Chiang Rai temples & hill tribe tour with local guide & lunch

4.31

(74 reviews)

What’s the experience like?

The first thing that hit me was the color — that wild blue at Wat Rong Seur Ten. It’s not just paint; it almost glows against the sky. Our guide, Nok, told us the artist wanted to capture “the feeling of water,” which I didn’t really get until I saw how the light bounced off those tiles. There was incense in the air and a couple of old ladies selling lotus flowers by the gate. I tried to buy one but fumbled my coins — Nok laughed and helped me out. That’s how the day started: a little awkward, but honest.

We’d left Chiang Mai early (I barely remember getting into the van), but by the time we reached Mae Kachan Hot Spring my brain was working again. The steam smelled faintly like boiled eggs — which makes sense because people actually cook eggs in baskets right there. I burned my fingers fishing one out too soon. It’s a quick stop, but somehow it stuck with me more than I expected.

The White Temple is… well, it’s hard to describe without sounding dramatic. It’s so bright you have to squint, all these mirrored bits sparkling everywhere. Nok pointed out details I would’ve missed — demons in the murals, tiny sculptures tucked into corners. There were crowds but also this weird hush inside, like everyone was holding their breath together for a second.

Later at the Golden Triangle, we took a short boat ride on the Mekong — Laos on one side, Myanmar on another. The river looked muddy and slow under gray clouds. There were market stalls with snacks I couldn’t name; Nok bought us something sticky wrapped in banana leaf (sweet and earthy). Visiting the Karen Long Neck village felt complicated — I’d read about “human zoos” before coming and worried about that. But our guide introduced us properly and explained some of their history; it wasn’t staged or pushy. One woman let me try on her brass rings (just for a second — they’re heavy) and grinned when I nearly dropped them.

I still think about that moment: standing there with strangers who didn’t feel like strangers for long. The drive back to Chiang Mai was quiet except for someone softly snoring behind me — maybe that’s what travel is sometimes: bright colors, awkward moments, new faces you don’t forget.