Chiang Rai Beach – the best place for swimming in Chiang Rai

Chiang Rai Beach – the best place for swimming in Chiang Rai

Wait, Chiang Rai has a beach? Well, Chiang Rai Beach is not your typical Thai beach. You won't find long-tail boats, coconut tree-lined white sand beaches, or turquoise waters here. To be honest, this place isn't even really a beach, but simply a riverside resort popular with locals and tourists visiting Chiang Rai. Well, you're in the mountains!

However, if you are looking for a place to cool off in the hotter months, or if you want to find a place in Chiang Rai to relax, Chiang Rai Beach may be just the thing for you.

Book your trip to Chiang Rai

Book cheap flightsAre you still in the planning phase of your trip? Currently the best and easiest way to find cheap flights is to use Momondo and Skyscanner. You are guaranteed to always find the cheapest flight between the two, anywhere in the world. Book your accommodationWhether you're looking for hostels, hotels, guesthouses or resorts between Booking.com and Agoda, you'll always get the best deals. I always search using the map feature to find accommodation in the best places. You can also search via the map system, which is great if you are looking for a place near Chiang Rai beach. Sometimes when I want to stay in one place for a little longer, I also use Airbnb. Book Tours and TransportationYou already know that I prefer independent travel. Sometimes the best and cheapest way to get things done is to simply book a tour or package. For Thailand I always use Klook and Viator. To find cheaper transportation in Thailand such as buses, trains and ferries, you can also visit 12GoAsia. Don't forget adventure travel insurance If you're reading this blog, you're probably looking for adventure while sipping poolside. After having my entire bag stolen in Barcelona (including camera gear), I vowed to always have travel insurance. My two favorite options for adventure travelers are SafetyWing and World Nomads. Click here to read the comparison between the two.

Would you rather swim at a waterfall? Don't miss: Mae Sai Waterfall in Chiang Rai or read the full waterfall guide here.

Where is Chiang Rai Beach?

Chiang Rai Beach is located on the banks of the Kok River, just outside the city near Queen Sikrit Park.

Getting here requires about a 15-minute drive or drive from central Chiang Rai.

You can either drive yourself here if you have rented a scooter or alternatively take a tuk tuk or songthaew. The cost to get here from Chiang Rai city center is approximately 50 baht.

Tip: Motorbike rental price in Chiang Rai: 150 -200 Baht per day. If you stay at Grace Hostel, the owner can arrange a motorbike for you. This hostel is also a good choice and is much closer to Chiang Rai River Beach.

The most exciting way to get to Chiang Rai: Boat trip from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai

What to Expect on Chiang Rai Beach

As I mentioned earlier, Chiang Rai Beach is not your typical “beach” in Thailand. Strangely enough, however, you can still find those typical Thai tourism clichés on the coast, including massage huts and restaurants!

There are tall and jagged rock formations and a Buddha statue resting on a rock on the other side of the river bank. The entire scene is relaxing and beautiful. Since I prefer nature to the hustle and bustle of city life (even tame Chiang Rai), I found this place to be my favorite place to spend time in the city.

When I first visited Chiang Rai Beach, it was relatively quiet and secluded. I noticed that most of the small shops there were not in operation, which meant I had the entire “beach” or riverfront to myself.

However, on subsequent visits, I met other backpackers and travelers who had come down in the early afternoon to relax and cool off in the freshly flowing river water. The water flow was calm enough to swim in, although you have to be careful when it rains.
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Kok River Kayak Tour: One of the best river experiences in Chiang Rai, book here.

Wat Tham Phra (Buddha Cave Temple)

On the opposite side of Chiang Rai beach you will find a small Buddha cave temple known as Wat Tham Phra. The cave itself has a fairly small cavern with not much more than a single Buddha statue inside.

There are also a few cheeky monkeys hanging around here, so watch your stuff!

RELATED: Hiking the Monks Trail in Chiang Mai

Where to Stay – Accommodation Guide

My accommodation in Chiang Mai: Grace HostelGrace Hostel was actually one of my favorite hostels in Northern Thailand. The free breakfast is great. Although it's just outside the city center, the friendly owner can drive you to the markets or the bus station for free. This hostel is also the closest to Chiang Rai Beach in Thailand, just a 20-minute walk away.

Highly-Rated Guesthouse: SuanTung Guest House This is one of the top-rated budget guesthouses in Chiang Rai. It's super central, just a few minutes walk from the night market and the clock tower and the bus stop.

Cheapest Dorm in Chiang Rai: Bar 184 Party HostelBar 184 has dorms for under $5 per night, which is the cheapest you'll find in Chiang Rai. If you're looking for a party atmosphere at a reasonable price, this is the place for you. These guys also arrange motorbikes if you want you to ride one to Mae Sai Waterfall.
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I hope you found this article helpful in planning your trip to Chiang Rai. If you have already visited Chiang Rai Beach and are looking for more things to do in Chiang Rai, don't miss some of the other highlights below. As for waterfalls, definitely check out Huay Kaew Waterfall!

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