Main sights
White Temple (Wat Rong Khun)
A dazzling white-and-silver temple designed by artist Chalermchai Kositpipat, with a bridge over reaching hands and surprising pop-culture murals inside. Foreigners pay a small entry fee. Go early to avoid crowds.
Blue Temple (Wat Rong Suea Ten)
A vivid sapphire-blue temple with gold details and a white Buddha inside. Free to enter (donations welcome).
Black House (Baan Dam Museum)
A dark, striking complex of buildings by artist Thawan Duchanee, full of animal bones, skins and wood carvings. Small entry fee.
Golden Triangle
The viewpoint where Thailand, Laos and Myanmar meet on the Mekong River, about an hour north of Chiang Rai, with the Hall of Opium museum.
Clock Tower and Night Bazaar
If you stay overnight, see the golden clock tower light show in the evening and eat at the night bazaar.
How to get there
| Option | Time | Pros / cons |
|---|---|---|
| Group tour | 12–13 h | Easy and cheap; rushed, with long drives |
| Private driver | Flexible | Choose your stops and timing; more expensive |
| Green Bus | ~3–3.5 h each way | Cheap and comfortable; best with an overnight stay |
Tours usually stop at the Mae Khachan hot springs on the way. Buses leave from Chiang Mai’s Arcade bus terminal several times a day.
Find tours & tickets in Chiang MaiSuggested timeline
- 7:00am: leave Chiang Mai.
- 10:00am: White Temple.
- 11:30am: Black House.
- 12:30pm: lunch.
- 1:30pm: Blue Temple.
- 3:00pm: Golden Triangle (optional).
- Around 8pm: back in Chiang Mai.
Tips
- Cover shoulders and knees at all temples.
- Check opening days: the Black House and some temples may close or have reduced hours on certain days.
- If you have time, stay a night in Chiang Rai and visit the temples at a relaxed pace.
See more ideas in things to do in Chiang Mai.
For events, opening hours and official visitor information, see Tourism Authority of Thailand.
More Chiang Mai guides
- Chiang Mai travel guide
- 20 best things to do in Chiang Mai
- Chiang Mai itinerary: 3, 4 or 5 days
- Where to stay in Chiang Mai
- Best time to visit Chiang Mai
- Bangkok to Chiang Mai: flight, train or bus
- Ethical elephant sanctuaries in Chiang Mai
- Yi Peng lantern festival
FAQ: Chiang Rai day trip
Is a Chiang Rai day trip worth it?
Yes, if you love art and temples. The White Temple is unlike anything else in Thailand.
How far is Chiang Rai from Chiang Mai?
About 190 km, or roughly 3 hours by road.
Should I stay overnight in Chiang Rai?
If you can, yes. It makes the trip far more relaxed and lets you see the night bazaar.
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