Explore the many temples — A few are the best to visit are the White Temple (you can see my visit guide here), Blue Temple (Wat Rong Seua Ten), Monkey Temple (Wat Tham Pla), and Wat Phra Kaew (one of the most famous in Chiang Rai).
Spend a night at the gorgeous (and ethical) Elephant Valley Thailand sanctuary.
Check out the Clock Tower.
Rent a motorbike and visit some nearby waterfalls.
Take a trip to Thailand’s northernmost point.
Visit the notorious Golden Triangle (the spot where the Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar border meet).
Relax in one of the many hot springs around Chiang Rai — Huay Mak Lium Hot Spring, Pong Phra Soet Hot Spring, and Fang Hot Spring.