Planning a day trip to Chiang Rai from Chiang Mai? You’ve come to the right place!
In this article I have outlined everything you need to know for the perfect Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai day trip, including how to get there, the best places to visit, where to stay and more.
Chiang Rai is home to some of the most iconic temples in Thailand, like the famous White Temple and Blue Temple, and discovering the architecture of these beautiful temples will leave you speechless.
But Chiang Rai isn’t just about the temples. There are lots of unique places that you can explore on a day trip from Chiang Mai.
So what are you waiting for, read on and discover everything you need to know to plan the perfect Chiang Rai day trip!
Contents
The back of Wat Rong Suea Ten (the Blue Temple) in Chiang Rai, Thailand
About Chiang Rai
Chiang Rai is one of the most popular destinations in Thailand, and it’s easy to see why. Besides being home to some of the most beautiful temples in Thailand, it’s a lovely city with a laid back vibe.
Many travellers focus on the fun activities in Chiang Mai, like doing a Thai cooking class or seeing elephants, and don’t dedicate enough time to the beautiful city that is Chiang Rai.
Besides the tips you need to visit Chiang Rai, in this article you’ll also find my personal recommendations as to why you should spend more than just one day in Chiang Rai.
Located in the beautiful scenery of the mountainous regions of northern Thailand, Chiang Rai is a gem just waiting to be discovered.
Besides the famous temples, you’ll also find a lovely local market, close to the Chiang Rai Night Bazaar, where you can taste delicious Thai street food.
Exploring Wat Rong Khun, the famous White Temple in Chiang Rai, during the day
How to get from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai
There’s a few different ways you can take for you to get from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai. The type you choose will probably depend on your budget and how much time you have.
By car
Driving is the quickest way to travel between the two destinations. You might want to consider renting a car, or perhaps hiring a driver for the trip.
The route to Chiang Rai is pretty straightforward and the roads are fairly well maintained.
The drive will usually take around 3 hours over a distance of 187.6 km. Although convenient, self-driving is the most expensive way to travel if you factor in the price of car hire (around $40 a day) plus fuel.
Click here to book a private driver for your trip to Chiang Rai. That way you can have the flexibility of a car, but without having to worry about driving!
Click here to book your customisable private tour to Chiang Rai!
The White Temple (Wat Rong Khun) in Chiang Rai, Thailand, at sunset
By bus
Traveling by bus is probably the best way to get from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai. This is the route I took and I recommend it.
It takes longer than driving yourself or with a taxi, but it’s cheaper and the fancier buses are super comfy.
There’s plenty of different bus types and companies to choose from. You can book everything from the most basic bus to the most luxurious one with aircon and relaxing seats.
The bus from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai takes around 4 hours and costs around 150 THB to 250 THB.
While this is the cheapest option to get to Chiang Rai, remember that once there you won’t have a mode of transport to take you around Chiang Rai, and will have to pay for taxis. They’re not expensive, but it all adds up.
The Golden Temple within Wat Rong Khun in Chiang Rai
With an organised tour
Which is why I often suggest an organised tour instead. Opting to take a Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai tour will mean you can just sit back and relax during your trip.
You don’t have to worry about travelling to Chiang Rai, and all your transfers within Chiang Rai will also be taken care of. Plus, you’ll have a local guide giving you precious insight into the places you visit.
There’s a selection of different tours to choose from, with most offering accommodation pick up, transport, and a knowledgeable guide.
Here are some of the most popular Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai day tours.
From Chiang Mai: Chiang Rai Famous Temples Small Group Tour: This is the most classic Chiang Rai day tour, visiting all the iconic temples and sights, including pick-up, drop-off and all your transfers.
From Chiang Mai: White Temple & Golden Triangle Day Trip: You won’t see as much of Chiang Rai with this tour, but it does give you the opportunity to see the Mekong River and Golden Triangle.
The inside of the Blue Temple in Chiang Rai
Best things to do see on a Chiang Rai day trip
Regardless of how you choose to get to Chiang Rai from Chiang Mai, these are the must-see sights that can’t miss from any Chiang Rai itinerary.
Almost all tours will take you to these spots, and if you’re going alone, make sure to save them!
The White Temple (Wat Rong Khan)
The White Temple is a must-do on any Chiang Mai itinerary, since most people visit Chiang Rai on a day trip from Chiang Mai.
