Visit Chiang Rai Temples and Lalitta Cafe from Chiang Mai

Exploring Chiang Rai Temples and Lalitta Cafe from Chiang Mai: An Honest Review

Taking a day trip from Chiang Mai to uncover the striking temples and scenic spots of Chiang Rai is an adventure many travelers find irresistible. This tour, offered by Aventura Tailandia, promises a full day packed with impressive architecture, cultural insights, and a peaceful coffee break. We’ve gathered detailed insights to help you decide whether this experience fits your travel style.

What we like most about this tour: the chance to see iconic temples like the White Temple, the comfort of air-conditioned transport, and the opportunity to relax at Lalitta Cafe’s beautiful gardens.
A notable consideration: the long hours spent driving—up to four hours each way—mean your sightseeing window in Chiang Rai is relatively limited.
This tour suits those who love cultural sights, aren’t bothered by a long travel day, and appreciate guided experiences with knowledgeable hosts.

Good To Know

• Stunning architecture at multiple Chiang Rai temples, especially the White and Blue Temples.
• Comfortable transportation with air conditioning and a small tour group, making the long day easier to bear.
• Cultural insights at the Karen Village, if you choose to visit.
• Value for money at just over $45 per person, including entrance fees and lunch.
• Long travel time but rewarding scenery and photo opportunities.
• Guided commentary enhances understanding of the sites, with some reviewers praising their guides’ knowledge.

An In-Depth Look at the Tour Itinerary

Starting Early: Pickup at 7:00 AM

The day kicks off early, with a pickup from your Chiang Mai accommodation. This is essential because your journey to Chiang Rai will take around 4 hours each way, depending on traffic and stops. The early start is a smart move to maximize your time in Chiang Rai but expect a long day on the road.

Mae Khachan Hot Spring: A Relaxing First Stop

The tour begins with a 30-minute stop at Mae Khachan Hot Spring. This is a perfect way to stretch your legs and soak your feet in the warm waters before the main sightseeing begins. Reviewers appreciate this stop as a peaceful introduction; it’s free and offers a chance to relax and recharge.

Wat Rong Khun: The White Temple

The first major sight is the White Temple, a true icon of contemporary Thai art. Created by Chalermchai Kositpipat, its glowing white surface decorated with crystal details makes it look almost surreal. Visitors love the way it combines modern art with traditional Buddhist symbolism, and the white color signifies purity.

One reviewer emphasized, “The White Temple is a masterpiece — its dazzling appearance is truly something to see.” The admission fee is included, and you’ll likely spend around an hour exploring the intricate murals and taking photos.

Wat Huay Pla Kang: The Goddess of Mercy

Next, the tour visits the Goddess of Mercy statue, one of the tallest in Thailand. The temple blends Thai and Chinese architecture, and you can take an elevator to the top of the statue’s head for panoramic views of the city. This stop provides both cultural insight and picture-perfect scenery.

Reviewers mention that the statue is “imposing” and the view from the top is worth the climb. The visit lasts around an hour, with admission included in the tour.

Lalitta Café: A Peaceful Coffee Break

Lalitta Café offers a well-deserved break amid lush gardens and a waterfall setting. This spot is renowned as Thailand’s most famous coffee shop, but it’s more than just coffee — it’s a tranquil escape with beautiful surroundings. The garden’s vibrant plants and calming water features make it a popular photo spot.

Check the details: the stop lasts about 20 minutes, and the entrance costs 60 bahts (which can be deducted from your order if you buy anything). Reviewers note that this is a great chance to relax and absorb the peaceful vibe, especially after a busy morning.

Wat Rong Seur Ten: The Blue Temple

The Blue Temple is the final temple of the day, celebrated for its vivid blue walls and golden accents that shimmer under the sun. Designed by an apprentice of the White Temple’s creator, it’s a brilliant example of modern Thai temple art.

Visitors comment on how the blue hue creates a calming atmosphere, with some describing it as “a real visual treat.” You’ll have about an hour here to admire the details and snap photos before heading back.

