Add dates

Chiang Mai Culture & history

Our most recommended Chiang Mai Culture & history

From Chiang Mai: Chiang Rai Temples Group/Private Tour

1. From Chiang Mai: Chiang Rai Temples Group/Private Tour

Experience Chiang Rai on a full-day trip from Chiang Mai to White Temple, Wat Rong Seua Teb, and Baan Dam Museum. Travel in a comfortable car and choose from a group or private tour. Enjoy the convenience of being picked up from your accommodation in Chiang Mai. Sit back and relax on the air conditioned drive. Stop at the Mae Khachan Hot Springs to relax, dip your feet into steaming mineral water, have a snack, or walk around the gardens. Continue to the modern architectural masterpiece known as the White Temple. Explore this fantastical space that was designed and built by a local artist, Chaloemchai Khositphiphat. Head to the Wat Rong Seua Ten (temple of the dancing tiger) to uncover the secrets of this religious site that was built where tigers were said to have leapt over the river. Admire the stunning blue and gold colors of this temple. Make your way to the Baan Dam Museum (Black House Museum). Explore a cluster of nearly 40 shadowy structures exhibiting art dating back to the Ayutthaya period. See preserved animals and a collection of bones. Travel by car back to your accommodation in Chiang Mai.

From Chiang Mai: White Temple & Golden Triangle Day Trip

2. From Chiang Mai: White Temple & Golden Triangle Day Trip

Uncover the secrets of Thailand's famed Golden Triangle on this day trip from Chiang Mai. Travel aboard an air conditioned van from a centrally-located meeting point. Visit the Mae Kachan hot springs and the White Temple.  Explore the Mekong river on a longtail boat and enjoy a tasty lunch. Enjoy a pickup in central Chiang Mai, depart for Chiang Rai, stopping for a short break at Mae Kachan hot springs. Visit Wat Rong Khun, the White Temple, before continuing to the Golden Triangle area. Go to Wat Phra That Chedi Luang (limited access). See the Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar borders from the Golden Triangle viewpoint. Stop for lunch before spending time at House of Opium. Enjoy a long-tail boat trip on the mighty Mekong River. On the way back to Chiang Mai, take a break to stretch your legs in Mae Suay or Wiang Pa Pao district and enjoy a cup of coffee or tea. The estimated arrival time in Chiang Mai city is 8:30 PM. 

From Chiang Mai: Chiang Rai and Golden Triangle Day Trip

3. From Chiang Mai: Chiang Rai and Golden Triangle Day Trip

Soak in the waters of the Mae Kajan hot springs and visit the White Temple on this day trip from Chiang Mai. Ride in an air-conditioned coach or van. Savor and authentic Thai lunch, tasty snacks, and fresh fruits. Go to a market on Don Sao Island, the Opium House Museum, and the Long Neck tribe. Depart Chiang Mai and journey towards Chiang Rai, stopping at the hot springs of Mae Kajan to soak your feet in the healing waters. Then, visit the temple of Wat Rong Khun and marvel at is white exterior inlaid with mirrored glass. Enter the "Golden Triangle" to see the city of Chiang Saen. Enjoy lunch at a famous restaurant before climbing aboard a boat for a ride along the Mekong River (optional). Cross into Laos and go to the market at Don Sao Island. Visit the Opium House Museum to learn more about opium and why it was once as expensive as gold.  Get the chance to stop at a hill tribe village en route back to Chiang Mai and meet the people of the Long Neck tribes.

Chiang Mai’s Highlights: Sightseeing Night Bike Tour

4. Chiang Mai’s Highlights: Sightseeing Night Bike Tour

Begin your laid-back evening bike tour at 6.00 PM by heading towards the old city wall’s eastern gate, passing many of Chiang Mai’s quaint lanes. Arrive at the first stop, Tha Phae Gate, which was once the entrance through which traders brought their wares into the city. Learn more about Chiang Mai's history as a trading hub at this beautifully restored gate.  Continue your ride through the spaghetti streets of the old city to the temple Wat Intakhin, with its serene 700 hundred year old white Buddha and the Three Kings Monument, where you will hear about the founding of Chiang Mai. Proceed with the tour to the city moat. Leaving the bikes by the side of the moat, walk across to Wat Lok Molee with its beautifully illuminated stupa and ornate wooden prayer hall. At this time of day you have a good chance of hearing the monks chanting their prayers.  The next stop is Chiang Mai’s grandest monument: Wat Chedi Luang was built to house the ashes of a king and was once the home of the Emerald Buddha, now housing the City Pillar and 3 auspicious dipterocarp trees which provide protection to the city. Cycle to Chiang Mai’s Gate Market for the last stop and wander through the bustling night market. Walking through the market, your guide will point out the different types of street foods available. After selecting some food to sample, sit down with a drink and enjoy the night market atmosphere.

