Chiang Rai Temples Tour: White Temple & Emerald Buddha Site

Four temples tour: temple visits, cultural highlights, stunning river views

A half-day guided tour of Chiang Rai covers four temples: Wat Phra Kaew, where the Emerald Buddha was discovered in 1434; Wat Phra That Doi Chom Thong, overlooking the Mae Kok River; the King Meng Rai Monument; and Wat Rong Khun, the White Temple with its intricate lime sculptures and mirror fragments. The tour includes a stop at the main market, all entrance fees, and roundtrip hotel pickup from anywhere in the Chiang Rai city area. A live guide speaks English or Thai. At least two people must book for the tour to run. Single travelers may book subject to availability.

Step-by-step itinerary

Chiang Rai city and temple tour

• Visit main market area
• Explore Wat Phra Kaew temple
• See King Meng Rai Monument
• Visit Wat Doi Thong for views
• Tour Wat Rong Khun (White Temple)

The experience

Four hours takes you through Chiang Rai's most visited temples, starting at the city's main market where local life moves fastest. From there the guide leads you to Wat Phra Kaew, the royal temple where lightning struck a chedi in 1434 and revealed the Emerald Buddha: now Thailand's most revered image, enshrined in Bangkok's Grand Palace. The temple itself dates back at least to the 14th century and sits at the heart of Thai Buddhist history.

Next is Wat Phra That Doi Chom Thong, built on a rise with panoramic views across the Mae Kok River valley. The temple is known for its Navel Pillars and the vantage it gives over the landscape. Then comes the King Meng Rai Monument, honoring the founder who established the city in 1262. The final and most photographed stop is Wat Rong Khun, the White Temple, a privately owned art installation designed by artist Chalermchai Kositpipat and opened to visitors in 1997. Its lime sculptures glimmer in daylight, embedded with small mirror fragments that catch and scatter the sun. Inside, contemporary Thai murals and painted enamel ceramic floors sit alongside traditionally crafted Buddha images, mixing old devotion with modern art.

Pickup happens from any hotel in the Chiang Rai city area. Golden Triangle hotels can arrange pickup for an additional charge. The guide is live and speaks English or Thai. All temple entry fees are included, and you return to your hotel when the tour ends.

What’s included

• Guided tour with a live English or Thai-speaking guide.
• entry to Wat Phra Kaew, Wat Phra That Doi Chom Thong, and Wat Rong Khun.
• visit to the King Meng Rai Monument and the main market.
• roundtrip hotel transportation from Chiang Rai city hotels.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 08:30 and 13:30

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (2 to 11 years) · Infant (under 2): free

GroupUp to 30

Live guideEnglish and Thai

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

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

Prices and times updated 3 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effort

Operated by I Asia Thailand

Is this one for you?Pick this if you want to see the main temples and White Temple in one guided loop without backtracking between sites.

Traveler reviews

5.00★★★★★★★★★★

10 verified traveler reviews

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Thai.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (2 to 11 years); Infant (under 2): free.

What is the Emerald Buddha and why does Wat Phra Kaew matter?

The Emerald Buddha, or Phra Kaew Morakot, is Thailand's most revered Buddha image. It was discovered at Wat Phra Kaew in Chiang Rai in 1434 after lightning struck the chedi where it was kept, and it now resides in the Grand Palace in Bangkok. The temple itself dates back at least to the 14th century and is one of the oldest in the city.

What makes Wat Rong Khun different from other temples?

Wat Rong Khun, known as the White Temple, is a privately owned art installation designed by artist Chalermchai Kositpipat and opened in 1997. Its exterior features intricate lime sculptures embedded with mirror fragments that glimmer in sunlight, and the interior showcases contemporary Thai murals and painted enamel ceramic floors alongside traditional Buddha images, blending modern art with Buddhist devotion.

Does the tour include meals or drinks?

The tour does not include food, drinks or snacks. You'll want to eat before departure or bring water for the four-hour outing.

Can I book this tour if I'm traveling alone?

Single travelers may book, but the tour requires a minimum of two people to run. If the minimum is not met on your activity day, you'll be offered an alternative date or a full refund.

Where does pickup happen and what time does the tour start?

Pickup is included from any hotel in the Chiang Rai city area. Golden Triangle hotels can arrange pickup for an additional charge. Specific pickup times are confirmed when you book.