From Chiang Mai: Chiang Rais Temples and Golden Triangle

Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai is a journey filled with captivating sights. Explore the iconic White Temple, a contemporary Buddhist masterpiece, and the vibrant Blue Temple, a dazzling display of color. Explore the intriguing Baan Dam Museum and witness the breathtaking Golden Triangle. This 12-hour tour promises a perfect blend of culture, history, and scenic beauty. With an English-speaking guide, transportation, and lunch included, it’s an experience not to be missed.

Good To Know

• This private day trip from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai is priced at $166.30 per person for a 12-hour tour with various temple and attraction options.
• The tour includes transportation, an English-speaking guide, entrance fees, and lunch, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
• The itinerary covers the iconic White Temple, Blue Temple, Baan Dam Museum, and the option to visit the Golden Triangle region.
• The tour is not suitable for certain travelers, such as pregnant women, people with back problems, or wheelchair users, and recommendations are provided.
• Early departure is recommended to avoid crowds, and respectful attire is required for temple visits with some photography restrictions.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The private day trip from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai offers visitors the opportunity to explore the region’s renowned temples and the captivating Golden Triangle. Priced at $166.30 per person, the 12-hour tour provides a convenient and cost-effective way to discover these highlights.

With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a reserve now, pay later option, the tour ensures flexibility and accessibility. The tour includes transportation, an English-speaking guide, all entrance fees, and lunch, making it a hassle-free experience.

However, it’s not suitable for certain travelers, so it’s essential to review the important information and recommendations.

Itinerary and Highlights

As part of the tour, visitors are picked up from various locations in the Chiang Mai district and embark on a journey to explore the region’s renowned temples and the captivating Golden Triangle.

The itinerary includes:

1. Visiting Wat Rong Khun, the famed "White Temple" known for its contemporary Buddhist architecture.

2. Discovering the vibrant blue design of Wat Rong Suea Ten, the "Blue Temple."

3. Exploring the Baan Dam Museum, with its collection of dark wooden structures.

4. Optionally visiting the Huay Pla Kang Temple, home to a large white Buddha statue, and the Golden Triangle, the intersection of Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar.

Tour Options

For the day trip to Chiang Rai, travelers can choose from three distinct tour options to best suit their interests and preferences.

Option 1 covers the White Temple, Blue Temple, Baan Dam Museum, and Golden Triangle.

Option 2 includes the White Temple, Blue Temple, Red Temple (Wat Huay Pla Kang), and Golden Triangle.

Option 3 features the White Temple, Blue Temple, Temple of Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew), and Golden Triangle.

Each option provides a unique combination of Chiang Rai’s renowned temples and the famous Golden Triangle, allowing visitors to tailor their experience to their desired sights and attractions.

Inclusions and Exclusions

The tour package includes transportation by air-conditioned van, an English-speaking guide, and all applicable entrance fees.

The tour includes transportation by air-conditioned van, an English-speaking guide, and all applicable entrance fees.

Lunch is also provided. However, the tour excludes personal expenses and tips.

Plus, it’s important to note that the tour isn’t suitable for:

1. Pregnant women

2. People with back problems

3. Wheelchair users

Visitors are advised to bring comfortable shoes, sunglasses, a hat, a camera, sunscreen, and water.

Smoking, flash photography, alcohol, and drugs aren’t allowed. Respectful attire is required when visiting the temples.

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Important Information and Recommendations

Visitors should bring comfortable shoes, sunglasses, a hat, a camera, sunscreen, and water when exploring the temples and attractions in Chiang Rai.

Smoking, flash photography, alcohol, and drugs aren’t allowed. Visitors must dress respectfully for temple visits.

To avoid crowds, it’s recommended to depart early. Photography is permitted outside the temples, but there may be restrictions inside some areas.

Pregnant women, people with back problems, and wheelchair users should note that this tour may not be suitable for them.

Following these recommendations will ensure a comfortable and memorable experience.

White Temple: Contemporary Buddhist Architecture

One of the standout attractions on the tour is Wat Rong Khun, commonly known as the White Temple. This contemporary Buddhist temple features a striking all-white exterior that glistens in the sunlight.

The design incorporates elements of traditional Thai architecture with a modern, surreal twist. Visitors can explore the intricate details, including:

The design features a captivating fusion of traditional Thai aesthetics and a modern, surreal vision, inviting visitors to explore its intricate details.

1. The Ubosot (main prayer hall) with its ornate carvings and mirrored decor.

2. The bridge leading to the temple, symbolizing the crossing from the mortal world to the spiritual realm.

3. The mural walls depicting popular culture icons and cautionary imagery.

4. The mesmerizing, otherworldly atmosphere that captivates all who visit.

Blue Temple: Vibrant Blue Design

Situated just a short drive from the iconic White Temple, Wat Rong Suea Ten, commonly referred to as the Blue Temple, captivates visitors with its vibrant, cobalt-hued exterior.

The temple’s bold color scheme extends throughout the complex, from the pagodas to the ornate carvings and murals.

Constructed in the early 2000s, the Blue Temple combines traditional Thai Buddhist architecture with a contemporary, almost fantastical, design aesthetic.

Visitors can explore the intricate details of the temple’s features and photograph the striking blue structures against the backdrop of the lush, forested surroundings.

Baan Dam Museum: Collection of Dark Wooden Structures

The Baan Dam Museum, or "Black House," is a unique and captivating collection of dark wooden structures nestled in the lush northern Thai countryside.

Visitors can explore:

1. A series of intricately carved and darkly-stained buildings, bridges, and pavilions that showcase the distinctive architectural style of artist Thawan Duchanee.

2. Eclectic displays of animal skins, bones, and other natural elements that reflect the museum’s theme of human-nature interconnectedness.

3. Guided tours that provide insights into the museum’s origins and the artist’s fascinating creative vision.

4. Opportunities to purchase handcrafted items and souvenirs that capture the museum’s singular aesthetic.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Customize the Tour Itinerary?

Yes, the tour itinerary can be customized. Customers can choose from three different options or request a personalized itinerary to visit the sites that interest them most on the Chiang Rai day trip.

What Is the Driving Time Between Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai?

The driving time between Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai is around 3 hours each way. This private day trip covers the major sites in Chiang Rai and the Golden Triangle in a 12-hour itinerary.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for This Tour?

The tour doesn’t have any age restrictions. However, it’s not suitable for pregnant women, people with back problems, or wheelchair users due to the walking involved at the various temple sites.

Are Meals or Snacks Provided During the Tour?

The tour includes lunch, providing a full meal during the day trip. However, it doesn’t provide any additional snacks, so travelers should bring their own snacks if needed to sustain them throughout the 12-hour journey.

Can I Take Photos Inside the Temples?

Photography is generally allowed outside the temples, but there may be restrictions on flash photography and access to certain areas inside. Visitors should dress respectfully and follow the guide’s instructions regarding photography within the temple grounds.

The Sum Up

This day trip from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai offers a captivating mix of architectural wonders, cultural exploration, and scenic beauty. Visitors can marvel at the iconic White Temple and vibrant Blue Temple, explore the intriguing Baan Dam Museum, and experience the breathtaking Golden Triangle. With an English-speaking guide, transportation, and lunch included, this 12-hour tour provides an immersive and well-rounded experience for $166.30 per person.

You can check if your dates are available here: