Chiang Rai day trip from Chiang Mai: is it worth the long drive?
Updated · Idea Smile Tour, Chiang Mai
The Chiang Rai day trip is one of the longest days we sell. The temples are spectacular, but you spend a lot of the day in a minivan. Here's what the day really looks like, so you can decide if it's right for you.
Why it's a long day
Pickup in Chiang Mai is 07:00–07:30. You're back around 18:30–19:00 on the 3 Temples tour, or around 21:00–21:30 if you add the Golden Triangle. That includes several hours on the road each way, with a stop at a hot spring on the way up.
What you'll see
Every tour includes the White Temple (Wat Rong Khun) and the Blue Temple (Wat Rong Suea Ten). After that, the two routes split.
| 3 Temples | Golden Triangle | |
|---|---|---|
| Stops | White Temple, Blue Temple, Wat Huay Pla Kang, Singha Park | White Temple, Blue Temple, Black House (Baan Dam), Golden Triangle |
| Back in Chiang Mai | Around 18:30–19:00 | Around 21:00–21:30 |
| Choose it if | You mainly want the temples and an earlier night | You also want the Black House and the Mekong viewpoint where Thailand, Laos and Myanmar meet |
Go if…
- The White and Blue Temples are on your must-see list
- You're happy to spend several hours each way in a vehicle
- You have at least three days in Chiang Mai, so it doesn't crowd out everything else
Skip it if…
- You're only in Chiang Mai for one or two days
- You get carsick or don't enjoy long drives
- You're travelling with young children who struggle with 12–14 hour days; a half-day elephant visit or the Night Safari is easier
What to wear and bring
Cover your shoulders and knees for the temples, and take your shoes off inside temple halls. Lunch, entrance fees, an English-speaking guide and hotel pickup are listed as included on both tours; check each tour page for the full list. Compare both routes on our Chiang Rai day trips from Chiang Mai page.
Frequently asked questions
Can you visit Chiang Rai in a day from Chiang Mai?
Yes. Both tours are full days from Chiang Mai with hotel pickup at 07:00–07:30 and a return in the evening.
Which temples will I see?
The White Temple and the Blue Temple on both tours. The 3 Temples tour adds Wat Huay Pla Kang and Singha Park; the Golden Triangle tour adds the Black House and the Golden Triangle.
Is lunch included?
Yes, lunch is listed as included on both tours, along with entrance fees, an English-speaking guide and hotel pickup.