This stunning structure is also known by its official name; Wat Rong Khun, and is actually an art installation by Thai artist Chalermchai Kositpipat.
The original temple that stood in this place was in dire need of refurbishment. In 1997, the artist decided to spend his own money to rebuild the temple.
The White Temple (Wat Rong Khun) in Chiang Rai, Thailand, at sunset
Today, the dazzlingly white temple is a place for Buddhist contemplation, learning, and meditation. It’s a great place to discover more about Buddhist culture, as well as admiring the unique design and architecture.
The artist considers the creation to be an offering to Buddha and works are still ongoing to further develop the building. In fact, it isn’t scheduled to be completed until 2070.
Overall, it’s a really interesting place with lots of hidden details and eye-catching artwork. It does get busy here though so if you want to miss any big crowds, it’s best to come earlier in the day.
It costs 50 baht ($1.60) for foreign visitors to enter the temple complex, with opening hours 8AM to 6PM Don’t forget that this is a religious building and modest clothing is important.
Click here to book your Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai day tour!
The White Temple (Wat Rong Khun) in Chiang Rai, Thailand, at sunset
Blue Temple (Wat Rong Suea Ten)
Most Chiang Mai tours will take you to the White Temple, but did you know there’s also a Blue Temple? This Buddhist temple is also known by its official name Wat Rong Suea Ten, or “Temple of the Dancing Tiger”.
It’s not hard to see why it has been given the title Bue Temple, as this monumental building has been painted a vivid blue colouring. This rich blue colour represents purity and wisdom in the perfume of a simple life.
The religious building also has a lot of elaborate carvings edging the roof and the temple walls.
This is the work of another artist by the name of Putha Kabkaew, who actually worked as an apprentice under the artist behind the White Temple.
Inside, the beautiful decorations continue with a large white Buddha standing over the main altar and intricate paintings that illustrate the life of the Buddha.
The Blue Temple is open from 7AM to 8PM, and entrance is free.
The front of Wat Rong Suea Ten (the Blue Temple) in Chiang Rai, Thailand
Black House
The next stop on most Chiang Rai day tours will be The Black House. This is another interesting building to include on your day trip itinerary.
Located around a 30-minute drive from Wat Rong Khun, Baan Dam or “Black House” is the work of Thai artist, Thawan Duchanee.
The creation is actually a collection of 40 different wooden structures that stand in stark contrast to the brilliant glow of the White Temple.
The project uses traditional northern Thai design and combines it with more modern and unconventional styles of architecture.
The whole complex is fairly large, and while not all the buildings are open for visitors, there’s plenty of interesting things to see.
From contemporary depictions of the Buddha to a banqueting room that makes full use of animal hides and horns. Admission fees to the Black House are 80 THB, with opening hours from 9AM to 5PM.
The central dining area of the Night Bazaar of Chiang Rai
Wat Huay Pla Kung
Located in the lush green mountains, 6 kilometers out of Chiang Rai, is the famous hillside temple complex of Wat Huay Pla Kung.
You’ll probably be able to spot the large Buddha from afar, but actually going to visit it is well worth your time.
The temple structure is a towering 9-floor pagoda alongside an enormous Buddha sitting tall, watching over the town below. It’s easy to see why this temple also goes by the name the Big Buddha of Chiang Rai.
Check out prices and availability for your Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai day tour here!
The temple and Goddess of Mercy statue at Wat Huay Pla Kung
It’s actually a white depiction of the bodhisattva Guanyin, the goddess of compassion and mercy.
The modern temple is surrounded by 12 other smaller structures and is a peaceful spot to enjoy the architecture and views of the surrounding hills.
It’s actually the perfect place to watch the sunset if you can schedule the visit into your day.
The temple is free to visit. To get there, you can take the free shuttle bus that leaves from the main car park and takes visitors to the temple.
The dragon staircase at Wat Huay Pla Kung
Golden Triangle & Mekong River
The Mekong River is one of the most important rivers in East and Southeast Asia.
This powerful waterway is the world’s twelfth longest, and it runs through Vietnam, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, China, Myanmar (Burma), connecting up cities, towns, and people.
You can see the true power of the waterway near Chiang Rai at the spot where the Mekong and the Ruak Rivers meet. Known as The Golden Triangle, this is the border of Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar (Burma).
