Chiang Mai & Chiang Rai: White Temple, Blue Temple & Big Buddha Drive

Summary

Personal drive to Chiang Rai temples from Chiang Mai with Jimmy

You’ll ride with Jimmy from Chiang Mai up to Chiang Rai, stopping at the White Temple, Blue Temple, and Big Buddha temple — each one more surprising than the last. There’s space for four people (gas included), wheelchair access if you need it, and plenty of time for roadside snacks or quick photos along the way.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll be honest, I didn’t really know what to expect when we booked this Chiang Mai & Chiang Rai tour with Jimmy. We just wanted to get out of the city for a bit, see something different — but not in one of those big buses where you can’t even hear yourself think. The morning started with Jimmy pulling up right on time (and somehow already grinning). He had this way of making us feel like we were old friends even though we’d only just met. There was this faint smell of jasmine from his car air freshener, which weirdly stuck with me all day.

The drive north was longer than I thought it’d be, but Jimmy kept pointing out little things along the road — a woman selling sticky rice from her scooter, fields that looked almost neon green after last night’s rain. He played Thai pop on the radio and tried to teach us how to say “Wat Rong Khun” properly. Li laughed when I tried — probably butchered it. When we finally got to the White Temple, it almost didn’t look real in that sharp midday light. The mirrors on the walls sparkled so much you had to squint, and there was this hush from everyone walking around, like nobody wanted to break whatever spell was happening.

I think my favorite part was actually at the Blue Temple. It’s smaller and less crowded, and there’s this deep blue everywhere — even in the shadows it felt cool and calm after the heat outside. We grabbed iced coffee from a stall nearby (Jimmy insisted it was “the good stuff,” and he wasn’t wrong). Last stop was the Big Buddha temple; I remember standing at the base looking up at that giant white face against a sky that couldn’t decide if it wanted to rain or not. It’s funny how quiet you get in places like that.

We headed back late afternoon, tired but kind of peaceful in that way you only get after seeing something totally new. Jimmy dropped us off right at our door and waved like he’d known us forever. I still think about that drive sometimes — especially those flashes of color along the road and how easy it all felt.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Tour Chiang Mai temples

• Visit White Temple
• Visit Blue Temple
• Visit Big Buddha Temple

Top questions

How many people can join this tour?

The tour is good for 4 people per booking.

Is transportation wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all areas and transportation options are wheelchair accessible.

Are infants or small children allowed?

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; specialized infant seats are available.

What temples are visited on this tour?

The tour includes stops at White Temple, Blue Temple, and Big Buddha Temple in Chiang Rai.

Is gasoline included in the price?

Yes, gasoline is included for your trip.

Can service animals join?

Service animals are allowed on this tour.

Is public transportation nearby if needed?

Public transportation options are available nearby pickup/drop-off points.

What’s included

Your day includes comfortable private transportation for up to four people with Jimmy as your guide-driver, gasoline covered so you don’t have to worry about extra costs, plus flexibility for families or anyone needing wheelchair access or infant seats—just show up ready for a full day between Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai’s most striking temples.