Tours/Chiang Rai/Explore Chiang Rai: City and Temples Experience
Viator · group up to 15 pax

Explore Chiang Rai: City and Temples Experience

5.0(10)Chiang Rai1 hour
VIATOR5.0(10)

Description

Embark on a half-day tour designed to showcase the highlights of Chiang Rai. Begin your journey at the vibrant main market area, where local culture comes alive. From there, visit Wat Phra Kaew, the historic temple where the renowned Emerald Buddha was discovered in A.D. 1434 before finding its home in Bangkok. Next, head to Wat Doi Thong, known for its Navel Pillars and stunning panoramic views of the Mae Kok River. Don't miss the King Meng Rai Monument, which honors the city's founder. The tour continues to the iconic Wat Rong Khun, or the "White Temple." This breathtaking masterpiece captivates with its intricate lime sculptures glimmering in the sunlight, embellished with small mirror fragments that create a dazzling effect. Inside, marvel at the exquisite murals and beautifully crafted Buddha images, as well as the unique painted enamel ceramic floor, showcasing contemporary Thai art at its finest.

Tour Options

Explore Chiang Rai: City and Temples Experience
  • Pickup included

Itinerary

Admission included20 min

Wat Phra That Doi Tung, or Wat Phra Maha Chin That Chao, is a temple located in Mae Sai County, Chiang Rai. It was probably built in the period of King Achutharat of Yonoknakphan. It is famous for having Lord Buddha’s collarbone relics, which was transported directly from India. The legend says, about 1,000 years ago, Mahākāśyapa and King Achutharat of Yonoknakphan, along with his servants, were the people who brough the relics to the place.

Admission included20 min

Wat Rong Khun, perhaps better known to foreigners as the White Temple, is a privately owned art exhibit in the style of a Buddhist temple in Chiang Rai Province, Thailand. It is owned by Chalermchai Kositpipat, who designed, constructed, and opened it to visitors in 1997

Admission included25 min

The Wat Phra Kaew is a Royal Temple in Chiang Rai and one of the oldest in the city. Although the exact year the Wat was founded is not known, it goes back at least to the end of the 14th century. The Wat Phra Kaew is an important temple in Thai history, as it was here where the Emerald Buddha was discovered in the year 1434 after lightning struck the chedi where it was kept. The Emerald Buddha or Phra Kaew Morakot is the most highly revered Buddha image in the country, that is now enshrined in the Wat Phra Kaew temple on the grounds of the Grand Palace in Bangkok.

Highlights

Guided tour of Chiang Rai City, Wat Phra Kaew, Wat Phra That Doi Chom Thong, and Wat Rong Khun
All Entrance Fees
Roundtrip transportation from/to Chiang Rai hotels

What's included

Included
Guided tour of Chiang Rai City, Wat Phra Kaew, Wat Phra That Doi Chom Thong, and Wat Rong Khun
All Entrance Fees
Roundtrip transportation from/to Chiang Rai hotels
Not included
Gratuities (optional)
Any food, drinks or snacks

Pickup Locations & Times

Pick up from all hotels in the Chiang Rai city area. Pick up from Golden Triangle hotels may be requested at an additional charge.

Traveller Ratings

5.0
10 reviews
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10
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Important Information

  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • At least 2 people are required for this activity to take place. Single traveler may book this product, but is subject to availability and cancellation if minimum number of people is not met on the activity day. (Alternative date or refund will be offered should this occur.).
  • Children 1 and younger are complimentary
  • Children 11 and younger must be accompanied by a paying adult
  • Pick up from all hotels in the Chiang Rai city area. Pick up from Golden Triangle hotels may be requested at an additional charge.
  • Should your travel plans change after booking, do not worry. I Asia Thailand will do all possible to change your booking to fit with your new travel arrangements free of charge.

Reviews(10)

C
Collin_M
June 9, 2025
We got a personal tour...

