The Treasures of Chiang Rai Tour

The Treasures of Chiang Rai – three days

Day 1 – Drive from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai

Visit the famous White Temple

This is a private trip. No one else will join you. This is a private trip, ensuring a personalized and immersive experience. Your guide and driver will meet you at your hotel in Chiang Mai at 0800 to begin your Treasures of Chiang Rai Tour.
Our first stop is at the Mae Kha Chan Hot Springs, a great place to stretch your legs and enjoy the natural geothermal waters. From here, we continue to the spectacular Wat Rong Khun, widely known as the White Temple. This breathtaking masterpiece, created by celebrated artist Chalermchai Kositpipat, is unlike any other temple in Thailand. Its dazzling white exterior stands out in the landscape. Since its opening in 2007 the White Temple has become one of the most visited attractions in North Thailand. What a stunning achievement!

Explore Chiang Rai by Samlor


After having explored Wat Rong Khun, we will enjoy a delicious Thai lunch at a charming local restaurant nearby. On our way to Chiang Rai, we take a scenic detour through the lush tea plantations of the Singha Park, where you can enjoy a serene landscape of rolling green hills and possibly a cup of freshly brewed tea. Upon arrival in Chiang Rai, we stop at the statue of King Mangrai, the city’s revered founder. Waiting for us are traditional samlors (bicycle taxis), an iconic mode of transport. As we leisurely ride through the city, we pass the historic Old City Hall (1899) and make a brief stop at the Overbrook Memorial House, a fascinating museum dedicated to the history of the Overbrook Hospital.

Visit the historic Wat Phra Kaew 

Next, we visit Wat Phra Kaew, one of Chiang Rai’s most significant temples. The temple was once home to the revered Emerald Buddha, now housed in Bangkok’s Grand Palace. It’s our last visit of the day. It is time to go to the hotel. After checking in at the Hi-Chiang Rai Hotel, you have free time to explore the vibrant Chiang Rai Night Bazaar, perfect for sampling street food and picking up great souvenirs. Don’t miss the mesmerizing sound-and-light show at the Chalermprakiat Clock Tower, happening at 19:00, 20:00, and 21:00. Overnight will be at the Hi Chiang Rai Hotel. The Hi Chiang Rai Hotel has an ideal location near the old center of Chiang Rai. You can easily walk to the Night Bazaar, a variety of restaurants, old temples and the famous Clock Tower.

Day 2: Meet the Akha people of Chiang Rai

Enjoy a boat trip on the Kok River 

Your guide and driver will meet you at 08:00 at the hotel. We head to the Kok River pier to board a traditional long-tail boat for a scenic 40-minute ride. As we cruise along the river, enjoy views of dramatic limestone cliffs and lush forests.
Upon arrival near an elephant camp, our vehicle will take us to Baan Apha, an Akha Lomi village. The Akha people originally lived in remote mountain areas before relocating to this area under government resettlement policies.
Upon arrival, our Akha hosts will welcome us with a short traditional ceremony.

Cook lunch the Akha way

Learn about their intricate embroidery and try your hand at stitching a piece yourself! You will also pick up some basic Akha phrases, such as “Gulung guma deh” (thank you). For a truly immersive experience, you can even dress up in traditional Akha dress for a memorable photo. Step into a traditional Akha kitchen, where cooking is done over a wood fire in a wok. Under the guidance of our host, you will prepare a delicious meal, learning how to control the fire and even cook rice in bamboo—a technique used in jungle survival. After enjoying our home-cooked lunch, we gather around for a relaxed conversation with the Akha people over a cup of tea.

The Huay Mae Sai Waterfall


After lunch, we embark on an hour-long scenic hike through the forest to the small but beautiful Huay Mae Sai Waterfall. Enjoy the refreshing natural surroundings, take a dip in the cool waters, or simply unwind in this peaceful setting.
On our way back to Chiang Rai, we visit the majestic Wat Huay Pla Kang. This temple is also known as the Red Temple or the Chinese Temple. It is home to a massive statue of Kuan Im, the Goddess of Mercy. Some people call her “Lady Buddha”….An elevator inside the statue brings you to the top level that offers a stunning panoramic view of Chiang Rai.
Overnight at the Hi-Chiang Rai Hotel.

Day 3: Explore the Treasures of Chiang Rai and the Golden Triangle

The Blue Temple


After breakfast, our first stop is the wonderful Wat Rong Suea Ten aka the Blue Temple. This contemporary masterpiece, designed by Putha Kabkaew, a student of Chalermchai Kositpipat, features brilliant blue and intricate gold detailing. The temple stands on the site of an ancient ruin, once frequented by tigers—hence the name, which translates to House of the Dancing Tiger. The construction of the Blue Temple was finished in 2016 but new structures and buildings are still being added. Since its opening the Blue Temple has become one of the must-see attractions in Chiang Rai.

The Baan Dam Museum (Black House)


Next, we explore the enigmatic Baan Dam Museum, known as the Black House. Created by the late artist Thawan Duchanee, this collection of 40 striking structures showcases a mix of traditional Thai and surreal modern art, featuring animal bones, dark wooden carvings, and unique artifacts. Whether you find it fascinating or unsettling, this extraordinary place is sure to leave an impression. The Black House is certainly Chiang Rai’s most intriguing and unconventional attraction. We will spend some time here and enjoy the strange atmosphere at this remarkable place before head for the Thailand-Myanmar border.

Mae Sai – The Bustling Border Town


We then drive to Mae Sai, the northernmost town of Thailand, located on the border with Myanmar. Here, we explore the lively border market, where traders sell goods from both Thailand and Myanmar. Currently the Thai-Myanmar border is closed to people other then Thai and Myanmarese nationals. We will take a shuttle truck to Wat Phra That Doi Wao to bring us up to the  to get a glimpse of Myanmar. Wat Phra That Doi Wao (the “Scorpion Temple”) features a newly built Skywalk, offering panoramic views of Myanmar’s border town, Tachileik. Now painted in rich purple tones, it’s often called the Purple Temple. A delicious local lunch awaits us at a nearby restaurant.

The infamous Golden Triangle

In the afternoon, we journey to the Golden Triangle, where the borders of Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos converge. Once infamous for opium trade, this region is now a fascinating historical site. We visit the House of Opium, a small but informative museum detailing the history of the opium industry (note: this is not the Hall of Opium). We then board a private long-tail boat for a scenic trip along the Mekong River, passing through the Golden Triangle to Chiang Saen, an ancient city with a rich past. If time permits, we visit the ruins of Wat Chedi Luang and Wat Pasak, remnants of Chiang Saen’s glorious history. Afterward, we transfer you to Chiang Rai Airport for your onward flight, concluding your unforgettable Treasures of Chiang Rai Tour.
We hope you enjoyed this journey through history, culture, and natural beauty!