What is a TripGuru Signature Experience? Unique itineraries crafted alongside famous travel bloggers and local guides Small groups only: no buses, no crowds, 8 travelers maximum Solo travelers don’t pay more – flat rates per person Quirky, charming, and creative are the words used to describe Chiang Rai by travelers and locals alike. The sights to be found here are by no means anything like the ones you’ll see in Chiang Mai, the city’s more popular sister. Before we begin temple sightseeing, we’ll break up the long three-hour drive at the Mae Khachan Hot Spring to relax, dip our feet in the steaming mineral water, maybe eat a snack, or walk around the surrounding gardens. We’ll then move on to the main attraction: the White Temple. If you’re looking for ancient ruins, you might be surprised to find a modern architectural masterpiece designed and built by local artist Chaloemchai Khositphiphat. He was rumored to have spent over THB 40 million of his own money to create this unconventional art exhibit to gain immortal life! After exploring this local wonder, we’ll have a quick lunch before heading to our next stop... The Blue Temple or Wat Rong Seua Ten literally translates to ‘temple of the dancing tiger.’ It was built on a site where tigers were said to have jumped over the river. If the White Temple was meant to be a stairway to heaven, the Black House has been called a “dark, mysterious, and almost sadistic” representation of hell, complete with preserved animals and a collection of bones. Built by Thailand national artist Thawan Duchanee (who incidentally was the mentor of Chaloemchai, the White Temple guy), the Baan dam Museum (Black House) is a cluster of nearly 40 small shadowy structures exhibiting art dating back to the Ayutthaya period. This is truly something the likes of which we’ll never see anywhere else!

7:00-7:30 a.m.: Pick up from your hotel and depart for Chiang Rai. 8:40-9:00 a.m.: Take a relaxing break at a natural hot spring. 10:30-11:30 a.m.: Explore the White Temple, a spectacular and distinctive temple created by Thai artists. The outside of the temple is adorned with elaborate carvings and designs, while the inside is decorated with intricate sculptures and murals that showcase both traditional and modern Thai architecture. 11:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m.: Enjoy a delicious Thai lunch at a local restaurant. 1:00-1:45 p.m.: Visit the Blue Temple (Rong Suea Ten Temple), renowned for its blue and gold design and beautiful murals depicting scenes from local mythology and Buddhism. This serene attraction offers a unique perspective on Thai temple architecture and style. 2:10-3:10 p.m.: Visit the Red Temple (Wat Huay Pla Kang), where you can climb a 25-meter Guan Yin statue to an observation platform with breathtaking views. The temple features a prayer hall, a golden pagoda, and stunning carvings and murals depicting Buddhist myths. Visit this extraordinary and lovely location if you are interested in Thai temples and culture. Return to Chiang Mai.

Uncover the secrets of Thailand's famed Golden Triangle on this day trip from Chiang Mai. Travel aboard an air conditioned van from a centrally-located meeting point. Visit the Mae Kachan hot springs and the White Temple.  Explore the Mekong river on a longtail boat and enjoy a tasty lunch. Enjoy a pickup in central Chiang Mai, depart for Chiang Rai, stopping for a short break at Mae Kachan hot springs. Visit Wat Rong Khun, the White Temple, before continuing to the Golden Triangle area. Go to Wat Phra That Chedi Luang (limited access). See the Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar borders from the Golden Triangle viewpoint. Stop for lunch before spending time at House of Opium. Enjoy a long-tail boat trip on the mighty Mekong River. On the way back to Chiang Mai, take a break to stretch your legs in Mae Suay or Wiang Pa Pao district and enjoy a cup of coffee or tea. The estimated arrival time in Chiang Mai city is 8:30 PM. 

On this private, customizable tour of Chiang Rai from Chiang Mai, you call all the shots and create your own itinerary. Enjoy a private driver that will bring you wherever you want to go in an air-conditioned vehicle and learn about the sights you see with a local guide. Following hotel pickup, head to Chiang Rai to start your personalized itinerary with your driver and guide. Throughout your trip, your personal guide will share their local know-how to help you learn historical details, cultural insight, and other stories about the attractions you visit. While often overlooked, the northern city of Chiang Rai is another cultural gem you should add to your Thailand bucket list. With historic temples, bustling street markets, outdoor parks, and indigenous villages on its resume, there are plenty of activities and things to do in Chiang Rai. At checkout, simply indicate the three to four attractions you want to see, with a few additional sights so that your guide has several options to craft the best schedule for you based on geography and diversity. Choose from the following sights to see on your tour: • White Temple (Wat Rong Khun)• Blue Temple (Wat Rong Suea Ten)• Black House (Baan Dam Museum)• Golden Triangle• Mae Khachan Hot Spring• Wat Phra That Pukhao Temple• Mae Sai border• Hilltribe Museum and Education Center• Khun Korn Waterfall• Pu Kaeng Waterfall

