Chiang Rai Temples and Golden Triangle: Day Trips and Tours from Chiang Mai

Chiang Rai is a city nestled in the picturesque landscapes of northern Thailand. The historic town is home to numerous breathtaking temples, that range from traditional to fantastically unique. Additionally, just outside of Chiang Rai lies the Golden Triangle — a spot that connects three of the continent's most diverse countries.

Day trips to the Chiang Rai temples and Golden Triangle from Chaing Mai will enable you to dive deeper into the heritage, and customs of this remarkable corner of Thailand.

Here's all you need to know about the Chiang Rai Temples and Golden Triangle, one of the most exciting day trips from Chiang Mai.

How to get to the Chiang Rai temples and Golden Triangle from Chiang Mai?

The temples of Chiang Rai are scattered around the northern Thai city. Heading even further up the country, you’ll find the Golden Triangle, which separates Thailand from Myanmar and Laos. Chiang Rai is approximately 190 kilometers from Chiang Mai, while the Golden Triangle is an additional 70 kilometers north.

From Chiang Mai to the Chiang Rai temples and Golden Triangle by car

The journey to the Chiang Rai temples and Golden Triangle begins with a 3-hour drive from Chiang Mai to the city. You’ll follow Route 118 north of Chiang Mai toward Chiang Rai all the way. Once you arrive in Chiang Rai, you can explore any of its temples easily by car.

If you wish to continue on to the Golden Triangle, you can follow Route 1063 north of Chiang Rai for approximately one hour.

From Chiang Mai to the Chiang Rai temples and Golden Triangle by public transport

You can also make the jaunt to Chiang Rai’s temples and Golden Triangle by public transport. To reach the city, you can board bus Line 166, which takes around 4 hours and runs throughout the day. From there, you can wander the city, visiting its religious monuments.

Some of the temples are located outside the city, so you may need a local bus to reach them. To access the Golden Triangle, you can take a direct bus from Chiang Mai, which leaves once per day and takes approximately 7 hours

Guided tour to the Chiang Rai temples and Golden Triangle from Chiang Mai

Another option is to book a guided excursion to the Chiang Rai temples and Golden Triangle. A convenient hotel pickup service is usually included in the price and tours last anywhere from 12 hours to 7 days. Day trips often begin around 7 AM, returning to Chiang Mai in the early evening.

How much does the entrance ticket to the Chiang Rai temples and Golden Triangle cost?

Many of Chiang Rai's temples ask visitors to pay a small entrance fee, which is normally used to keep the site running. While the exact cost differs between each individual religious monument, you can see below the cost of Chiang Rai's main temples.

You'll pay THB50 (US$1.50) to enter the White Temple, while the Black Temple charges each visitor THB80 (US$2.40) for entry. However, you can enter Blue Temple and several others for free.

What is the typical itinerary?

On a day tour to Chiang Rai temples and Golden Triangle, you’ll usually leave Chiang Mai early in the morning. From there, you’ll head to the White Temple, often stopping at a local hot spring en route. You’ll have time to roam its modern architecture before continuing on to see more of the city’s finest religious landmarks.

These tend to include Blue Temple, as well as other less-known places of worship. You may then continue on to the Golden Triangle, where many excursions enable you to sail lazily down the Mekong River, admiring the scenery of all three countries.

As well as numerous Chiang Rai temples and Golden Triangle day trips, there are also a number of multi-day adventures for you to explore. These often include additional sights, such as tea plantations, or other well-known towns, including Pai.

What kinds of tours are available to go to the Chiang Rai temples and Golden Triangle?

There are a variety of different Chiang Rai temples and Golden Triangle day tours available to choose from, depending on your interests.

Guided tour to Chiang Rai Golden Temple plus White Temple from Chiang Mai

On this Chiang Rai Temples and Golden Triangle day tour, you'll first travel through the hilly terrain of northern Thailand to reach the iconic Buddhist carvings that form the White Temple. Along the way, you’ll have the opportunity to sink into the thermal waters of Mae Kachan hot springs and feel at one with nature.

Head to the Golden Triangle area, which connects Thailand with Laos and Myanmar, and was once known for its bustling opium trade. Learn this sketchy history at the House of Opium museum before being served a mouthwatering local lunch.

Before returning to Chiang Mai, you’ll float down the Mekong River — the longest stretch of water in Southeast Asia — on a traditional longtail boat and enjoy the tranquility that surrounds you.

Private Chiang Rai temples tour from Chiang Mai

Alternatively, book a private day tour of the Chiang Rai temples and Golden Triangle for a more personal experience. With your own professional guide on hand, you’ll journey to the religiously significant city, stopping at several of the most iconic temples.

These include White Temple, as well as Wat Sang Kaew Phothiyan and the vibrant Blue Temple — also known as the Temple of the Dancing Tiger. The last stop on this customizable excursion is Wat Huay Pla Kang, which is known for its 70-meter white statue of the peaceful goddess of mercy — Guanyin.

2-Day tour to Chiang Rai temples from Chiang Mai

Those who are enchanted by the ancient history of Chiang Rai may wish to extend their education by opting for a longer tour. On this 2-day trip, you’ll visit the most celebrated Buddhist landmarks in the city, which include both the White and Blue Temples.

