7 Best Tours to Chiang Rai from Chiang Mai, Thailand (Day Trips or More)
WANT TO TAKE A TOUR TO CHIANG RAI, BUT YOU’RE IN CHIANG MAI? Well, you’re in the right place as I will highlight 7 great Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai Tours!
Why trust me? I lived in Chiang Mai for an entire winter, so of course, I made the journey to our neighboring northern Thai city. Multiple times actually. I’ve done all the must-visit places and smaller gems. I even took a TikTok video at a viral cafe that got picked up by a Taiwanese news channel!
Chiang Rai is a city surrounded by lush green mountains and is the gateway to Laos and Myanmar. Here, you’ll find eye-catching modern temples, traditional long-neck villages, fun cafes, and ride an elevator up a giant Buddha.
Just want to pick the best? At a minimum, you have to visit the Chiang Rai temples. This Temples Private Tour from Chiang Mai is the highest-rated of all city tours, with a near-perfect 5 star rating.
Most people start from the famous Thai city, Chiang Mai, before hopping over to Chiang Rai on a day trip or longer. So, if you’re one of those people, check out these varied tours to Chiang Rai from Chiang Mai.
Top 3 Picks: Best Chiang Rai Tours from Chiang Mai
Chiang Rai Temples Private Tour
Best for Inner City History Buffs
Small-Group Day Chiang Rai + Golden Triangle Day Trip
Best for History Buffs
Chiang Rai + Hill Tribes & Boat Ride
Best for Learning about Indigenous Cultures
Best Chiang Rai One Day Tours from Chiang Mai
Below, I’ve separated these tour options by day trips or longer multi-day excursions.
1. Chiang Rai Temples Private Tour with Lunch
Editor’s Choice: Best Inner City Tour
⏰ Tour Length: 13 hours | ⭐ Ratings: 5 out of 5 Stars |🛕 Book now
Included Attractions:
- Wat Rong Khun (White Temple)
- Wat Sang Kaew Phothiyan
- Wat Rong Seur Ten (Blue Temple)
- Wat Huay Pla Kang
If you’re looking for the ultimate temple tour experience in Chiang Rai, look no further than this full-day private Temples tour. I would say this city has the most magnificent temples in all of Thailand, and this is the best tour that focuses on that aspect.
You’ll get to enjoy the flexibility of having a private driver/guide as you visit remarkable Buddhist sites such as Wat Sang Kaew Photiyarn, Wat Rong Khun, and Wat Huai Pla Kung.
These places have such fantastic architecture, and you will have lots of time to walk around. Plus, you will get insider tips on each site you visit.
This is definitely one of the highlights of my trip to SE Asia. I’d recommend this tour as well as Puma to any travellers considering it.”
—Jane C (READ MORE REVIEWS)
This 13-hour temple tour includes pickup and drop-off at your hotel in Chiang Mai and lunch at a local restaurant.
2. Small-Group Day Trip from Chiang Mai with Golden Triangle
Best Historical Tour
⏰ Tour Length: 13-14 hours | ⭐ Ratings: 4.5 out of 5 Stars |🛕 Book now
Included Attractions:
- Mae Khachan Hot Spring
- Wat Rong Khun (White Temple)
- Wat Pa Sak
- Golden Triangle
- House of Opium
Join this small group Day Trip to Chiang Rai & the Golden Triangle, where you’ll see the modern architectural wonder of Wat Rong Khun (White Temple) and more of the Northern Province.
Start your adventure with a comfortable hotel pickup in Chiang Mai, where you’ll hop aboard an air-conditioned minivan, making a brief stop at Mae Khachan Hot Spring along the way.
Your next stop will be Wat Rong Khun or White Temple, a one-of-a-kind temple featuring a grand white facade and impressive interior.
Drive a bit further, and you’ll see the ruins of the ancient royal city of Chiang Saen (the first city in Thailand). Although these ruins are not the most impressive, after lunch, brace yourself for views at the Golden Triangle, where Myanmar, Laos, and Thailand meet. You’ll also be boarding a long-tail boat along this section of the Mekong River.