Meet at the  Wat Phra Singh Temple in Chang Mai. Drive countryside on a long but comfortable drive. Stop at the hot springs halfway between Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai. The water is warm enough that you will witness locals boiling their breakfast eggs in the geothermal water.  Then, visit the iconic White Temple, an impressive temple known worldwide for its unique sculptures and carvings. Capture the beauty of this photogenic point designed by Thailand's famous artist, Chaloemchai. Next, head off to the Big Buddha, an impressive statue and temple at the top of a small hill. If there is no special celebration that day, you can go up inside the Buddha's head and take in the views. Have a lunch break and enjoy a delicious Thai meal. Move on to the next highlight, a visit to the Black House Museum. Learn about the history behind this Lanna-style house designed by artist Thawan Duchanee. See his masterpieces in a contemporary artwork museum. Discover sculptures, wooden carvings, and furniture created by him. In the afternoon, see another of Chiang Rai’s gems, The Blue Temple, with its impressive murals. Listen to the history of the city and temple from your informative Spanish guide. You will have the optional to visit the Karen Village ( entrance fee 500 baht per pax ) if you would like to learn more about the culture and lifestyle of the northern hill tribes. Wear traditional outfits, learn how to craft handmade goods, and see the famous neck rings worn by Karen women. After a full day of sightseeing and exploring, make the journey back to Chiang Mai. You will be dropped off at your hotel around 7:00 PM.

Soak in the waters of the Mae Kajan hot springs and visit the White Temple on this day trip from Chiang Mai. Ride in an air-conditioned coach or van. Savor and authentic Thai lunch, tasty snacks, and fresh fruits. Go to a market on Don Sao Island, the Opium House Museum, and the Long Neck tribe. Depart Chiang Mai and journey towards Chiang Rai, stopping at the hot springs of Mae Kajan to soak your feet in the healing waters. Then, visit the temple of Wat Rong Khun and marvel at is white exterior inlaid with mirrored glass. Enter the "Golden Triangle" to see the city of Chiang Saen. Enjoy lunch at a famous restaurant before climbing aboard a boat for a ride along the Mekong River (optional). Cross into Laos and go to the market at Don Sao Island. Visit the Opium House Museum to learn more about opium and why it was once as expensive as gold.  Get the chance to stop at a hill tribe village en route back to Chiang Mai and meet the people of the Long Neck tribes.

Departing from Chiang Mai, your first visit will be at a hot springs. Enjoy lunch at the local restaurant. Continue your journey to White Temple (Wat Rong Khun), a dazzling temple built in 1990. Its ornate all-white exterior with embedded pieces of mirror gives it a resplendent appearance which marks it as one of the most beautiful temples. Visit the Black House (Baan Dam), an original contemporary art museum before heading to your hotel in Chiang Rai. Start your second day at Choui Fong Tea Plantation, well-known for its grand view and the highest quality traditional teas cultivated. As the site is located on the hill, you will be able to get great scenery of the land. Continue to Wat Rong Sua Ten (the Blue Temple), which is famous for its magnificent blue interior with a large white Buddha that marks the spirits. The paintings are reminiscent of the style that you can see inside the White Temple. Next, you will visit Doi Tung, the former king mother's botanical garden in the mountain.  Continue to Chiang Sean for a panoramic view of the Golden Triangle, where Laos, Myanmar and Thailand meet the mighty Mekong River. it will be a good combination tour of the nature, culture and traditions as well as the beautiful landscapes (optional boat ride on the mighty Mae Khong River). Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant and continue to explore Chiang Rai history at Opium Museum and head back to Chiang Mai by 6:00 PM. 

Start or end your trip to Chiang Rai with as little stress possible. Pre-book your Chiang Rai hotel transfer to or from Chiang Mai International Airport or your hotel in Chiang Mai, and benefit from the services of a ground transportation provider with a large fleet of vehicles to suit your needs. Enjoy a meet and greet service upon arrival at the airport, with 90 minutes of grace time in the event of any delays. Relax in the knowledge that all incoming flights are tracked to adjust meeting times if needed, and avoid unexpected extra fees. Sit back and relax as a fully licensed driver navigates the unfamiliar roads, with all vehicles equipped with GPS to ensure a smooth and comfortable journey.