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White Temple and Blue Temple: Chiang Rai's Iconic Sites
4.5
228 Ratings
Tambon Chang Khlan
Embark on an unforgettable exploration of Chiang Rai from Chiang Mai. Discover the mesmerizing White Temple, the serene Blue Temple, and the enigmatic Black House. Upgrade your transportation and delve into the fascinating history of the Golden Triangle.
Duration:
12 hours
Cancellation:
1 day
learn more
Highlights
- DOI CHAANG Caffè Maesuai - Our first stop of the day is the charming DOI CHAANG Caffè Mae Suai coffee shop. Walk around the grounds to stretch your legs or munch on a snack before moving on to the main attraction!
- Wat Rong Khun - Marvel at this modern architectural masterpiece, designed by a renowned local artist. The intricate details and striking white facade make this temple a must-see.
- Wat Rong Seur Ten (Blue Temple) - We’ll take a break for lunch, where you can savor delicious Thai cuisine at a local restaurant (own expense). After lunch, we’ll explore the Blue Temple. Known for its vivid blue hues and serene atmosphere, this temple offers a tranquil escape and stunning photo opportunities.
- Wat Saeng Kaeo Phothiyan - Our journey continues with a visit to the Temple of Light. Immerse yourself in the spiritual ambiance and gain unique insights into local traditions and beliefs.
Looking to make your road trip to Chiang Rai even more comfortable? You can choose to upgrade your transportation to a premium and more spacious Alphard. This ensures bigger and more comfortable seats, less people in one van (maximum of 4 people), and free snacks, cool towels, and soft drinks.
- Golden Triangle - You can opt for a private tour option to visit the White Temple and Golden Triangle (instead of the Blue Temple and Temple of Light (Wat Saeng Kaew Phothiyan). The Golden Triangle is a triangular piece of land in which the borders of Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar all meet. The nickname was coined by the CIA in reference to this region, whose trading posts’ top product was opium. Dive deep into the wild history of this area and learn how it became one of the most notorious narcotrafficking spots in the world. This itinerary option also includes a cruise down the Mekong River. Please note that visit to the Blue Temple and Back House will not be possible if the Golden Triangle Option is selected due to travel duration and time constraints.
Enjoy a low-impact way of exploring. With TripGuru, you explore sustainable experiences that prioritize providing water in glass bottles and offsetting carbon emissions in every tour, reducing your environmental impact and carbon footprint.
What's Included
- English-speaking tour guide
- Entrance fees: White Temple (THB 100)
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- Bottled water
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off
What's Not Included
- Lunch
- Personal expenses
- Blue Temple (Not included if Golden Triangle option is selected)
Additional Information
- Marvel at the iconic White Temple’s modern art and architecture
- Explore the vivid and tranquil Blue Temple
- Experience the spiritual ambiance of Wat Saengkaew Bodhiyan (The Temple of Light)
- Have the option to upgrade your transportation options
- A TripGuru Signature Experience: curated, solo travel friendly, small group (max 9)
- Explore responsibly with TripGuru, a GSTC-certified sustainable tour platform in Thailand.
- Enjoy a low-impact way of exploring, reducing the overall carbon footprint of tourism.
- Last-minute bookings available for the meeting point option
- The distance from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai is approximately 172 km one-way. Kindly be prepared for a long drive (roughly 3 hours one-way).
Location
McDonald's Im Thapae
Kotchasarn Road
Meeting Point: If your hotel is outside the free pickup area, the designated meeting point is the McDonald's at Thapae Gate in Chiang Mai Old City. Spot your tour guide wearing a green shirt and holding a "TripGuru" sign waiting for you outside McDonald's.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.5
(228 Ratings)
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Carolinagw4466ae
Sep 23, 2024
Beautiful temples - We arrived at Chiang Mai only after the high rain ceased, and we were lucky to have a sunny day to enjoy the temples.
Sunsanee was our guide. She took us around the temples explaining the meaning of each symbol.
We were first to our groups, so we had time to take beautiful pictures.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jchang103
Sep 17, 2024
Highlight is the White temple, other temples are either old or under renovation?. Long car rides. Great tour guide and driver. - My tour guide is Banana, yes the banana. Really great guy with a lot of knowledge about Buddhism.
Unfortunately there was a flood in Chiang Rai last week, so we couldn't visit the Blue Temple as it was still being cleaned up. Highlight of the day was definitely the White Temple. Long car rides. So take note of that if you're not a fan of it. The other temples are old and proper temples, so if you're not a big fan of learning about religion or visiting these places, the only touristy place that people enjoy taking pictures of, would be the white temple for now!
Many thanks to Banana and the driver! They are very friendly!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Pamela_t
Sep 3, 2024
Great trip! - Great guide Uncle Boon! We really enjoyed the trip. Driver was good, sufficient time to explore n have lunch, pick up n drop off all went smoothly.
Review provided by Viator
Erin_c
Sep 2, 2024
Amazing Views and Amazing Guide - This experience was filled with amazing views at each site. We got to start the trip at a cute and very serene cafe before starting our journey to the temples. While the temples were BEAUTIFUL, my tour guide really made the experience special. He was incredibly knowledgeable about each of the sites, put a lot of effort to make it as engaging as possible, and helped me find the best place for pictures and took soo many pictures for me. Boon really made this experience special and I would love to have him as my guide in the future!
Review provided by Viator
Damianrussellm
Aug 27, 2024
I 💛 U - Visit Chiang Rai's most impressive temples on this small-group tour from Chiang Rai. Your local guide will take you to visit the city's famous White Temple (Wat Rong Khun), the blue-hued Wat Rong Seur Ten, and the Baan Dam Museum, also known as the "Black House," which showcases art dating to the Ayutthaya era.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
324g_ranw
Aug 26, 2024
Interesting temple tour - Very interesting tour although we went around 7 hours by minibus. The guide Vasit very knowledgeable, professional and friendly. Highly recommended.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Travel62759712277
Aug 25, 2024
If you are in northern Thailand, you must have done the tour! - A very pleasant ride in a small group of 6 people with magical temple complexes! Thank you Suni for the great tour!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Sue_b
Aug 24, 2024
Great day out - Great day out with good communication. Informative guide, safe travel - long journey but that was known beforehand. Worth the trip
Review provided by Viator
Howong
Sep 15, 2024
Chiang Mai - Chiang Rai Sneak Preview - Do not expect the crazy rush hour traffic scene and mass tourist crowds. Everything is kinda slow and laid back in Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai.
Food in Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai is relatively cheap. Just do your own search in Google about local food and you can start making your choices based your your own preferences.
Most local Thais can speak and understand a bit of English.
Just tell them that you do not want spicy if your tastebuds cannot take it.
Local beer as well as craft beer is quite cheap. Local beer can be bought anywhere in local convenience stores, eating places and food courts.
Craft beer is available at the higher end supermarkets such Central Festival Mall.
I only bought local cotton tee shirts.
Prices will range from +/-250 - 300Thai Bahts.
Do a bit of bargaining .
Final paying price of around +/-200 Thai Bahts is acceptable.
I stayed at the Marriott Chiang Mai and Le Meridien Chiang Rai.
Being Marriott properties, you can expect the breakfast to be above par. Service by staff was impeccable
Just inform them if things are not right and they will make it right.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Alvaro_v
Aug 18, 2024
No much added value - The guide tour didn’t share almost anything. We would have liked to know much more about the temples and and just a few min explanation for the entire trip. Besides, the last temple was in construction. Summing up, long trip to see two beautiful new temples - 25 years old
Review provided by Viator
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