We got a personal tour around a Chiang Rai market and several local temples. Our tour guide also gave a lot of personal anecdotes which was great to hear things from a local point of view.

Operator response

Dear Collin, Thank you for your thoughtful review! We're so glad to hear you enjoyed your personal tour of Chiang Rai and its temples. It’s wonderful that your guide’s local insights and personal stories added a unique and meaningful touch to your experience. We hope to welcome you on another journey soon! Thanks, Nick (IAsia Thailand Online)

C
Christina_H
February 28, 2025
Afternoon Chiang Rai culture tour.

Learning about the White Temple and the Jude/Emerald Buddha. The market. The Tour Guide was lovely & very knowledgeable. The driver always on time & very friendly.

Operator response

Dear Christine, Thank you for your review! 🌟 We're so glad you enjoyed exploring Chiang Rai’s stunning temples and vibrant market. The White Temple and the Jade/Emerald Buddha are truly fascinating, and we’re happy to hear that your guide was knowledgeable and friendly and that the driver was punctual and welcoming. We appreciate your feedback and hope to welcome you on another adventure soon! Thanks, Nick (IAsia Thailand Online)

B
Barbara_S
January 25, 2025
Chiang Rae 1/2 day tour

Excellent tour. We enjoyed the White Temple and very much enjoyed the gallery museum there. We also enjoyed the city market and the Blue Temple.

Operator response

Dear Barbara, Thank you for your kind review! We're thrilled to hear that you had an excellent experience on the Chiang Rai City & Temples tour. The White Temple is indeed a breathtaking masterpiece, and we're glad you enjoyed the unique gallery museum. It's great to know you also appreciated the vibrant beauty of the Blue Temple and the lively atmosphere of the city market. We look forward to welcoming you on another memorable journey in the future! Thanks, Nick (IAsia Thailand Online)

M
Maria_B
May 2, 2024
Perfect Hospitality

Nok was a lovely host! Amenable and knowledgeable. Amazing hospitality. She even suggested a lovely restaurant we would not have found ourselves and took us there.

Operator response

Hello Maria. Thank you for your wonderful review of our Chiang Rai City & Temples tour. We're thrilled to hear that you enjoyed exploring the cultural and historical gems of Chiang Rai with us. It's our goal to provide enriching experiences that showcase the beauty and heritage of this remarkable city. We appreciate your kind words and look forward to welcoming you back for more unforgettable adventures in the future! Regards Nick

D
dpdhrtbk47
July 12, 2023
Very friendly

Guide was very friendly and knowledgeable. She was prompt picking us up and lead us through the temples while sharing the history behind them.

Operator response

Dear Guest, We sincerely appreciate your positive review of our Chiang Rai City & Temples tour. Thank you for taking the time to share your experience with us. We are delighted to hear that you enjoyed exploring the beautiful city of Chiang Rai and its mesmerizing temples. Our aim is to provide our guests with enriching and memorable experiences, and it is gratifying to know that we succeeded in delivering that to you. Thank you for choosing IAsia Thailand Regards, Nick

D
Danielle_H
June 23, 2023
Wonderful visite!

All of this tour was really great! Our guide was very generous of his Time and his explanations. Excellent guide and driver.

Operator response

Hi Danielle, On behalf of IAsia Thailand, thank you for your review. We are thrilled your visit to the city and temples exceeded your expectations. Come visit us again soon! Thanks, Nick

M
Mieke_L
January 2, 2022
Awesome Chiang Rai temple tour!

Our tour guides were awesome! They took us to several different local temples and explained everything about them. They also took us to a local market and taught us a lot about the different food. I highly recommend the store as the guide made it a totally awesome experience. The White Temple will blow your mind!!

Operator response

Dear Mieke, Thank you for sharing a review of your recent experience. Our team here at IAsia Thailand is committed to providing high-quality customer service, and we’re thrilled to hear that we made a good impression on you. We hope you’ll visit us again soon. Regards, Nick

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