Optional Visit: Longneck Karen Village

If time allows, the tour offers an optional stop at the Karen Village, famous for the women with elongated necks. While this can be a fascinating cultural insight, it’s also a commercialized experience, with entrance costing 300 bahts. Some visitors appreciate the opportunity to learn about the community; others think it’s more about shopping than authentic culture.

Returning to Chiang Mai

The journey back takes approximately four hours, making it a long but scenic drive. Several reviews mention that the drive was quite lengthy, with some noting the driver’s high speed as a concern. Still, the comfort of the vehicle and the small group size (max 12 people) help make this manageable.

What’s Included and What’s Not

Included:

• Air-conditioned transportation
• Entrance fees to all temples
• Lunch and bottled water
• Pickup from centrally located Chiang Mai hotels

Not Included:

• Entrance fee to Lalitta Café (60 bahts)
• Entrance to the Karen Village (THB 300) if you go
• Beverages at Lalitta Café, soft drinks, coffee, or alcohol
• Tips are optional but appreciated

Value for Money

For $45.50, this tour covers a lot, including transportation, entrance fees, and a decent lunch. Reviewers consistently note it’s good value, especially considering the number of sites visited and the guide’s knowledge. However, the long drive is a key factor: it’s best suited for those eager to see Chiang Rai’s highlights without spending extra on independent travel.

Insights from Travelers’ Feedback

Many reviews praise the skills and friendliness of the guides. One reviewer appreciated Eve’s excellent guidance, describing her as “amazing,” which made the long day more enjoyable. However, some had issues with the long travel times—up to four hours each way—which cut into your time at the sights.

A reviewer pointed out that the pickup process was disorganized, with delays and poor communication, so be prepared for a potentially hectic start. Still, most agree that the temples themselves are stunning and worth the effort.

One traveler mentioned that the guided commentary improved understanding of the sites, turning a sightseeing trip into a more enriching experience.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour is ideal for travelers who value seeing the main highlights of Chiang Rai in one day without the hassle of planning transportation. It’s perfect if you enjoy guided experiences and are comfortable with a long travel day. It also suits those eager to explore iconic temples and experience some cultural stops, like the Karen Village, if interested.

However, if you prefer more time at each site or dislike long bus rides, this may not be your best choice. Travelers who are flexible and curious about modern temple architecture and scenic views will find it particularly rewarding.

The Sum Up

This tour from Chiang Mai offers a comprehensive journey through some of Thailand’s most impressive temples and scenic spots. The combination of stunning architecture, cultural insights, and tranquil coffee breaks makes for a memorable day, especially for those with an interest in modern Thai art and religious sites.

While the long hours on the bus may be a challenge, the tour’s value — including entrance fees, lunch, and guided commentary — makes it a worthwhile investment for most travelers eager to see Chiang Rai’s highlights without the hassle of independent planning.

If you enjoy guided tours, appreciate beautiful landscapes, and don’t mind a lengthy travel day, this experience provides a great mix of culture, scenery, and relaxation in a single package.

FAQ

How long is the total tour?
The tour lasts around 11 to 12 hours, including travel time and all stops.

What is included in the price?
The price covers transportation, entrance fees to the temples, lunch, and bottled water.

Do I need to pay for Lalitta Café separately?
Yes, entrance to Lalitta Café costs 60 bahts, payable in cash, and is deducted from your bill if you purchase something.

Is the Karen Village visit included?
It is optional; if you choose to visit, the entrance fee is 300 bahts per person.

What is the group size?
The tour operates with a maximum of 12 travelers, ensuring a more personalized experience.

Are drinks available at the cafes or temples?
Bottled water is provided during the tour, but additional beverages like coffee or soft drinks at Lalitta Café are paid separately.

What should I wear to the temples?
While not explicitly stated, respectful attire—covering shoulders and knees—is advisable, especially at religious sites.

This detailed look at the Chiang Rai temples and Lalitta Cafe tour should help you decide whether it matches your travel style. For a day of stunning architecture, cultural insights, and scenic drives, it’s a solid choice—just be ready for a long day on the road.