Chiang Rai Clock Tower
หอนาฬิกาเชียงราย
A golden clock tower designed by Chalermchai Kositpipat stands in the roundabout of the city centre. It hosts three colour-changing light and music shows each night and is the most lively photo spot in Chiang Rai after dark.
The Chiang Rai Clock Tower stands in the middle of the roundabout where Phahonyothin Road meets Jetyod Road in the city centre. It was completed in 2008, designed and donated by Chalermchai Kositpipat, the designer of the White Temple. It was built to mark the 80th birthday of King Bhumibol Adulyadej and replaced the old clock tower. The tower is mainly gold, covered with intricate Lanna-style flame motifs and floral and leaf carvings. At the top are a spire and four clock faces. In the daytime, it shines gold in the sun and is the most striking landmark in the city. Every evening at 7 pm, 8 pm, and 9 pm, a light and music show lasts about 10 minutes. The tower changes colour to red, purple, blue, and gold to match the music, drawing tourists and locals who gather around the roundabout to watch, making it the centre of Chiang Rai's nightlife. Around the tower is the liveliest district in Chiang Rai. The Chiang Rai Night Bazaar (open daily, with a food court and handicrafts from hill tribes) is a 5-minute walk away. The Saturday Walking Street (Thanon Khon Muan) on Saturday evenings and the Sunday Walking Street (Happy Street) each have hundreds of stalls selling northern Thai snacks and handicrafts. They are the best way to experience local life in Chiang Rai. Nearby, you can visit Wat Phra Kaew, where the Emerald Buddha of Bangkok was discovered in 1434, Wat Phra Singh, and the Monument to King Mengrai during the day. Admission is free. For the best experience, arrive at the clock tower before 7 pm to see the first light show, then walk to the night market for dinner. On Saturdays, go to the walking street instead. During the day, you can walk from here around the old town temples, which takes 1 to 2 hours. Getting there: the tower is in the city centre, and most hotels are within walking distance. It is a 5-minute walk from the First Bus Terminal. Notes: traffic around the roundabout is constant, so do not stand on the road when taking photos. The area is crowded during the light show. Some stalls at the night market only accept cash.
Opening hours
All day (light shows at 19:00, 20:00 and 21:00)
Nearby sights
- Chiang Rai Saturday Walking Street
- Chiang Rai Night Bazaar
- Wat Phra Singh (Chiang Rai)
- Hilltribe Museum & Education Center
- Wat Phra Kaew (Chiang Rai)
- Wat Phra That Doi Chom Thong
- Oub Kham Museum
- Wat Rong Suea Ten (Blue Temple)