White, Blue, Black House/Red Temples Day Trip from Chiang Mai
Description
Journey into the heart of northern Thailand on a full-day cultural escape from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai. Travel along scenic mountain roads with rolling hills, lush valleys, and misty peaks; the winding drive offers breathtaking countryside views and a peaceful glimpse into rural Thai life. Uncover Chiang Rai’s artistic gems—explore the otherworldly White Temple (Wat Rong Khun), the bold and mysterious Black House (Baan Dam) or the striking Red Temple (Wat Huay Pla Kang), and the vividly serene Blue Temple (Wat Rong Suea Ten). Relax at Mae Kajan Hot Spring and enjoy a tasty Thai buffet lunch. Crafted for diverse travel styles, this tour promises a blend of nature, art, and culture with round-trip hotel transfers for a hassle-free experience.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Take a refreshing break at Mae Kajan Hot Spring, where you can stretch your legs, dip your feet in warm mineral water, and see locals boiling eggs in the bubbling geothermal pools—a unique and relaxing roadside experience.
White Temple’s gleaming design by artist Chalermchai Kositpipat. Cross the Bridge of Rebirth, surrounded by symbolic sculptures, and explore surreal murals blending Buddhist themes with unexpected modern imagery.
Explore the Black House, a striking mix of dark teak buildings and eerie art by Thawan Duchanee. Discover animal bones, tribal artifacts, and symbolic displays that reflect themes of life, death, and Thai spirituality.
Marvel at the Blue Temple’s vivid sapphire walls, golden accents, and serene Buddha statue. Admire the intricate murals and glowing atmosphere that blend modern artistry with deep spiritual meaning in this photogenic final stop.
(Optional) Visit the Karen Long-neck tribe to learn about their unique culture and traditions. If you choose not to join, you can relax and wait comfortably in the van or spend your time at a small coffee shop during this optional stop.
(If select) Visit the striking Red Temple (Wat Huay Pla Kang), home to a towering white Guan Yin statue, vibrant red pagoda, ornate halls, and sweeping panoramic views over Chiang Rai’s countryside.
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
Alternatively, pickup is available directly from your hotel within Chiang Mai's Old Town or Nimman area. Pickup times are scheduled between 07:00 AM and 07:30 AM. Your precise pickup time will be communicated to you via email; therefore, we advise you to consult your inbox. Kindly meet your driver in the hotel lobby at least 10 minutes before your scheduled pickup. Arriving more than 10 minutes late or after our departure may result in a no-show designation.
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Children aged 3 to 6 years qualify for child tickets
- To respectfully visit the temples, please dress modestly. Closed-toe shoes like sneakers or sports shoes are acceptable, but flip-flops are not. T-shirts are fine, but tank tops are not permitted. Long pants or jeans are appropriate, while shorts are not allowed
- Individuals desiring to end their participation in the program at Central Plaza, Chiang Rai, and reside at that location are requested to ensure their baggage is appropriately sized (small)
- Kindly be advised that the journey from Chiang Mai City to the considerably distant Chiang Rai will involve an extended minivan transfer along a route characterized by a winding road
- For this joint tour, kindly await the operator's arrival at your hotel, as they will be collecting each guest sequentially. Should you experience a prolonged wait, please contact the tour operator immediately. Your patience is greatly appreciated
- Should the details provided in your booking not accurately reflect the situation upon arrival (for instance, discrepancies in a child's age or height, or the total number of participants), you will be responsible for settling any supplementary charges for the tour at that time
- The estimated time of arrival back at your hotel is between 6:00 PM and 6:30 PM. Please note that this timeframe may vary slightly depending on your hotel's location and prevailing traffic conditions
- In the unlikely event of a tour cancellation, you will be notified in advance, and we will offer the choice of an alternative date, a different tour, or a full reimbursement
Reviews(3)
I joined mainly for the famous temples, but the different architecture made the trip even more interesting. There was quite a bit of driving between places, though the scenery helped pass the time. A good choice if you want to see several landmarks in one outing.
I almost skipped this tour because I thought it would be another long sightseeing day, but I'm glad I didn't. Every stop felt different, and our guide shared interesting stories without making it feel like a history class. The café stop was a nice bonus too. It was quite a long day, although the scenery made up for it.
It was reasonably disappointing that the guide seemed rather disinterested in sharing information or knowledge about the temples we were visiting & instead I needed to rely on ChatGPT to get the relevant information on what I was seeing. Lunch was mediocre. The visit to the hot springs could have been slightly longer. The guide constantly took pictures of us but then I needed to message him to request the pictures. The stop at Lalitta Cafe was great.
