CHIANG RAI TOURIST MAP
Chiang Rai Tourist Map: Attractions, Streets and Tram Route
This Go Tour Thailand map covers central Chiang Rai and identifies major streets, temples, markets, transport points and the sightseeing tram route.
Street names have been translated to English, but also retain their Thai name. The map was last reviewed and updated in September 2026.
The location or direction of the popular temples of Wat Rong Khun (White Temple), Wat Rong Suea Ten (the Blue Temple), Red Temple, and Wat Phra Kaew are indicated on this map. The Black House (Baan Dam Museum) located in the northern suburbs. See the attraction pages on how to get to each temple.
Chiang Rai's Night Bazaar, and Saturday Night Walking Street along Thanalai Road is also shown on the map. These are the popular night entertainment spots for tourists.
Getting around Chiang Rai city is straightforward due to its smaller size. Songthaews are the main form of public transport which operate on set routes within the city and to nearby districts. Tuk-tuks and taxis are widely available for short trips. Don't miss taking a ride on the Chiang Rai Tram which takes tourists around the city, stopping at attractions along the way. The map shows the route in red including each tram stop.
The map also shows all the public parking spots around the town, if you are driving yourself. The central city Tung Garden shown on the map, is currently closed, not to be confused with Doi Tung Royal Gardens which is located outside of the city.
See the Chiang Rai Attractions page for all the places to visit and things to do.
Map of Chiang Rai Attractions, Streets, Markets and Sightseeing Tram Route
Chiang Rai Tourist Districts: Where to Stay In Chiang Rai
Chiang Rai City Centre – Clock Tower and Night Bazaar
The city centre is the most convenient area if you want restaurants, markets, shops and transport within walking distance. The immpressive Golden Clock Tower is one of the easiest landmarks to use for finding your bearings. The Chiang Rai Night Bazaar and Bus Terminal 1 are close-by. The streets around Phahonyothin Road, Jetyod Road and the Clock Tower contain numerous hotels, guesthouses, cafés, massage shops and restaurants.
This area works well if you are visiting Chiang Rai without a rental car. Much of central Chiang Rai can be explored on foot, by tourist tram, tuk-tuks and ride-hailing services. In the evening you can walk between restaurants, the Clock Tower and Night Bazaar without needing additional transport.
The Old City and Temple Area
West and northwest of the Clock Tower is the older cultural heart of Chiang Rai. This part of the city is quieter than the Night Bazaar area and contains several historically important temples, including Wat Phra Kaew, Wat Phra Singh and Wat Klang Wiang. Wat Phra Singh sits on Tha Luang Road and can easily be combined with nearby temples as part of a walking tour through the older streets.
The area is a good choice if your interested in Lanna history, temples and local architecture rather than nightlife. You will still find small cafés, local restaurants and guesthouses, but the atmosphere is quieter. Thanalai Road is where Chiang Rai's popular Saturday Walking Street is held. On Saturday evenings it becomes a lively pedestrian market filled with food, handicrafts and local performances.
San Khong Noi
Southwest of the main centre is San Khong Noi. This largely residential neighbourhood is where you can experience a more everyday side of Chiang Rai. It is still close enough to the centre for easy access by tuk-tuk. This neighbourhood has plenty of inexpensive restaurants, cafés and small local businesses.
San Khong Noi becomes lively on Sunday evening when Chiang Rai's Sunday Walking Street is held. Food stalls, local products and Lanna performances transform the street into a community gathering place. It's a popular attraction for locals and tourists.
Kok River and Rim Kok
The Kok River forms a natural northern edge to central Chiang Rai. It's a more relaxed and quieter area, ideal if you are staying for an extended vacation. Riverside accommodation ranges from smaller guesthouses to larger hotels and resorts.
Crossing to the northern side of the river and you enter Rim Kok. This is where Chiang Rai's best known modern temple of Wat Rong Suea Ten (Blue Temple) is located.
Southern Chiang Rai
South from the historic centre along Phahonyothin Road and you will find the modern part of Chiang Rai city. One of the main landmarks here is Central Chiangrai, the city's major shopping complex in Rob Wiang. You will discover shopping, restaurants, supermarkets and other everyday services that can be useful during a longer stay. See the main Chiang Rai page for more information on these large popular shopping complexes.
Accommodation in this area often provides easier access to the main roads leading south towards attractions outside the centre. Large modern air-conditioned bus services run along the main road.
Ban Du and the Airport Area
To the northeast of central Chiang Rai is the Ban Du and airport area, centred around Mae Fah Luang–Chiang Rai International Airport. The airport is approximately 8 kilometres from central Chiang Rai.
There are hotels, restaurants and local businesses scattered along the main roads, but this area is not an ideal place to see Chiang Rai's attractions. Staying here makes more sense if you have been to Chiang Rai before and plan to spend much of your trip exploring destinations north of Chiang Rai such as the Golden Triangle.
Which is the best area of Chiang Rai to stay?
For most first-time visitors, central Chiang Rai around the Clock Tower and Night Bazaar provides the easiest base, particularly if you do not have your own vehicle. The Old City is better for temples and history, while San Khong Noi offers a more residential and local atmosphere. Choose the Kok River and Rim Kok if you prefer quieter surroundings, or southern Chiang Rai if modern shopping and easy road access are more important.
See the Places To Stay In Chiang Rai for more ideas.
