Chiang Rai Temples Day Trip: White, Blue & Chinese Temples

Summary

Chiang Rai’s temples in one day—White, Blue and a giant monk

You’ll ride out from Chiang Mai to explore Chiang Rai’s surreal White Temple, wander through the glowing Blue Temple, and climb up to the Red Chinese Temple with its towering monk statue—all with a local guide who knows every shortcut and story. Expect lunch, hotel pickup, and plenty of little moments you won’t see coming.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect the White Temple to feel so…otherworldly. We left Chiang Mai just after sunrise (still yawning), and by the time we pulled up outside Wat Rong Khun, the light was sharp and almost silver on those white mosaics. Our guide, Nok, handed us bottled water with a grin — “You’ll need this,” she said. I remember the way my shoes crunched over the gravel as we walked up; there’s something about that place that makes you lower your voice without even thinking.

Inside, it was quieter than I thought it would be. The murals are wild — like, there’s Spiderman next to Buddha if you look close enough. Nok pointed out details I’d have missed (and probably did anyway). After that we drove to the Blue Temple — Wat Rong Seur Ten. It’s smaller but honestly just as striking. The blue is so deep it almost glows. There was incense burning somewhere nearby and a couple of local kids giggling at us trying to pronounce the temple’s name right. Li laughed when I tried to say it in Mandarin — probably butchered it.

Lunch was simple but good — rice, spicy soup, something sweet for dessert (I never caught what it was called). By early afternoon we reached Wat Huay Pla Kang — the Red Chinese Temple with its giant white statue watching over everything. It was windy up there; my hat nearly flew off. Nok told us stories about the monk monument and why people come here for blessings. There were families lighting candles and tying red strings around their wrists for luck. I still think about that view back toward Chiang Rai — all haze and green fields fading into mountains. The drive back felt long but in a nice way; everyone sort of drifted off or stared out the window quietly.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit notable temples in Chiang Rai

• Travel from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai
• Visit White Temple (Wat Rong Khun)
• Visit Blue Temple (Wat Rong Seur Ten)
• Visit Red Chinese Temple (Wat Hyua Pla Kang)
• Visit Wat SeangKaew Photiyarn monk monument
• Enjoy included lunch
• Return to Chiang Mai hotel

Top questions

How long does the Chiang Rai temples day trip take?

The tour is a full-day trip from Chiang Mai including travel time between temples.

Which temples are included in this private tour?

The tour includes Wat Rong Khun (White Temple), Wat Rong Seur Ten (Blue Temple), and Wat Huay Pla Kang (Red Chinese Temple).

Is hotel pickup included from Chiang Mai?

Yes, round-trip hotel pickup and drop-off from Chiang Mai hotels is included.

Is lunch provided during the tour?

Yes, lunch is included as part of your day trip.

Are entrance fees covered for all temples?

The entrance fee for the White Temple is included in your booking.

Is this tour suitable for children or families?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels; children must be accompanied by an adult.

Are infant seats available on this tour?

Specialized infant seats are available upon request.

Do I need to wear specific clothing or shoes?

Please wear comfortable walking shoes for this temple tour.

What’s included

Your day includes private transport with hotel pickup from Chiang Mai, entry ticket to the White Temple, bottled water along the way, a traditional lunch stop near Chiang Rai’s temples, plus drop-off back at your hotel after exploring with your local guide.