The Wonders of Chiang Rai

Trip Overview

Chiang Rai is where Northern Thailand's artistic soul comes alive. Just three hours north of Chiang Mai, this region is home to some of the most visually stunning temples in Southeast Asia: the otherworldly White Temple with its symbolic Bridge of Rebirth, the sapphire Blue Temple glowing with intricate murals, and the towering Guan Yin statue at Wat Huay Pla Kang watching over the valley.

This private day tour takes you deep into Chiang Rai's creative heart. We begin with a refreshing stop at Mae Khachan Hot Springs, where you can dip your feet in warm mineral water and watch eggs boil in the naturally steaming pools before continuing north.

The White Temple awaits: Wat Rong Khun. Designed by local artist Chalermchai Kositpipat, this is not a traditional temple but a living art installation that challenges you to think. Cross the Bridge of Rebirth, where hundreds of sculpted hands reach from below representing temptation and desire. Step through the Gate of Heaven. Inside the hall, murals blend Buddhist teachings with pop culture icons in a way that's both thought-provoking and completely unexpected.

At Wat Huay Pla Kang, a 25 story white Guan Yin statue rises above the hills while a nine tier Chinese pagoda offers panoramic mountain views. The atmosphere is peaceful, spacious, and perfect for taking in the landscape.

From white to blue: Wat Rong Suea Ten was designed by Chalermchai's protégé and takes a different approach. The entire temple glows in shades of sapphire and gold, with a massive white Buddha presiding over an interior that feels like stepping into a painting. It's less crowded than the White Temple, quieter, and just as breathtaking.

We make time to relax at Lalitta Cafe, a whimsical garden spot set among flower gardens and rice fields where you can enjoy coffee, Thai inspired meals, and views that capture the essence of Northern Thailand's countryside. The optional visit to the Long Neck Karen Village offers respectful insight into the culture and daily life of the Karen people.

Chiang Rai is a full day journey, but it's worth every minute.

Highlights

Mae Khachan Hot Springs

Halfway between Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai, the Mae Khachan Hot Springs offer the perfect place to pause, stretch your legs, and experience one of Northern Thailand's natural wonders. Located right along Highway 118, these geothermal springs reach temperatures of 80 degrees Celsius, hot enough to cook an egg in just three minutes, and locals will happily sell you a basket to try it yourself.

The springs themselves are small but striking: natural hot water geysers that bubble and steam in open pools, surrounded by a lively market selling local handicrafts, woven textiles, fresh fruit, and snacks. It's a classic roadside stop that feels distinctly Thai: part natural attraction, part social gathering spot, and entirely unpretentious.

You can soak your feet in the warm mineral rich water, browse the stalls for souvenirs, grab a coffee or fresh pineapple (Chiang Rai's smaller cultivar is famously sweet), and take in the mountain scenery before continuing your journey. The atmosphere is relaxed, the water is genuinely hot, and the whole experience takes just 20 to 30 minutes, making it an easy and refreshing break on the long drive north.

Mae Khachan isn't a destination on its own, but as a midpoint rest stop, it's both practical and charming: a glimpse of everyday Thai life wrapped around a natural phenomenon that's been drawing travelers for generations.

Wat Huay Pla Kang

Rising above the hills of Chiang Rai, Wat Huay Pla Kang feels like a peaceful world of its own, a place where soft breezes, open skies, and towering statues create a sense of calm the moment you arrive. The temple is best known for its magnificent white Guan Yin statue, standing over 25 stories tall and looking out across the valley with a serene, compassionate presence. Up close, the details are breathtaking, with delicate carvings, flowing lines, and an atmosphere that feels both uplifting and deeply grounding. Across the grounds, you will find a striking nine tier pagoda inspired by Chinese architecture, offering sweeping views of the surrounding mountains from the top. The temple’s main hall blends Thai and Chinese influences, creating a unique cultural harmony rarely found elsewhere in northern Thailand. Unlike the more crowded temples of Chiang Rai, Wat Huay Pla Kang has a quiet, spacious feeling that invites you to slow down, breathe, and take in the beauty of the landscape. It is a perfect place for photography, reflection, and a moment of stillness before continuing your journey through the region.

Wat Rong Khun - White Temple

Wat Rong Khun, also known to foreigners as the white temple, is a privately owned art exhibit in the style of a Buddhist temple, which opened to the public in 1997. The owner Charlermchai Kositpipat who is also a local artist of Chiang Rai, designed and renovated the temple due to the original structure being in a bad state of repair. Even today, construction continues and is estimated to continue till around 2070. The bridge of “the cycle of rebirth” is what you cross to get to the main building, “Ubosot.” The bridge proclaims that the way to happiness is by foregoing temptations, greed, and desire. This is represented by the many hands reaching out to you and trying to pull you down to hell. Once you cross the bridge, you come to the “Gate of Heaven” which is guarded by two creatures to who decide over men’s fate. If they allow you to pass, you will enter the Ubosot, which means a hall used for the Buddhist ordination rituals. The outside painted white, which signifies the purity of the buddha, and the fragments of mirrors symbolize the buddha’s wisdom. The inside is filled with elaborate unique detailed murals in various colors. Rather than the traditional characters, Chalermchai uses icons from modern culture.

Additional Costs (Per Person): Entrance: 200 Baht

Wat Rong Suea Ten - Blue Temple

Wat Rong Suea Ten also known as the blue temple due to the magnificent blue interior and exterior. It's located a few kilometers outside of Chiang Rai in a village called “Rong Suea Ten” which means house of the dancing tiger. The pagoda and monastery construction began in 2005 upon the ruins of an ancient temple abandoned between 80 to 100 years ago. The monastery was designed by Phuttha Kabkaew, a protege of Charlermchai Kositpipat, who is the designer of Wat Rong Khun (White Temple). The monastery was completed in 2016, and other parts are still under construction. This temple is less known compared to Wat Rong Khun (White Temple), but you don't want to miss it due to its majestic look and design.

Lalitta Cafe

Lalitta Cafe is a charming and picturesque spot nestled in the lush countryside of Chiang Rai, offering a perfect blend of relaxation and natural beauty. Set among vibrant flower gardens and rice fields, this cafe provides a serene escape where you can enjoy freshly brewed coffee, refreshing drinks, and delicious Thai-inspired light meals. The cafe's aesthetic is Instagram-worthy, with thoughtfully designed outdoor seating areas, colorful flower arrangements, and peaceful views that capture the essence of Northern Thailand's tranquil landscape. Whether you're looking to unwind after visiting temples, enjoy a leisurely afternoon surrounded by nature, or simply savor a moment of calm with stunning photo opportunities, Lalitta Cafe delivers a memorable and rejuvenating experience that beautifully complements your Chiang Rai journey.

Additional Costs (Per Person): Entrance: 60 Baht

Karen Long Neck Village

The Karen Long Neck Village offers a unique cultural experience where you can meet members of the Kayan people, also known as the "long neck" tribe. The women of this hill tribe are known for wearing brass coils around their necks, a tradition that has been passed down through generations and represents beauty and cultural identity. Visiting the village provides an opportunity to learn about their customs, traditional crafts, and daily life while supporting the local community. The villagers are welcoming and often sell handmade textiles, jewelry, and souvenirs that showcase their intricate weaving skills. This experience offers meaningful cultural insight and the chance to interact respectfully with one of Northern Thailand's most distinctive ethnic groups, making it a memorable addition to your Chiang Rai journey.