1. Mae Suai Dam

Mae Suai Dam, located in Mae Suai Subdistrict of Mae Suai District, was built in 1998 as a large reservoir to store water. Surrounded by scenic mountains, the water stored here ultimately flows into the Mae Suai River. It serves various agricultural purposes under the supervision of the Mae Suai Irrigation Office. You’ll also find restaurants for tourists, including floating restaurants to help you cool off. For an exciting adventure, consider wet rafting at the end of the Mae Suai Dam reservoir. You can easily reach Mae Suai Dam by taking Highway 118 with clear signage when traveling from Chiang Mai. It’s about 3 kilometers further on Rural Highway 3037.

2. Wat Rong Khun (White Temple)

Located in the Pa O Don Chai area, Wat Rong Khun, or the White Temple, was designed and constructed by renowned Thai artist Chalermchai Kositpipat, who hails from Chiang Rai. The white temple is adorned with shimmering mirrors arranged in a stair-like pattern, and its facades are decorated with unusual snake-like figures. Inside the temple, you’ll find wall paintings created by Master Chalermchai. Outside, there are art galleries and exhibitions where you can view Master Chalermchai’s work daily from 8 AM to 6 PM. Foreign visitors have an entrance fee of 100 Baht.

3. Baan Dam Museum (Black House)

Located in the Nanglae Subdistrict of Muang Chiang Rai, this unique structure was built by national artist Thawan Duchanee, known for his skill in painting and sculpture. Even though Acharn Thawan has left the world, Baan Dam is still open to tourists, showcasing the beauty of unconventional and unique art. Each house in this cluster of houses is painted black and decorated with intricately carved wooden patterns. Apart from wood carvings, you’ll also find decorations made from animal horns, bones, and more.

There’s an entrance fee of 80 Baht per person for visiting Baan Dam. To get there, take Highway 1020 from Chiang Rai city to Mae Korn intersection, then turn left onto Highway 1421 towards Phaya Mengrai District, Phu Chi Fa, and Chiang Khong District. Continue until the road ends.

4. Chiang Khong Riverside

Located along the Mekong River in the Chiang Khong area, this small port serves as a viewpoint overlooking the Mekong River, offering clear views of Laos on the opposite side. Tourists can walk to the Chiang Khong Pier to enjoy the riverside scenery. It’s a pleasant 1-2 km walk along the Mekong River on pedestrian and bicycle paths, passing through Pha Than. The balconies along Chiang Khong’s Mekong River are ideal for strolling during sunrise or sunset. It offers great views and a comfortable environment. To reach Chiang Khong, use Highway 1 from Chiang Rai city towards Mae Korn intersection and then Highway 1421 to reach the Chiang Khong area.