The House of Opium is a highlight. It tells the fascinating history of opium production in this region. Personally, it was one of my favorite museums in Thailand.
“This was an awesome tour, one of our highlights in Chiang Mai…If you have own full day, I highly recommend. It’s fun, well-structured, planned, safe, and the place blows your mind!”
– JanDustin_G (READ MORE REVIEWS)
A knowledgeable guide will escort you with a group limited to nine people. Plus, your full-day itinerary includes a delicious restaurant lunch and convenient round-trip hotel AC transport.
3. Chiang Rai: White Temple and Golden Triangle Private Tour
Best Regional Private Tour
⏰ Tour Length: 12-13 hours | ⭐ Ratings: 4.5 out of 5 Stars |🛕 Book now
Included Attractions (can be customized):
- Mae Khachan Hot Spring
- Wat Rong Khun (White Temple)
- Golden Triangle
- House of Opium
Hit all the same exciting highlights as the tour above with this White Temple & Golden Triangle tour, but now you can experience it with the flexibility of private transport!
Designed especially for first-time visitors and with a private guide by your side, you can explore some of the most renowned temples in the city without worrying about navigating between them on your own.
But the ultimate benefit: a private guide will create a tailor-made itinerary to meet your groups interests. You’ll have ample chances to ask questions about each temple and its place in history.
4. Chiang Rai Day Tour + The Long Neck Hill Tribe & Boat Ride
Best Cultural Tour
⏰ Tour Length: 15 hours | ⭐ Ratings: 4.5 out of 5 Stars |🛕 Book now
Included Attractions:
- Mae Khachan Hot Spring
- Wat Rong Khun (White Temple)
- Golden Triangle
- Wat Phra That Doi Kham (Temple of the Golden Mountain)
- Karen Long Neck Village
- Doi Pui Mong Hill Tribe Village
Have you ever seen those Nat Geo pictures of the indigenous tribes with brass rings and long necks? I love learning about indigenous tribes around the world, so I had to make a stop here. On this Day Tour, you’ll get to see some hill tribe traditions along with the other awesome province must-see’s.
Take a dip in the Mae Khachan Hot Spring after being comfortably picked up from your hotel with an air-conditioned minivan.
Afterward, walk around the White Temple and take in the views of the Golden Triangle. You’ll see the convergence from the hillside temple, Phra That Doi Pu Khao.
Finally, you’ll learn more about the hill tribes of the Akha tribe, Iu Mien (Yao) Tribe, Lahu (Muser) Tribe, Palong (Big earring) tribe, and Long Neck (Kayan) tribe.
“Excellent full day excursion, lots to see, super interesting! The White Temple and the Blue Temple are stunning. The Black Museum was interesting, if a bit macabre. The village with the long neck ladies was also interesting, to hear how and why they do it.”
-Nancy_D (READ MORE REVIEWS)
The Karen Long Neck villages in Thailand may be the most famous. Everywhere you look, women wear heavy brass rings that give them long necks– a tradition practiced for centuries by this culture.
Caveat! Some argue that visiting the hill tribes is unethical, akin to a human zoo of sorts. Although I admit some parts of it did feel gimmicky and a way to sell souvenirs to tourists, it doesn’t take away from the fact that learning about their culture and customs was an amazing experience.
Best Longer Tours to Chiang Rai from Chiang Mai
5. Best 2-Day: Explore Chiang Rai Landmarks from Chiang Mai, Private Trip
Best Multi-Day Tour
⏰ Tour Length: 2 Days | ⭐ Ratings: 5 out of 5 Stars |🛕 Book now
Included Attractions:
- Mae Khachan Hot Spring
- Wat Rong Khun (White Temple)
- Ban Daam Museum (Black House)
- Blue Temple
- Tea Plantation
- Doi Tung Royal Project
- Golden Triangle
Want more time to explore the region? Hit all the highlights of Chiang Rai and Chiang Sean without dealing with crowded group tours. This two-day private tour is designed exclusively for you and your party.
Your adventure begins with visiting hot springs before heading to the southeast Asia landmark White Temple (Wat Rong Khun) and Baan Dam (The Black House).
