Chiang Rai

Day Trips

Visit Chiang Mai’s sister city, Chiang Rai, on a 12-hour journey to visit 3 very different temples. Quirky, charming, and creative are words that could describe Chiang Rai. At the very least, this city is quite different from Chiang Mai, so join this trip to experience something quite new. Select the private option to have this experience with your friends and family only. Before you begin your tour, you’ll break up the long drive at the Mae Khachan Hot Springs to relax, dip your feet into steaming mineral water, have a snack, or walk around the gardens. Your first stop is the main attraction of the day: the White Temple. If you were expecting ancient ruins, then you might be surprised to find a modern architectural masterpiece designed and built by a local artist, Chaloemchai Khositphiphat. People say he spent over $40 million of his own money to create this unconventional art exhibit and through it, gain immortal life.   After exploring this Temple, head to the next stop, the Blue Wonder. Locally known as Wat Rong Seua Ten, this translates to “temple of the dancing tiger”, because it was built on a site where tigers were said jump over the river.   If the White Temple could be called the stairway to heaven, the Black House has been called a “dark, mysterious, and almost sadistic” place, complete with preserved animals and a collection of bones. Built by national artist Thawan Duchanee, the Black House (also called the Baan Dam Museum) is a cluster of nearly 40 shadowy structures exhibiting art dating back to the Ayutthaya period. After fully admiring these 3 very different structures, you'll be taken back to Chiang Mai.

Depart Chiang Mai and journey towards Chiang Rai, stopping at the hot springs of Mae Kajan to soak your feet in the healing waters. Then, visit the temple of Wat Rong Khun and marvel at is white exterior inlaid with mirrored glass. Enter the "Golden Triangle" to see the city of Chiang Saen. Enjoy lunch at a famous restaurant before climbing aboard a boat for a ride along the Mekong River (optional). Cross into Laos and go to the market at Don Sao Island. Visit the Opium House Museum to learn more about opium and why it was once as expensive as gold.  Get the chance to stop at a hill tribe village en route back to Chiang Mai and meet the people of the Long Neck tribes.

After a 07:00 AM pick-up in central Chiang Mai, depart for Chiang Rai, stopping for a short break at Mae Kachan hot springs. Visit Wat Rong Khun, the White Temple (limited access), before continuing to the Golden Triangle area. Go to Wat Phra That Chedi Luang (limited access). See the Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar borders from the Golden Triangle viewpoint. Stop for lunch before spending time at Golden Triangle Park. Enjoy a long-tail boat trip on the mighty Mekong River. On the way back to Chiang Mai take a break to stretch your legs in Mae Suay or Wiang Pa Pao district and enjoy a cup of coffee or tea. The estimated arrival time in Chiang Mai city is 8:30 PM. The arrival time in Chiang Mai City depends on the traffic conditions, amount of passengers, and any other unforeseen circumstances.

Start off your full-day tour to Chiang Rai with pickup from your hotel in Chiang Mai between 06:15 and 06:45 AM. See the countryside on a long but comfortable drive with your Spanish-speaking guide. Stop at the hot springs halfway between Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai. The water is warm enough that you will witness locals boiling their breakfast eggs in the geothermal water.  Then, visit the iconic White Temple, an impressive temple known worldwide for its unique sculptures and carvings. Capture the beauty of this photogenic point designed by Thailand's famous artist, Chaloemchai. Next, head off to the Big Buddha, an impressive statue and temple at the top of a small hill. If there is no special celebration that day, you can go up inside the Buddha's head and take in the views. Have a lunch break and dig in to a delicious Thai meal. Move on to the next highlight, a visit to the Black House Museum. Learn about the history behind this Lanna-style house designed by artist Thawan Duchanee. See his masterpieces in a contemporary artwork museum. Discover sculptures, wooden carvings, and furniture created by him. In the afternoon, see another of Chiang Rai’s gems, The Blue Temple, with its impressive murals. Listen to the history of the city and temple from your informative Spanish guide. You will have the option to visit the Karen Village if you would like to learn more about the culture and lifestyle of the northern hill tribes. Wear traditional outfits, learn how to craft handmade goods, and see the famous neck rings worn by Karen women. After a full day of sightseeing and exploring, make the journey back to Chiang Mai. You will be dropped off at your hotel around 7:00 PM.