Chiang Rai actually has two clock towers, just a couple of blocks apart. The northern one, near the market, is rather like any clock tower anywhere, but the southern one, located at the junction of Banphaprakan and Suksathit Roads, has recently been embellished by the flamboyant artist Chalermchai Kositpipat, who is also responsible for the building of Wat Rong Khun to the south of town.

If you don’t have time to visit Wat Rong Khun but are curious about his work, take a look at this amazing gold structure, which has spiralling kanok motifs seemingly flying off it at all angles (the kanok is probably the most typically Thai motif seen in all temples through the country—a kind of spiralling flame).

If you happen to be in the area as the time approaches 7pm, 8pm or 9pm, hang around to see a 10-minute light and sound show at the tower. It seems this artist’s enthusiasm know no bounds, as all the lamp standards in the road dividers that lead to the clock tower are also smothered with his gold, spiralling designs.

It’s easy to walk to from anywhere in the city center.

  • What is it? An unusually designed clock tower
  • Opening hours: 24 hrs
  • Entrance fee: free
  • Address: Junction of Banphaprakan and Suksathit Roads
  • Where: Chiang Rai city center