Chiang Rai Day Trip: White Temple & Golden Triangle Tour

See three landmarks in one day without arranging the drive

A full-day guided tour from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai visits the White Temple (Wat Rong Khun), the Golden Triangle at the Laos-Myanmar-Thailand border, and the 7th-century ruins of Chiang Saen, with hotel pickup, lunch and an English or Thai-speaking guide in a group of nine or fewer. The tour departs at 7am and returns by 8pm or 9pm the same day.

Step-by-step itinerary

Chiang Rai and Golden Triangle tour

• 07:00 Pick up from hotel
• Travel to Chiang Rai
• Visit Mae Kachan Hot Spring
• Explore White Temple (Wat Rong Khun)
• Lunch break at Golden Triangle, Chiang Saen
• Visit Golden Triangle region
• Optional visit to Laos border
• Return to Chiang Mai
• Arrive at hotel in Chiang Mai

The Experience

How do you fit three major sites into one day without renting a car or navigating the roads yourself? Hotel pickup starts at 7am, and the minivan heads north toward Chiang Rai. The first stop is Mae Kachan Hot Spring, where you can see Thailand's highest geyser and take a break with toilet and restaurant facilities on-site before the drive continues.

The White Temple (Wat Rong Khun) is the centerpiece. Designed by a famous Thai artist, the temple is entirely white with intricate glass details, sculptural pieces and murals covering the buildings. You walk through the grounds and explore the architecture at your own pace with your guide explaining the design and history. From there, the route heads to the Golden Triangle in Chiang Saen, the northernmost region of Thailand where Laos, Myanmar and Thailand meet at the Mekong River. Lunch happens here, and you have the option to take a boat ride on the Khong River or visit the Laos border (an extra 300 THB). The return drive to Chiang Mai takes about three hours, with arrival back at your hotel between 8pm and 9pm.

Groups stay small—nine people maximum—so the guide can give personalized attention. The minivan is air-conditioned, and all entrance tickets are included in the price. Lunch is provided, though any additional food, drinks or tips are on you.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup at 7am and drop-off at your Chiang Mai hotel in the evening.
• entrance tickets to the White Temple and Golden Triangle.
• lunch at Chiang Saen.
• an English or Thai-speaking professional guide.
• air-conditioned minivan transport for the full day.

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by My Trip Maker

Is this one for you?Groups of nine or fewer work best for this tour, since the small size means your guide can answer questions and adjust the pace without rushing through stops. The fixed schedule and included pickup make it ideal if you want to see three major sites in one day without organizing a rental car or navigating the roads yourself.

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Top questions

How early does the pickup happen and where do I meet the driver?

Hotel pickup begins at 7am from your selected Chiang Mai hotel. The driver collects passengers from their accommodations and heads directly to Chiang Rai, so you do not need to arrange transport to a meeting point.

What is the White Temple actually like when you get there?

The White Temple (Wat Rong Khun) is an all-white Buddhist temple covered in glass details, carved sculptures and murals designed by a renowned Thai artist. You walk through the grounds and explore the buildings with your guide, who explains the symbolism and architecture as you move through the site.

What exactly is the Golden Triangle and what do you do there?

The Golden Triangle is the region where Thailand, Laos and Myanmar meet at the Mekong River in Chiang Saen. You visit the viewpoint overlooking the three countries, have lunch, and can optionally take a boat ride on the Khong River or cross into Laos (the border visit costs an extra 300 THB and is your choice).

Is lunch included, and what if I have dietary restrictions?

Lunch is included at the Golden Triangle stop in Chiang Saen. Dietary restrictions are not detailed in the tour information, so contact the operator before booking if you have specific needs.

What time do I get back to my hotel?

The return drive from the Golden Triangle to Chiang Mai takes about three hours, with arrival at your hotel between 8pm and 9pm depending on traffic and your location.

Can I visit the Laos border, and does it cost extra?

Yes, visiting the Laos border is optional and costs an additional 300 THB. You decide at the Golden Triangle stop whether to add this to your day.