Visit historical Chiang Rai from buzzing Chiang Mai with ease thanks to a pre-booked tour.
(Photo: getyourguide.com)
Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai might sound similar and both are in northern Thailand, but they are very different cities. Chiang Mai is the country’s second largest city, a mash-up of the old and new worlds, with the sound of mopeds buzzing like mosquitoes against a backdrop of temples and smokey night markets. Chiang Rai on the other hand is Thailand’s northernmost city, bordering Myanmar and Laos, and less touristy as a result. While still buzzing, it is more traditional and mystical, with towering monuments, old and new, and the feeling that nature is never far away. Of course, the best thing to do is visit both to appreciate the individual qualities. Making Chiang Mai the base and doing a day trip to Chiang Rai makes perfect sense, especially if time is tight, as the smaller, older city can be fairly well explored in a day. Here are five of the best Chiang Rai tours from Chiang Mai.
Chiang Rai’s Temples Exploration Day Trip
One of the main reasons to visit Chiang Rai is its renowned temples. This one-day trip takes in the ethereal White Temple, the vivid Blue Temple, and the vibrant Red Temple. Having immersed yourself in history and culture there is then a chance to take a dip in a hot spring at the end of the excursion too. It’s a small group of no more than 12 and there is a pick up and drop off at your hotel included too – not bad value then at less than 50 bucks. From €44.33.
Book at Getyourguide.com
Chiang Rai Temples and Golden Triangle Tour
(Photo: getyourguide.com)
If you feel the need to pack more into a day trip, this tour whizzes through everything there is to see in Chiang Rai and more. The first stop on this trip is the Mae Khachan hot spring, before heading to Wat Rong Khun, the White Temple, and stopping for lunch, which is even included in the price. The tour then taks in Wat Rong Suea Ten, and Baan Dam, the Black House, a museum gallery showcasing an intriguing blend of traditional and contemporary art. This whirlwind Chiang Rai visit also includes a visit to the Long Neck Karen Village – famously where people elongate their necks with brass coils – which might sound like an odd tourist attraction, but thanks to better management recently respectful visits can help a lot of local community-based initiatives, as well as providing an income for people living there. The grand finale of your tour is the historic Golden Triangle, where the borders of Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar meet, with a scenic boat trip. Return to the hotel at 10pm – it’s a long day but sure fits a lot in. From €65.19.
Book at Getyourguide.com
Small-Group Day Trip from Chiang Mai City with Golden Triangle
This day trip to Chiang Rai starts with the modern architectural marvel of Wat Rong Khun, aka the White Temple, before heading to the ancient 7th Century royal city of Chiang Saen. A long-tail boat takes you on the Khong River and there is a chance to explore the Golden Triangle. It’s really small numbers ( a maximum of nine people) and the guide is extremely friendly and knowledgeable. A visit to the Golden and an international buffet lunch is thrown in too. From €64.14.
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Customize Your Own Private Chiang Rai Tour
(Photo: getyourguide.com)
Private tours are not always as expensive as you might think. Based on a group of four, this tour doesn’t work out a huge amount more than a group excursion and has the added benefit of being customisable to what everyone wants to see. Choose three or four key sights in Chiang Rai and a private driver and guide picks you up in an air-conditioned vehicle and takes you wherever you want to go, explaining the history of each destination in detail. You can also dodge the crowds by staying one step ahead too. There’s an eco edge to this tour too, which is commendable, providing water in glass bottles and offsetting carbon emissions too. From €305.95 (per group up to four).
Book at Getyourguide.com
Explore Chiang Rai Landmarks from Chiang Mai, Private Trip
If one day just won’t do – and to be honest, with a place like Chiang Rai, it’s not really enough – then this two day private trip fits in more at a less frantic pace. If money and time permit, this is a great way to see Chiang Rai, with just your party and a guide, exploring the highlights of Chiang Rai and Chiang Sean, with hassle-free transfers and a night’s accommodation and meals included and pre-arranged. Pick up is from your Chiang Mai hotel or airport too, making it a completely hassle-free experience. From €237.87.
Book at Viator.com