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Things to do in Chiang Rai (Province)

Our most recommended things to do in Chiang Rai (Province)

From Chiang Mai: Chiang Rai Temples Group/Private Tour

1. From Chiang Mai: Chiang Rai Temples Group/Private Tour

Experience Chiang Rai on a full-day trip from Chiang Mai to White Temple, Wat Rong Seua Teb, and Baan Dam Museum. Travel in a comfortable car and choose from a group or private tour. Enjoy the convenience of being picked up from your accommodation in Chiang Mai. Sit back and relax on the air conditioned drive. Stop at the Mae Khachan Hot Springs to relax, dip your feet into steaming mineral water, have a snack, or walk around the gardens. Continue to the modern architectural masterpiece known as the White Temple. Explore this fantastical space that was designed and built by a local artist, Chaloemchai Khositphiphat. Head to the Wat Rong Seua Ten (temple of the dancing tiger) to uncover the secrets of this religious site that was built where tigers were said to have leapt over the river. Admire the stunning blue and gold colors of this temple. Make your way to the Baan Dam Museum (Black House Museum). Explore a cluster of nearly 40 shadowy structures exhibiting art dating back to the Ayutthaya period. See preserved animals and a collection of bones. Travel by car back to your accommodation in Chiang Mai.

From Chiang Mai: White Temple & Golden Triangle Day Trip

2. From Chiang Mai: White Temple & Golden Triangle Day Trip

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. 

Chiang Rai: Full-Day Customizable Private Tour

3. Chiang Rai: Full-Day Customizable Private Tour

Start with pickup from your hotel and meet your passionate tour guide who will impart tidbits of history and culture on a full-day exploration of Chiang Rai. Enjoy a private tour that allows you to choose the sights and activities you want to experience, without wasting time on those you’d rather skip. Although Chiang Rai is usually overlooked in favor of its sister city Chiang Mai, dig a little deeper and discover a charming town rich in arts and culture. Originally the capital of the Mengrai Dynasty, the city was founded in the late 1200s and retains many of its Lanna influences in architecture, language, and cuisine. Simply indicate the attractions you want to see so that your guide has several options to craft the best schedule for you based on geography and diversity. If you don’t know where to start, a visit to the famous White and Blue Temples is strongly recommended. These are masterpieces in Lanna architecture and art. Also of particular interest is the Golden Triangle – a marked area where the countries of Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos meet.

From Chiang Mai: Chiang Rai and Golden Triangle Day Trip

4. From Chiang Mai: Chiang Rai and Golden Triangle Day Trip

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.

From Chiang Mai: Customize Your Own Private Chiang Rai Tour

5. From Chiang Mai: Customize Your Own Private Chiang Rai Tour

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

From Chiang Mai: Chiang Rai Guided Day Trip

6. From Chiang Mai: Chiang Rai Guided Day Trip

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.

Chiang Rai: 2-Day Private White Temple & Golden Triangle

7. Chiang Rai: 2-Day Private White Temple & Golden Triangle

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. 

Chiang Rai: Small Group Sightseeing

8. Chiang Rai: Small Group Sightseeing

Meet at Meeing point Tower clock at 10.00 am or Front gate of white temple at 10.30 am First stop is the Chiang Rai White Temple, a unique and impressive temple known worldwide for its alternative figures and drawings. Then, visit the Big Buddha, an impressive figure at the top of a small hill. Go up inside the Buddha's head and enjoy the views of the surrounding countryside. Next stop is Black House, a group of houses decorated using a lot of different color blacks, Stop for Lunch enjoy Thai food include it and then discover the Blue Temple, with its impressive murals.  Then journey back to Tower clock in Chiang Rai, where you will arrive around 4:00 PM. or if who want to continue to Chiangmai let us know , we can drop you in Chiangmai hotel , but please let us know for space baggage

Chiang Rai Airport (CEI): Private Chiang Rai Hotel Transfer

9. Chiang Rai Airport (CEI): Private Chiang Rai Hotel Transfer

Relax in comfort during a transfer in an air-conditioned van between Chiang Rai Airport (CEI) and your hotel in the city of Chiang Rai. Choose from a one-way transfer option or a roundtrip transfer option. Enjoy the professional meet and greet service that is included in your transfer.  Meet your driver in your hotel lobby, or at your the arrivals gate at the airport. Find your driver will ease, as you they will be holding a sign with your name on it. Get help with your heavy luggage and skip the struggle of handling your bags alone.  Climb aboard a modern and climate-controlled van. Settle into a comfortable seat in a vehicle with plenty of space for you and your luggage. Travel in a top-of-the-range vehicle and let your driver take care of traffic and navigation for you. Feel secure knowing that your driver is monitoring all incoming flights so that they can be waiting at your terminal accordingly. Know that your driver will wait for an extra 60 minutes at the airport for your arrival without charging you any extra. Have the extra security of knowing that you are covered under passenger insurance. Arrive at your destination directly without any unnecessary stops along the way. 

Chiang Mai: Private Airport Transfer to or from Chiang Rai

10. Chiang Mai: Private Airport Transfer to or from Chiang Rai

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.

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What people are saying about Chiang Rai (Province)

Overall rating

4.6 / 5

based on 1,523 reviews

Excellent day ! Our guide Mrs Pookie was adorable and rich in anecdotes about the country as well as its habits and customs. Although the day is long (more than 6 hours of road in total), the number of activities and their quality are worth it especially as well accompanied. If you have a day to fill, don't hesitate!

Enchanteresse

All three temples were very impressive an we would recommend the tour. Vasit gave us a lot of background informations and was very helpful in answering our questions and taking pictures. The lunch option was very good. We would recommend the beef curry (unfortunately I forgot the name of the dish).

Ms. Bee showed us the highlight of Chiang Rai and the Golden Triangle in a very lively, funny and knowledgeable way. The day was just wonderful and we will always remember it. The driver drove us safely in the not always easy traffic.

Our guide Banana was very nice, he shared a lot about culture and history, he also gaves us explanations about what is inside the temples and how it was built and so on … he also booked a very good lunch. Great experience thank you !

We spent a good day, the temples are wonderful. The driver was good and the guide Pim very kind.