The confluence is around 50km from Chiang Rai, but you can combine the visit with some other interesting sights along the way.
There’s also some great hillside viewpoints here, so you can really get a great vantage point of the river and the surrounding landscape from up high.
There’s also a golden statue of the Buddha that watches over the Mekong from here too.
Wat Rong Khun, the famous White Temple in Chiang Rai
Best Chiang Rai day tours
From Chiang Mai: Chiang Rai Famous Temples Small Group Tour
This classic Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai tour package is a great option as it takes in all of the main city sights.
The day starts with you being picked up from your accommodation in Chiang Mai in a comfortable air conditioned mini bus.
The first step of the day is at the Mae Khachan hot springs, where you have the chance to enjoy a relaxing mineral water foot bath. Then it’s on to the White Temple to explore the intriguing creative space.
Next up, the trip heads to Wat Rong Seua Ten, where you can admire the gold and blue decorations before making your way to the Baan Dam Museum (Black House Museum).
You will then be driven all the way back to your accommodation in Chiang Mai.
Click here to book your Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai temples tour with small group!
The big buddha of Wat Huay Pla Kung in Chiang Rai, Thailand
From Chiang Mai: White Temple & Golden Triangle Day Trip
This Chiang Rai day tour from Chiang Mai takes in a lot of the main sights in Chiang Rai, but it also goes beyond and takes you all the way to the Mekong River.
The day starts with you getting picked up in an air conditioned minivan at a meeting point in Chiang Mai.
The first stop is the Mae Kachan hot springs where you can dip your feet and take a walk around the gardens, then it’s a stop off at the White Temple.
The day trip then stops off at Wat Phra That Chedi Luang on the way to see the Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar borders from the Golden Triangle viewpoint.
You will get the chance to stop for lunch before stopping off at the House of Opium. The day winds up with a long-tail boat trip on the Mekong River itself.
Click here to book your Chiang Rai and Golden Triangle day trip!
Sunset at Wat Rong Khun, the famous White Temple in Chiang Rai
Chiang Rai: Full-Day Customizable Private Tour
This option is a private tour from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai. It’s a great choice if you want to explore more off the radar locations around the area.
You can see a lot of the classic must-see spots and include some locations that interest you, too.
It’s a good choice if you have a little more budget, or are traveling as a couple or as a group of friends, so you can split the cost of the tour and have a more private experience.
Click here to book your customisable private tour to Chiang Rai!
Exploring the White Temple (Wat Rong Khun) in Chiang Rai
Chiang Rai: 2-Day Private White Temple & Golden Triangle
It will give you the opportunity to spend more time in Chiang Rai, without wasting a large chunk of the day driving there and back. It also gives you the opportunity to see more, at a more relaxed pace.
Besides all the iconic temples of Chiang Rai, this private 2-day tour will take you also to the Golden Triangle, a tea plantation and hot springs, all sights that you wouldn’t be able to see on a 1 day tour.
Click here to book your 2-day tour to Chiang Rai and the Golden Triangle!
Some of the decorations and details at the White Temple – they’re actually quite gruesome!
Is a Chiang Rai day trip from Chiang Mai worth it?
While I think it’s totally worth visiting Chiang Rai on your Thailand itinerary, I don’t personally recommend doing a day trip.
Chiang Rai is your chance to go further afield, see some interesting artwork, some of the most unique temples in Thailand, and maybe also see some hill tribe villages and some powerful nature.
If you have time, I recommend staying in Chiang Rai for at least one night, or joining a 2-day Chiang Rai tour. You could even make it a couple of nights, so you have time to properly explore the Mekong River and Golden Triangle.
The reason I don’t recommend doing it as a day trip is because it’s a very long journey from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai (total of almost 8 hours drive there and back), and if you do it as a day tour you will be exhausted by the end of the day.
If you spend at least one night in Chiang Rai, you can break up the drive, see the main attractions in Chiang Rai at a more relaxed pace, maybe even go for a Thai massage, discover the local cuisine and the beautiful place that is Chiang Rai.
If you do decide to visit Chiang Rai on a day trip, then I highly recommend joining an organised day tour. It will make all the transfers much easier, plus give you the opportunity to relax and enjoy your day more.
Click here to book your tour to Chiang Rai from Chiang Mai!