After an exciting first day, retreat to your 4-star hotel and prepare for the next morning at Wat Rong Sua Ten (Blue Temple), renowned for its splendid blue interior with a white Buddha.
“I totally recommend this experience…Jakkie told us many interesting infos about the places we were visiting and Mr Pon was a really good and attentive driver. The foods they choose for us were perfect! Thank you again for the amazing time!”
– (READ MORE REVIEWS)
Next up is Doi Tung region, where you’ll learn about sustainable agricultural practices and visit Mae Fah Luang Gardens. And you won’t believe the views of the Golden Triangle at Chiang Sean! You can even opt for an optional boat ride on the mighty Mae Khong River.
Throughout your journey, you’ll be with an experienced guide who will provide insights into local culture and history that you wouldn’t get if visiting independently. Plus, you’ll have hassle-free transfers and included accommodation and meals.
6. 11 Day Tuk Tuk Adventure in Northern Thailand
Best Tour for Adventurers
⏰ Tour Length: 11 Days | ⭐ Ratings: 5 out of 5 Stars |🛕 Book now
This is the tour that you didn’t even know you wanted! We’ve all seen tuk-tuks all over Thailand, but have you ever wanted to drive your own over the course of 11 days all over northern Thailand?
After spending a day learning how to drive a tuk-tuk, venture off the beaten path to remote temples and hill tribe communities on one of Thailand’s best road trips, the Mae Hong Son Loop.
With the freedom to take the wheels of your own tuk-tuk, you and up to 15 others can explore at your own pace and stop to admire breathtaking mountain views whenever you please.
Plus, simple accommodation and many meals are included in the trip.
Itinerary Summarized:
- Day 1: Tuk Tuk training base in Mae Wang, visit hillside temple
- Day 2: Practice driving, visit some elephants, bamboo rafting
- Day 3: Drive to small hill-tribe village in Doi Inthanon foothills
- Day 4: Trekking and waterfalls around Doi Inthanon, visit a hill-tribe village
- Day 5: Travel to Mae Sariang
- Day 6: Drive to Mae Hong Son, stop for local experiences
- Day 7: Free day to explore Mae Hong Son
- Day 8: Drive to the mountain village of Pai
- Day 9: Free day to relax or explore Pai (like Pai Canyon)
- Day 10: Journey through rural back roads back to Mae Wang for farewell dinner
- Day 11: Transfer by minivan back to Chiang Mai city
7. Seven Day Mae Hong Son & Golden Triangle Guided Motorcycle Tour
Best Tour for Experienced Motorcyclists
⏰ Tour Length: 7 Days | ⭐ Ratings: 5 out of 5 Stars |🛕 Book now
Motorcyclist enthusiasts wanted! Join other experienced riders on this seven-day guided motorcycle tour through Northern Thailand! With a small group size capped at just six participants, you’ll receive personalized attention from your professional guide as you explore Mae Hong Son and the Golden Triangle throughout the week.
You’ll have the best of the north included, like Thailand’s highest peak, Doi Inthanon, to experiencing a Karen village accessible only by boat.
An experienced local guide and driver are, of course, included in the package, as well as the national park fees, your overnight accommodation, breakfast, and lunch. However, dinner will be at your own expense.
Itinerary Summarized:
- Day 1: Doi Inthanon
- Day 2: Mountain Wat, Japanese War Memorial, and Karen Long-neck Village in Mae Hong Son
- Day 3: Moo Ban Rak Thai and cross the border into Myanmar, then the chill backpacker town of Pai
- Day 4: Chiang Rai Temples
- Day 5: Sop Ruak and Golden Triangle
- Day 6: Phu Chi Fa Forest Park and Phu Sang National Park in Nan
- Day 7: Kwan Phayao in Chiang Mai.
Is Chiang Rai Worth Visiting from Chiang Mai?
Chiang Rai is definitely worth visiting, with it’s unique blend of culture, history, nature, and adventure! Visitors will experience a combination of traditional Thai culture contrasted with modern attractions like the iconic White Temple, the Blue Temple, and the Black House.
