Chiang Mai: Tuk Tuk City Temples Tour & Old Town Markets

Ride through Chiang Mai’s old city by tuk tuk, see ancient temples and local life unfold

You’ll ride a tuk tuk through Chiang Mai’s old city with a local guide, stopping at Wat Chedi Luang and Wat Phra Singh’s peaceful gardens. Snap photos at the Three Kings Monument, wander through markets by Tha Phae Gate, and catch sunlight on the Silver Temple’s ornate walls. It’s half-day but leaves an impression that lingers long after.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Chiang Mai city temple and market tour

• Visit Wat Chedi Luang temple
• See Three Kings Monument shrine
• Explore Wat Phra Singh temple
• Walk around Tha Phae Gate area
• Visit Wat Srisuphan Silver Temple
• Shop local street markets

The Experience

I didn’t expect to feel so awake at 8am, but something about the sound of tuk tuks in Chiang Mai just gets under your skin. Our driver, Somchai, grinned when he saw us fumbling with our sandals at Wat Chedi Luang — he told us the story of the Emerald Buddha like it was family gossip. I remember the incense smell mixing with that humid morning air, and how the brick stupa looked almost soft in the haze. The main keyword here is “Chiang Mai City Tuk Tuk Tour”, but honestly it felt less like a tour and more like tagging along with a friend who knows everyone.

We zipped past motorbikes and monks in orange robes to the Three Kings Monument — Somchai pointed out where locals leave flowers for luck (I tried to pronounce their names, failed spectacularly). At Wat Phra Singh, I got distracted by a cat sleeping on a sun-warmed step. The gardens were so neat you could almost hear them breathing. There was a moment when we just stood there, not talking, watching a group of schoolkids walk by in matching uniforms. It was one of those pauses that sticks with you for no real reason.

The Silver Temple (Wat Srisuphan) was next — honestly, I’d seen photos but nothing prepares you for all that hammered metal shining in patches of sunlight. Somchai explained how local artisans still work on it; you can hear the tapping if you listen close enough. We ended up near Tha Phae Gate where market vendors were setting up — smells of frying garlic and something sweet I couldn’t place. I bought a snack I couldn’t pronounce (Li laughed when I tried to say it in Mandarin — probably butchered it), then we got dropped back at our hotel before noon. Still thinking about that silver glint and the way Chiang Mai feels both busy and gentle at once.

Top questions

How long does the Chiang Mai City Tuk Tuk Tour last?

The tour is half-day, typically lasting around 4 hours including hotel pickup and drop-off.

Which temples are included on this tuk tuk tour?

The tour includes Wat Chedi Luang, Wat Phra Singh Waramahawihan, and Wat Srisuphan (the Silver Temple).

Is hotel pickup included in this Chiang Mai tuk tuk tour?

Yes, pickup and drop-off at your hotel are included in the tour price.

Are entrance fees covered during the tour?

Yes, entrance fees for Wat Chedi Luang, Wat Phra Singh, and Wat Sri Suphan are included.

Is this day trip suitable for travelers with health conditions?

The tour is not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal or cardiovascular issues.

Will there be time to visit local street markets?

Yes, you’ll have time to explore shops and street markets around Tha Phae Gate as part of the itinerary.

What’s included

Your day includes private tuk tuk transport through Chiang Mai’s old city with an English-speaking local guide, entry fees for three major temples (Wat Chedi Luang, Wat Phra Singh Waramahawihan, and Wat Srisuphan), bottled drinking water to keep you cool in the heat, plus hotel pickup and drop-off so you don’t have to worry about finding your way back after exploring markets near Tha Phae Gate.