Penang chicken curry – a traditional Thai curry I made at the cooking class in Chiang Mai
Where to stay for your Chiang Rai day trip
I have listed below some accommodation options for every budget in both Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai.
If you’re reading this article you probably want to visit Chiang Rai on a day trip, but if you choose to spend more time in Chiang Rai, here are some great hotel options there too.
In Chiang Mai
Budget: Leaf Hostel – When I visited Chiang Mai we stayed at Leaf Hostel since it was close to where our friends were living. It wasn’t a very sociable hostel but the dorms were clean and spacious.
Click here to book your stay at Leaf Hostel!
Mid-range: POR Thapae Gate – If you don’t fancy a hostel dorm, a lovely mid-range option is POR Thapae Gate. Located in the heart of the Old City this hotel has spacious rooms and a pool where you can chill after a long day trip to Chiang Rai.
Click here to book your stay at POR Thapae Gate!
Luxury: Le Meridien Chiang Mai – We spent our last two nights in Chiang Mai at Le Meridien and loved it. It’s within easy walking distance of the night market and Old City, as well as having a rooftop pool with awesome city and mountain views.
Click here to book your stay at Le Meridien Chiang Mai!
Enjoying the rooftop pool of Le Meridien Chiang Mai
In Chiang Rai
Budget: Mercy Hostel – If you don’t mind sleeping in a hostel dorm, Mercy Hostel is a great choice. Great value for money and excellent location.
Click here to book your stay at Mercy Hostel!
Mid-range: Nak Nakara Hotel – If you’re looking for something a bit fancier, but without breaking the bank, Nak Nakara Hotel is a great option.
Located right in the heart of Chiang Rai they also have a pool where you can cool off after a long day chasing temples in Chiang Rai.
Click here to see the latest prices and availability at Nak Nakara Hotel!
Luxury: The Legend Chiang Rai Boutique River Resort & Spa – Even if you only have one night in Chiang Rai, no reason why you shouldn’t spoil yourself!
Treat yourself to a fancy stay at the Legend Chiang Rai, where you can relax after the long bus journey.
Click here to book your stay at The Legend Chiang Rai Resort & Spa!
Enjoying the sunset from the rooftop pool of Le Meridien in Chiang Mai
What to pack for your day tour to Chiang Rai
You don’t really need anything extraordinary for Chiang Rai beyond your usual travel essentials. You can check out here my full Thailand packing list if you want more advice on what to pack for a Thailand trip.
However some essentials you shouldn’t forget include:
A camera – to capture all the beautiful temples you will see!
A scarf or sarong to cover your shoulders if you’re wearing a tank top, the focus of any Chiang Rai day trip are the temples, and you need to be dressed appropriately for them.
Walking in the forest with one of the rescued elephants
Loose airy pants – These are my favourite type of trousers. I wear them also in Europe and always get weird stares, but in Thailand they’re perfectly fine!
You shouldn’t be visiting temples in shorts, so these are a great way to keep cool and respectful at the same time.
A spare pair of socks – Some of the temples will ask you to remove your shoes to enter. However, the little walk from where you leave your shoes to the shade can be quite long and burn your feet!
If you’re like me and only wear sandals, make sure to pack socks for when you’re asked to remove them.
A water bottle – You will find lots of restaurants have water tanks where you can refill your bottle. Perfect way to stay hydrated and reduce plastic consumption!
Getting close to the elephants at Elephant Green Hill in Chiang Mai, Thailand
Final thoughts on the best Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai day trip
There you have it, the ultimate guide for an epic day trip to Chiang Rai from Chiang Mai! Have you been to Chiang Rai before? How did you find it? Let me know in the comments below!
In my opinion the temples in Chiang Rai are amongst the most beautiful in Thailand, and a must-see on any Thailand itinerary. They may be touristy, but for good reason.
There are other beautiful temples in Bangkok, like Ayutthaya just outside the city, or Wat Pho, Wat Phra Kaew and Wat Arun, but they can’t hold the comparison to the White Temple or Blue Temple.
Obviously if you want to spend scuba dive in Thailand or relax on beautiful beaches, like in Koh Lipe, the Surin islands, Phi Phi Islands (home to Maya Bay!) or Similan islands, you’ll have to travel south, beyond Chiang Mai or Chiang Rai.
I hope you have found this Chiang Rai day tour guide useful! If you have any questions, just let me know in the comments below!
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