Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai Day Tour: Temples & Golden Triangle

Four temples, a hot spring, a river border and a 207-kilometer arc through northern Thailand in one day

A guided day tour from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai covering the White Temple (Wat Rong Khun), Blue Temple (Wat Rong Seua Ten), Black House (Baan Dam) and the Golden Triangle where Thailand, Laos and Myanmar meet. The tour includes hotel pickup, an English-speaking guide (Mandarin available), entrance fees, Thai lunch and insurance. You travel by road and boat, starting early and returning to Chiang Mai the same day. A Karen Long Neck village visit and Mae Kachan hot spring stop are part of the route.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time at each

1. White Temple50m · entry included
2. Golden Triangle30m · entry included
3. Blue Temple30m · entry included
4. Mae Kachan Hot Spring30m

Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai full day tour

• Drive from Chiang Mai to Mae Kachan Hot Spring
• Stop at Mae Kachan Hot Spring for breakfast and foot soak
• Visit Baan Dam (Black House) art museum
• Explore Wat Rong Khun (White Temple)
• Visit Golden Triangle viewpoint
• Take boat trip on Mekong River
• Visit Karen Long Neck village
• Explore Wat Rong Suea Ten (Blue Temple)
• Drive back to Chiang Mai

The experience

The day starts with pickup from your Chiang Mai hotel and a 207-kilometer drive north toward Chiang Rai. The first stop is Mae Kachan hot spring, a natural rest point where you can soak your feet or boil eggs in the thermal water before breakfast (at your own cost). From there the road continues to the Black House (Baan Dam), an unconventional creation by national artist Thawan Duchanee (part traditional northern Thai buildings, part modern art studio, part museum) that sets the tone for the temples ahead.

The White Temple (Wat Rong Khun) is the centerpiece: an entirely white structure with mirrored glass mosaics embedded in the plaster, designed by artist Chalermchai Kositpipat to signify the purity of Lord Buddha. Its contemporary Lanna Thai style stands apart from conventional temple architecture. After the White Temple, you visit a Karen Long Neck village, then continue to the Blue Temple (Wat Rong Seua Ten), a recent construction with a striking blue interior and large white Buddha figures. Between these three temples and the Black House, Chiang Rai earns its reputation as the city of colorful temples.

The Golden Triangle (where the borders of Thailand, Laos and Myanmar converge at the Ruak and Mekong rivers) is viewed from the Thai side. A boat trip on the Mekong River follows, giving you an overview of the neighboring countries and local life along the water. You'll need a copy of your passport or a mobile image for this portion. Thai lunch is included at a local restaurant. The tour wraps with the return drive to Chiang Mai, arriving after a full 13 hours out.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and round-trip transport by road and boat.
• entrance fees to all temples and attractions.
• English-speaking guide (Mandarin available on request).
• Thai lunch at a local restaurant.
• insurance under Thai law.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 07:00

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (8 to 80 years) · Child (3 to 7 years) · Infant (1 to 2 years): free

GroupUp to 30

Live guideEnglish and Chinese

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Paid on siteUS$ 6.08

Prices and times updated 13 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Thailandlocaltour.com

Is this one for you?This is a shared guided tour with a set itinerary and fixed schedule, so all the stops (the temples, the Black House, the hot spring, the village visit and the river) fit into one day without you arranging transport, entry fees or timing. It suits travelers with limited time in northern Thailand who want to see the major Chiang Rai temples and the Golden Triangle without managing logistics themselves.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Chinese.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 7 years); Infant (1 to 2 years): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What is the White Temple actually made of?

The White Temple (Wat Rong Khun) is constructed entirely in white plaster with sparkling reflections from mirrored glass mosaics embedded throughout. The artist Chalermchai Kositpipat designed it to signify the purity of Lord Buddha through its radiant white color and contemporary Lanna Thai style.

Can I visit the Karen Long Neck village on this tour?

Yes, a visit to a Karen Long Neck village is included as part of the day's stops between the White Temple and the Blue Temple.

What happens at the Golden Triangle?

At the Golden Triangle, you see the point where Thailand, Laos and Myanmar meet at the confluence of the Ruak and Mekong rivers. A boat trip on the Mekong River follows, giving you an overview of the neighboring countries and local life along the water. Bring a copy of your passport or mobile image for this portion.

Is lunch included, and what kind of food is it?

Yes, Thai lunch at a local restaurant is included in the tour price.

How early does the tour start and when do I return to Chiang Mai?

The tour starts early from your Chiang Mai hotel and lasts approximately 13 hours, returning you to Chiang Mai the same day after visiting all the temples, the Black House, the hot spring and the Golden Triangle.

Do I need to bring my passport for this tour?

Yes, you'll need a copy of your passport or a mobile image for the Mekong River boat trip at the Golden Triangle.