Chiang Rai, Thailand
Chiang Rai & Golden Triangle
Depart / Return
Chiang Mai
Duration
Full Day
Highlights
5 Stops
Trip Overview
Journey north into a region shaped by misty mountains, quiet villages, and temples that feel like works of living art. Chiang Rai reveals itself through its three iconic masterpieces: the radiant White Temple with its surreal, symbolic architecture; the sapphire-toned Blue Temple glowing with warmth and intricate detail; and the bold, mysterious Black House, where art and philosophy blend in a captivating way. Each stop offers its own emotional atmosphere — bright, tranquil, and deeply thought-provoking. From there, the road leads toward the Golden Triangle, where Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar meet along the wide, peaceful Mekong. This full-day private tour unfolds gently at your pace, bringing together culture, creativity, and breathtaking scenery in an experience that feels both meaningful and unforgettable.
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: 100 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.
Baan Dam - Black House
Everything at Baan Dam is black, or at least gives off a dark aura, and Baan Dam means black house. So this place lives up to it’s name. There are forty buildings on the property of various shapes and sizes, that are furnished with animal remains and surrounded by beautiful gardens. The better known white temple gives an image of heaven where the black house is full of death, being the counterpart. Baan Dam construction started in 1976 and is still a work in progress. The designer is a local artist of Chiang Rai Thawan Duchanee. He used the house as his art studio and home in the beginning. Now it serves as a museum and showcasing his eerie and unique work. The more you wander around, the more discoveries you make. The dark and mysterious atmosphere is very different than what you experience at the traditional Thai temples. Every corner brings a new surprise, and you never know what you will stumble upon next. You could easily spend the whole day wandering around these bizarre and surreal grounds.
Additional Costs (Per Person): Entrance: 80 Baht
Golden Triangle
The golden triangle is the area where the borders of Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar(Burma) meet at the confluence of the Ruak and Mekong rivers. Its located 9 kilometers from Chiang Saen city and 70 kilometers from Chiang Rai. The lush mountainous border is home to color to The golden triangle was also known as one of the world’s major opium-producing regions until the early 21st century when Afghanistan became the world's largest producer. The viewpoints along the river are picture-perfect for two countries in one photo. Also, there is an opportunity to take a boat ride across the river to Laos and visit a famous market known for its counterfeits.
Addional Highlight Not Included in Cost
Border Crossing into Myanmar
The best view of overlooking Pai and surrounding areas is from Wat Phra That Mae Yen (big white buddha of Pai). The temple complex has two buildings, a few golden chedis and the big white grateful buddha. It’s a bit of hike to get to this majestic buddha, 353 steps to be exact but well worth the effort. The panoramic view from the top is spectacular and wonderful at sunset. The open area around the buddha gives you plenty space for mediation. Don’t forget to dress appropriately.
Requirement: Must present passport to cross border
Additional Cost: 1000 Baht (1-4 persons) | 2000 Baht (5-7 Persons)
Included
- Hotel Pick Up & Drop Off Trip starts & end at your hotel
- Private Tranportation Comfortable air-con Sedan Car or Van
- No Addional Tranportation Fees Fuel & Milage included in cost
- Drinking Water With Thailand's heat, its important to stay hydrated
Not Included
- Meals & Sacks Estimate 100-200 Baht Per Person
- Guide This private tour includes only transportation and driver.
- Entrance Fees Please see: Bamboo Bridge, Village Farm & Santichon Village for Entrance Fees & addional options
- Temple Wear Please bring appropriate clothing for temple entrance
Tour Cost
- 4500 Baht | 1-4 Persons Comfortable air-con Sedan Car
- 7000 Baht | 5-7 Persons Comfortable air-con Van