The best, easily accessible views of Chiang Rai are from Wat Pratat Doi Khao Quai, atop the biggest hill just south of town (past Buffalo Hill guesthouse and Ing Doi apartment complex). There's 360 degrees of beautiful view, 'though not from just one spot. Most of the city is visible, but not Dusit Island, the old town or the bridge to Mae Sai. The Chiangrai Condotel appears large. Still, the 5 premier hotels (the Dusit, Wiang Come, Wiang Inn, Inn Come and Little Duck) are each bigger. There are of course views from each tall building.

Also visible from Doi Khao Quai is Loi Klong Khao, the highest prominence above the city. The views from there are spectacular, but not easily accessible. It is a long, steep climb (over 400 steps), and must be made on foot. At the top of Loi Kong Kao is a large Buddha statue, its posture that of giving blessing to the city. There is also a small stupa and hermitage. The view of the Mae Kok River is spectacular, and it is quite easy to see all around. The new prison is close underneath, and sometimes one can hear guards speaking over prison loudspeakers. The hike up is not recommended in rainy weather.

Wat Pratat Doi Jom Tong, by the site of the City Navel Pillar, affords a good view, west by northwest. There is a small pavilion, or sala, there. The hill, known vernacularly as "Hom Doi" (sweet smell hill) isn't so high, but the stairs to the north side of the temple, guarded at the top by demon, or Yak, statues, as at Doi Khao Quai, also offer a real climb, up from the river valley. This area, around Ka Tam Gate (no gate at all, but rather only a small marker), is the oldest part of town. East of Hom Doi, at its bottom, is Overbrook Hospital. From its private rooms section is an absolutely glorious view of one of the town's main attractions, Wat Pra Kaeo. There is no arrangement for tourist viewing, but if one is polite and quiet, there is no problem going up the lift and taking a look.

There are several open-air along the river with nice river views, including The River and Hunan.

As for the province in general, the most famous views are from Pu Chee Fah, on the eastern side, and of the Golden Triangle River Confluence, PuCheeFah is a promontory over-looking Laos (but not the Mae Nam Kong, or Mekong River), and people often camp out there because the morning sunrise offers the grandest moments for enjoying the view. Another good view is from Doi Pa Taang Mountain Viewpoint, just north of PuCheeFa.

Views from mountains like Sleeping Woman Mountain, visible from Highway 1 going to Mae Sai, are very difficult to arrange as ascent is quite complicated, what with dense jungle vegetation and almost no trails. Just west of Mae Sai, from Wat Pha Ngao, and from the Mae Sai Riverside Guest House, good views into Tachilek can be found.

For a magnificent view of the Mekong and Laotian countryside, On Route 1129, just north of Chiang Khong, is a park and view area providing a panoramic outlook over the Mekong to some beautiful Laotian countryside beyond.

North of Mae Suai, in the Wawi Valley on the way to Huai Nam Oun Waterfall, views of rice cultivating terraces are quite captivating, and nearer the provincial capital, by Huai Kaeo Waterfall, to the west, the rolling hills are quite beautiful. Many such wonders can be found throughout the province; on has only to take the time to explore!