Dive into the alternative taxidermy artworks of the Baan Dam museum and discover how tea leaves grow at a local plantation. Head to the spot where three southeast Asian countries meet at the Golden Triangle before participating in a relaxing boat ride down the mighty Mekong River.

7-Day motorcycle trip to Chiang Rai Golden Temple plus Mae Hong Son from Chiang Mai

Beginning in Chiang Mai, this week-long adventure will take you on a whirlwind tour of northern Thailand’s highlights. Hopping on a motorbike, you’ll journey through Doi Inthanon — Thailand’s highest viewpoint — to the rural town of Mae Sariang.

You’ll continue on to Mae Hong Son, near the border of Myanmar, before traveling to Pai. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to discover ancient cultures in the Chinese village of Moo Ban Rak Thai. Be awed by the detailed architecture of Chiang Rai’s most revered temples before learning about the Golden Triangle’s colorful past.

This tour culminates in a visit to both Phu Chi Fa Forest Park and Phu Sang National Park to bask in the blissful scenes of Thailand’s natural world.

How much does a day trip to the Chiang Rai Temples and Golden Triangle from Chiang Mai cost?

Basic day trips to the Chiang Rai temples and Golden Triangle cost approximately US$70 per person, and include all admission fees, meals and a professional guide.

If you opt for a private tour, you can expect to pay around US$130 each and enjoy the one-on-one attention of a local guide.

You’ll pay between US$210 and US$250 per person for a 2-day tour of the Chiang Rai temples, and Golden Triangle. Excursions on the higher end of this range include accommodation, some meals and a private guide.

Those with extra time to spare can choose to embark on a 7-day tour. This costs between US$1,730 and US$2,300 per person, depending on the time of year you book. You can expect your accommodation to be included, as well as a driver-guide, entrance fees and some meals. However, you will need to arrange your own motorbike for this tour.

What will you see and do?

White Temple

Wat Rong Khun — also known as the White Temple —is in fact, not an original temple but an art exhibition, built in the style of a traditional Buddhist religious monument. The plaster construct was designed and erected in 1997, and has so far cost local visual artist Chalermchai Kositpipat — the project’s founder — over US$30 million.

The entire creation is white, from its floors to its detailed carvings — a representation of Buddha’s purity. Despite the temple’s popularity, it remains unfinished. Once completed, the site will house nine buildings, including a meditation hall.

One of the most dazzling sights upon entering the White Temple grounds is "the cycle of rebirth" bridge, which is surrounded by sculptures of hundreds of outreaching hands. These carvings represent unrestrained desire, a concept that is frowned upon in Buddhist teachings.

Blue Temple

Wat Rong Suea Ten — the Blue Temple — is defined by its brilliant blue hue, which is decorated with opulent gold trim. While this coloring makes the Blue Temple a unique monument in Chiang Rai, its shade symbolizes wisdom, purity and a lack of materialism.

The original temple, which stood on this holy site, was abandoned for over a century, during which time it is said that tigers inhabited its crumbling walls. The temple was designed by a student of Chalermchai Kositpipat — the creator of the White Temple Kositpipat — and reconstructed between 2005 and 2016

The temple interior is filled with spectacular works of art, while the main centerpiece is a glossy, porcelain Buddha. Both the walls and ceiling are adorned with complex paintings that range from innocent patterns to depictions of demons.

Golden Triangle

The Golden Triangle is known as the spot where three countries meet, just outside the town of Ban Sop Ruak. The three southeast Asian nations of Thailand, Myanmar and Laos are separated by the Mekong River. Visitors on a Chiang Rai temples and Golden Triangle day trip can head to the dedicated Golden Triangle viewpoint to catch a glimpse of all three lands.

Historically, this area was known as an opium haven and was named the “Golden Triangle” by the American Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). In the 20th century, this was the place where the majority of the world’s heroin was produced.

What are the opening times?

Each temple in Chiang Rai has its own opening times, which you should check before visiting. However, the daily operating hours for the most popular temples are as follows:

• White Temple: 8 AM to 6 PM
• Blue Temple: 7 AM to 8 PM
• Black Temple: 9 AM to 5 PM

When is the best time to visit the Chiang Rai temples and Golden Triangle?

The best time to plan a day trip to the Chiang Rai temples and Golden Triangle is between October and February. At this time of year, the climate is slightly cooler, with little chance of rain and temperatures ranging from 27 to 30 degrees Celsius.

Chiang Rai is affected by the annual burning season that occurs across northern Thailand, between February and April. At this time, local farmers burn old crops to plant new ones. This causes a thick haze to appear across the city and air quality is poor. Avoid planning your excursion during these months if possible.

Are there any tours to the Chiang Rai temples and Golden Triangle from other cities in Thailand?

Yes, there are tours departing from other cities in Thailand:

• Day trips to the Golden Triangle from Chiang Rai

Travel tips

• Consider gifting a small donation if you visit a temple without an entrance fee.
• Act respectfully while in any Thai temple by talking quietly, removing your shoes and keeping your head lower than that of the monks, and Buddha images that surround you.
• Ensure you have the correct driving license if participating in a motorbike tour through the Chiang Rai region.