai ua, a northern Thai sausage that is delicious!
You can also enjoy live performances of traditional Thai dance and music, making it a lively spot to spend your evening.
Location: Near Bus Terminal 1, Phaholyothin Road
Opening Hours: 6:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Experience the Clock Tower Light Show
Designed by the same artist behind the famous White Temple (Wat Rong Khun), the Chiang Rai Clock Tower is another fun thing to do in Chiang Rai at night.
The clock tower is a magnificent golden structure located in the city center, acting as a central point for many. At night, the clock tower hosts a stunning light show that takes place every hour starting at 7:00 PM.
You can expect to see the tower change to different colors in sync with music, creating a fun light show, ideal for the whole family.
Location: Clock Tower Intersection, Phaholyothin Road
Show Times: 7:00 PM, 8:00 PM, 9:00 PM
Stroll through the Walking Street Market
Held every Saturday evening, the Walking Street Market is another vibrant night market that offers a fun, lively option for visitors.
The market spans several streets and features a wide range of goods, from local handicrafts to delicious street food. We love heading here for some of the best Thai snacks, dishes, and treats; all for reasonable prices.
Location: Thanalai Road
Opening Hours: 5:00 PM – 10:30 PM (Saturdays)
Dine at the Cat Café
If you’re a cat lover, visiting one of Chiang Rai’s Cat Cafés during the evening is a unique and relaxing experience. The cafés offer a cozy atmosphere where you can sip coffee, enjoy light snacks, and play with friendly resident cats.
It’s a calming way to unwind after a day of sightseeing and a popular stop for animal lovers.
Location: Various locations around the city
Opening Hours: Typically 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Visit the Blue Temple (Wat Rong Suea Ten) at Night
While most visitors flock to the Blue Temple during the day, visiting this architectural wonder at night offers a more peaceful and atmospheric experience.
There are plenty of gorgeous temples in Chiang Rai, but for me, this is the best one, especially in the evening. The temple is beautifully illuminated, and without the usual daytime crowds, you can fully appreciate its intricate blue and gold design.
Location: Rong Suea Ten, Mueang Chiang Rai District
Opening Hours: Open 24 hours (Best viewed after dark)
Explore the White Temple (Wat Rong Khun) at Night
Another iconic landmark in the city is the White Temple. Unlike the Blue Temple, this landmark isn’t open to visitors at night, but you can view it from outside after sunset.
The temple’s reflective surfaces shimmer in the moonlight, making it an excellent spot for night photography.
Location: Pa O Don Chai, Mueang Chiang Rai District
Opening Hours: Exterior visible all night
Khantoke Dinner
This Lanna tradition combines Thai culture and delicious food, giving you an opportunity to really experience Thailand. Sa Bun Nga Khantoke shares northern Thai dishes as you listen to Northern Thai music and watch traditional Thai dance.
Location: Sankhongnoi Soi 6
Take a night cruise on the Kok River
The Kok River flows through Chiang Rai, and a night-time river cruise is a magical way to see the city from a different perspective.
There are plenty of options when it comes to booking an evening boat tour whether you want to enjoy drinks, a meal or just see the city at night.
Location: Kok River
Opening Hours: Vary depending on the operator
Happy Street Chiang Rai
This market pops up every Sunday evening, offering food, shopping and live music. You can find affordable clothes and shoes here, as well as produce from local farmers. Pick up Thai snacks and a cold beer in the market, then catch the local musicians, performing in the square.
Location: San Khong Noi Road
Opening Hours: Sundays from 6 – 10pm
Attend a Muay Thai Fight
For those interested in Thai martial arts, attending a Muay Thai fight at one of Chiang Rai’s local stadiums is an exciting and immersive experience.
Muay Thai is Thailand’s national sport, and the evening matches offer a glimpse into the athleticism, skill, and cultural importance of this ancient martial art.
You can find regular matches held in local venues around the city.
Location: Chiang Rai Boxing Stadium, various other local venues
Match times: Usually start around 8:00 PM
Relax at a Riverside Bar
Chiang Rai has several charming riverside bars along the Kok River where you can enjoy a drink and unwind as the sun sets.
These bars offer beautiful views of the river, soft lighting, and a relaxed atmosphere. Some venues have live acoustic music, adding to the laid-back ambiance of the evening.
Some of our favourites include Lulum Restaurant Chiang Rai, which offers amazing local food, and ควันจุ๊งจุ๊ง River Garden เชียงราย, lit up with fairy lights. For a romantic, quieter option, check out Favola at Le Méridien Chiang Rai Resort, a calm, picturesque spot in the Le Meridien Hotel.
Location: Along Kok River, various spots
Opening Hours: 5:00 PM – Midnight
Take a Night Photography Tour
Chiang Rai’s unique temples and landmarks offer incredible opportunities for night photography.
Although you can explore these by yourself, keen photographers can book an organized night-time photography tour, where a guide will take you to the best spots.
These include the city’s illuminated temples, the clock tower, and picturesque spots along the river.
Location: Various spots around the city
Starting times: Vary by operator, usually starting around sunset
Go on a Night Bike Tour
Another great way to see the sights of the city, is by taking a night bike tour. This allows you to see the sights in cooler weather, with less crowds.
There are some temples which close before sunset, but many guied tours can help you see the hidden temles small neighborhoods and scenic viewpoints.
Location: Various routes around the city
Starting times: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM (approximate)
Chill Out at a Rooftop Bar
Chiang Rai might not be famous for its high-rise buildings, but there are a few popular rooftop bars, offering cocktails and beer whilst sharing a view over the city.
There are various options to choose from but the Peak Wine & Grill bar is my favorite, with gorgeous views and delicious food.
Location: Hotels and bars around the city center
Opening Hours: 6:00 PM – Midnight
Experience a Northern Thai Massage
After a long day exploring the city, why not unwind with a massage? I love a good Thai massage, factoring in time for one every week!
When traveling around Thailand, you can enjoy massages all over, but the Northern Thai massage is a unique experience to be had. With a focus on stretching the body and relieving tension, these can be more soothing than other massage choices; making it ideal after a long day of exploring.
A popular option in Chiang Rai is Parvati Spa; which runs from 11 am to 9 pm. Here you can enjoy holistic treatments and massages in a quiet, serene environment.
Location: Various massage parlors around the city
Opening Hours: Usually open until 10:00 PM
Enjoy Live Music at a Local Pub
Chiang Rai has several cozy pubs and bars where you can enjoy live music in the evenings.
Local musicians often play a mix of Thai and Western songs, and the atmosphere is often casual and welcoming.
We enjoy the Reggae Home Bar for reggae and open mic sessions the Hangover Bar features live bands and is popular with tourists.
Location: Around the city center
Opening Hours: 6:00 PM – Midnight
Helpful Resources
Travel essentials:
- We LOVE this camera for our travel photography.
- For a cheap, easy and compact camera, we use this to vlog and take photographs.
- We use this travel drone (but make sure to check drone laws in your chosen destination first).
- This is our favourite travel insurance because it covers so many activities and travel situations that could arise on longer trips but also offer year coverage.
What to pack
- No matter where we travel to, I always take these trusty hand sanitizers and a mini first aid kit.
- We love these toiletry bags (especially great for smaller bathrooms) and choose a laptop bag like this as our hand luggage.
- We keep our devices charged on long travel days with these lightweight battery packs and bring these worldwide travel adaptors on all our trips.
- I still struggle not to overpack so stick to using an expandable suitcase like this and always take my trusty luggage scales to avoid being charged at the airport.
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