Best Chiang Rai Temples to Visit in One Day from Chiang Mai

The three temples a day trip can fit

All three are on the edges of Chiang Rai city rather than in the centre, which is why a vehicle makes the day work.

• White Temple (Wat Rong Khun): the all-white, mirror-studded temple created by Thai artist Chalermchai Kositpipat, south of the city. It is the busiest stop of the day and the one with the strictest dress code; photography rules inside the main hall differ from the grounds, so follow the signs.
• Blue Temple (Wat Rong Suea Ten): a much newer temple with a deep blue interior and a large white Buddha image. It is smaller than the White Temple, so a visit here is usually quicker.
• Wat Huay Pla Kang: known for its enormous white statue of Guan Yin and a tall, tiered pagoda in a Chinese-influenced style, set on a hillside outside the city.

How the day actually splits up

The biggest part of the day is the road. Chiang Rai is roughly three hours from Chiang Mai each way, so around six hours of the day are spent driving, with a rest stop at a hot spring on the way up. The temples themselves are visited in turn after you arrive, with lunch in between.

That leaves enough time at each stop to walk around and take photos, but not for a long, slow visit at every temple. The 3 Temples tour is listed as Full day · ~12.5 hrs: pickup 07:00–07:30, back around 19:30. Your guide sets the exact time at each stop on the day.

• Morning: hotel pickup in Chiang Mai and the drive north, with a hot-spring stop
• Late morning: the White Temple
• Midday: lunch, then the Blue Temple
• Afternoon: Wat Huay Pla Kang and Lalitta Café (or the Black House, on that package)
• Evening: the drive back to Chiang Mai

Can you do it on your own?

Yes, but it is harder in one day than it looks. Buses run between Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai and take a similar time to a tour van or longer, and once you arrive the temples are spread around the outskirts, so you need taxis or ride-hailing between them. On a same-day return by bus, two temples is a more realistic target than three.

If you want more time at each temple, or want to see Chiang Rai's night market and clock tower too, staying a night in Chiang Rai makes for a much more relaxed trip. Our guide to food and cafés in Chiang Rai helps if you stay.

3 Temples or the Golden Triangle route?

Both full-day tours visit the White and Blue Temples. After that they split, and the difference is mostly how late you want to get back.

Temple etiquette and what to wear

• Cover your shoulders and knees; a light scarf or long skirt is easy to carry
• Take your shoes off before entering temple halls
• Keep your voice down inside, and don't point your feet towards Buddha images
• Follow photo signs: some halls don't allow photography inside
• Bring sun protection and water; much of the day is outdoors

Frequently asked questions