During the day, I had the best times at unique cafes like Lalitta, boasting an indoor waterfall, a cat cafe, or even a sheep cafe! Stroll around the Night Bazaar at nightfall to sample some truly delicious street food.
In addition, several nearby day trips are worth taking. Cruise along the Mekong River or explore how opium is produced at Thailand’s Golden Triangle – where Laos, Myanmar, and Thailand meet. Visit Chiang Saen Historical Park and learn about the unique hill tribes that inhabit this province.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you do a day trip from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai?
Yes, it’s possible to do a day trip from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai. The distance between the two cities is about 200 kilometers, which takes about 3 hours by car. It’s a popular route for tourists, and you can visit many famous attractions in a day. You can take the bus, but since it’s such a short amount of time, it may be better to join a guided tour.
How do I get from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai?
There are several options to get between these cities, including hiring a private car, taking a public bus, or joining a group tour. Taking the bus and group tours are the most popular options. The journey takes about 3 hours by car.
Is Chiang Rai better than Chiang Mai?
It depends on what you are looking for. Chiang Rai has a more laid-back and relaxed atmosphere, and it’s known for its modern temples and unique day trips around the province. On the other hand, Chiang Mai is a larger city with more modern amenities, ancient temples, nightlife, and a wider variety of activities, like sticky waterfalls, grand canyon, and many cooking class options.
Is Chiang Rai walkable?
Chiang Rai is a relatively small city, but many of its most popular attractions are farther away and require transportation. The best way to get around is to rent a scooter or take a Grab, (Thailand’s Uber).
How many days do you need in Chiang Rai?
Generally, 1-3 days is enough to see the main attractions in Chiang Rai. This allows you to visit the ancient temples, explore the local markets, and take a day trip to nearby attractions. If you have more time, you can explore the surrounding countryside and visit other nearby cities.
Is there Uber in Chiang Rai?
No, there is no Uber in Chiang Rai, Thailand. However, there are other ride-hailing services such as Grab, which operate in the city. Additionally, you can hire a private car, rent a scooter, or take a public bus to get around.
Final Thoughts
To say that you’ve seen Chiang Rai, you have to visit at least the White Temple, which every tour includes. Beyond that, I recommend seeing the hill tribes for culture or the Golden Triangle for history.
In case you’ve just scrolled to the end:
- For a full day visiting Chiang Rai’s best temples, join this tour from Chiang Mai.
- For the golden triangle, book here.
- For seeing the hill tribes, book this one.
- If you want something unique, drive your own tuk-tuk for 11 Days around Northern Thailand!
Where Next in North Thailand?
I’ve been to Thailand 10+ times in my life and now spend my winters there. That’s a lot of my life biking, hitchhiking, and bussing around this beautiful country. Check out these other posts to see if any of these destinations pique your interest.
- 9 Best Cooking Class In Chiang Mai, Thailand With Local Chefs
- 7 Best Tours To Chiang Rai From Chiang Mai, Thailand
- Grand Canyon, Chiang Mai: A No FOMO Thailand Visitor’s Guide
- Baan Dam Museum (Black House, Chiang Rai): A No FOMO Thailand Guide
- Blue Temple, Chiang Rai: A No FOMO Thailand Guide
- White Temple, Chiang Rai (Wat Rong Khun): A No FOMO Thailand Guide
- Bua Tong Sticky Waterfalls, Chiang Mai: A No FOMO Thailand Traveler’s Guide
- Discover The Best Of Pai Canyon, Thailand: A Traveler’s Guide
- Golden Triangle, Thailand: 14 Best Things To Do In Chiang Saen
- Chiang Mai To Pai: Guide To The Best Road Trip In Thailand
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Catherine Xu is the founder and author of Nomadicated, an adventure travel blog that helps travelers cross off their bucket list. Since discovering traveling in 2015, she has lived and journeyed to 65 countries across 5 continents and vanlifed the west coast USA for 2+ years. These days, she splits her time in Southeast Asia and California while sharing her travel stories and resources based on first-hand experiences. Catherine's other works has been referenced in major publications like MSN, Self, and TripSavvy.