Chiang Mai: Private Tuk Tuk Tour of City Temples With Pickup

5. Chiang Mai: Private Tuk Tuk Tour of City Temples With Pickup

Explore Chiang Mai’s more popular temples with a Tuk Tuk and take a stroll through the eclectic and colorful Warorot Street Market in this half-day tour. The first stop will be Wat Chedi Luang. Known as the “Temple of the Big Stupa”, this 700+-year-old temple, famous for its Lanna-inspired designs, was once the home of the much-revered Emerald Buddha statue. Take a visit there today and you'll see a replica version which was a donation from the Thai king.  Pass by the 3 Kings Monument, a shrine named after the three founders of Chiang Mai, before moving on to Wat Phra Singh temple. One of the more venerated temples in Chiang Mai, Wat Phra Singh was built in the 14th century and is famous for its northern Thai designs and impeccable gardens. Next, visit the Tha Phae Gate. A famous landmark for locals and visitors alike, it was once part of a high-bricked defensive wall that surrounded the city. Discover the host of bars, restaurants, and hotels within walking distance. After wandering around the gate, visit Wat Srisuphan, or the Silver Temple which was named after its ornate silver-colored designs. Before the day ends, stop at Warorot Market or Muang Mai Street Market and shop for local street food or produce.

Chiang Rai: 2-Day Private White Temple & Golden Triangle

6. Chiang Rai: 2-Day Private White Temple & Golden Triangle

Departing from Chiang Mai, your first visit will be at a hot springs. Enjoy lunch at the local restaurant. Continue your journey to White Temple (Wat Rong Khun), a dazzling temple built in 1990. Its ornate all-white exterior with embedded pieces of mirror gives it a resplendent appearance which marks it as one of the most beautiful temples. Visit the Black House (Baan Dam), an original contemporary art museum before heading to your hotel in Chiang Rai. Start your second day at Choui Fong Tea Plantation, well-known for its grand view and the highest quality traditional teas cultivated. As the site is located on the hill, you will be able to get great scenery of the land. Continue to Wat Rong Sua Ten (the Blue Temple), which is famous for its magnificent blue interior with a large white Buddha that marks the spirits. The paintings are reminiscent of the style that you can see inside the White Temple. Next, you will visit Doi Tung, the former king mother's botanical garden in the mountain.  Continue to Chiang Sean for a panoramic view of the Golden Triangle, where Laos, Myanmar and Thailand meet the mighty Mekong River. it will be a good combination tour of the nature, culture and traditions as well as the beautiful landscapes (optional boat ride on the mighty Mae Khong River). Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant and continue to explore Chiang Rai history at Opium Museum and head back to Chiang Mai by 6:00 PM. 

Chiang Mai: Customizable Chiang Mai Surrounding Areas Tour

7. Chiang Mai: Customizable Chiang Mai Surrounding Areas Tour

See what's outside Chiang Mai on this customizable guided tour. Visit the roaring Wachirathan Waterfall, relax in the calming San Kamphaeng Hot Springs, or see indigenous Thai plants at the Queen Sirikit Botanical Garden. Enjoy pickup from your downtown Chiang Mai accommodation in a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle with a professional driver. Meet your guide in the car and head out. You can opt for a guide who speaks English, German, or Spanish. When you checkout, choose 3 to 4 sights or attractions that you must see, with a few additional optional sites so that your guide has several options to craft the best schedule for you based on geography and diversity. Nature-loving customers might enjoy the Doi Inthanon route, with a hike in the Doi Inthanon National Park, and a visit to Wachirathan Waterfall. If you’re thinking of taking the Mae Rim or Mae Taeng route, visit Mon Jam Highlands and Queen Sirikit Botanical Garden. Adventure and relaxation enthusiasts will love San Kamphaeng Hot Springs and Ban Mae Kampong Village. To help keep your travel time down, consider sights within 3 different routes. Doi Inthanon Route: • Doi Inthanon National Park (Doi Inthanon summit and Angka Nature Trail)• Wachirathan Waterfall• Twin Royal Pagodas (Napamatanee Don and Napaphon Bhumisiri)• Inthanon Royal Agricultural Station (Royal Project)• Mae Klang Luang Village (Hill Tribe Village, Pha Chor Canyon, Wat Phra That Si Chom Thong) Mae Rim and Mae Taeng Route: • Mon Jam Highlands• Queen Sirikit Botanical Garden conservation center for indigenous Thai plants with a canopy walkway)• Pongyang Zipline and Jungle Coaster• Mae Sa Waterfall, Wat Pa Dara Phirom Temple• Nong Hoi Royal Project Development Center• Plai Fa Strawberry Farm, Mae Taman Elephant Camp• Baan Tong Luang Hill Tribes Village (long-necked Karen village)• Wat Ban Den• Bua Tong Waterfalls (Sticky Waterfalls)• Nam Phu Chet Si Spring• Chiang Dao Cave San Kamphaeng and Ban Mae Kampong Route: • San Kamphaeng Hot Springs• Ban Mae Kampong Village (ziplining activity and cafes)• Mae Kampong Waterfall• Wat Mae Kampong (hidden temple)• MAIIAM Contemporary Art Museum• Muang On Cave, Baan Jang Nak (Museum of Elephant Wood Carvings)• Bo-Sang Handicrafts Centre• San Kamphaeng Saturday Walking Street (Saturdays only)

Chiang Mai: Old City and Temples Guided Walking Tour

8. Chiang Mai: Old City and Temples Guided Walking Tour

Join a short walking tour around Chiang Mai to visit some of the city’s most famous temples in just two hours. You'll see Wat Chedi Luang with its large stupa, the humble Wat Phan Lao and stunning Wat Phra Singh. The first stop on your walking tour will be Wat Chedi Luang. Built between the 14th and 15th centuries, this impressive temple has the largest stupa in Chiang Mai. Walking around the sprawling compound you have the chance to see striking Lanna-style design up close. Compared to Wat Chedi Luang, Wat Phan Tao will seem quite humble in size. However, don’t let its size fool you, this small temple features intricately carved teak wood facades. It was once a throne hall for King Mahotara Prateth before becoming a dedicated house of prayer.  Lavish Wat Phra Singh is the final stop on your tour. This stunning building built in the 14th century is one of Chiang Mai’s finest temples. With amazing grounds, mosaic-inlaid sanctuary, large Lion Buddha statue and gilded pagodas, there’s a photo opportunity waiting around every corner.

Chiang Mai: Temples & Culture Tour

9. Chiang Mai: Temples & Culture Tour

Explore the historical and cultural heritage of Chiang Mai on a small-group or private tour of the most important temples, including Phra Singh, Chedi Luang and Chiang Man. Benefit from hotel pick-up, and then make your way by air-conditioned minivan to the active temple of Wat Phra Singh. Marvel at the highly revered Buddha images of the 14th-century monument, including the important Buddha statue of Phra Buddha Sihing. Discover the largest monument of Chiang Mai during the days of the Lanna Kingdom at the beautiful Wat Chedi Luang. Learn more about the ancient rulers of Northern Thailand on a tour of the temple grounds. Continue to Wat Chiang Man, built by the Lanna king Mangrai in 1297 AD. See historical artifacts that tell the story of the city at the Chiang Mai City Arts & Cultural Centre, built in the traditional northern architectural style with a typical Lanna-style.

From Chiang Mai: Customize Your Own Sukhothai Heritage Tour

10. From Chiang Mai: Customize Your Own Sukhothai Heritage Tour

Customize your own adventure as you go on a 12-hour trip from Chiang Mai to Sukothai. Take control as your driver takes you to your favourite sites, such as the giant Buddha at Wat Si Chum or the ancient temple of Wat Chang Lom. Choose to have your own guide travel alongside you. Design your own tour as you choose up to 4 attractions you want to visit and how long you wish to stay there. Benefit from a professional driver who will pick you up at your hotel. Have the option of bringing along your own personal guide who speaks English, German, or Spanish. Take your pick of hotspots in Sukhothai. Visit Sukhothai Historical Park, where you can see the display of artifacts in Ramkhamhaeng National Museum. Stare at the amazing giant Buddha statue surrounded by high stone walls in Wat Si Chum.  Gaze at the Buddha statue on a pedestal, surrounded by ponds at Wat Traphang Ngoen. Admire 134 monuments from the past at Si Satchanalai Historical Park. Explore Wat Chang Lom Ancient Remains, home to a temple where 32 elephant sculptures surround the main structure.

23 activities found
Sort by:
Page 1 of 2

Frequently asked questions about Chiang Mai

What top attractions are a must-see in Chiang Mai?

The must-see attractions in Chiang Mai are:

What are the best day trips and excursions from Chiang Mai?

The best day trips and excursions from Chiang Mai are:

Chiang Rai

Other Sightseeing Options in Chiang Mai

Want to discover all there is to do in Chiang Mai? Click here for a full list.

What people are saying about Chiang Mai

Overall rating

4.7 / 5

based on 690 reviews

This tour was amazing. To have a boat ride on the mighty Mekon in the Golden Triangle was an absolute privilege. It’s a long day but well worth it. The white temple has to be seen to be believed, it’s so impressive. It’s stunning! The food at the restaurant we stopped at was really tasty and they made put up several alternative dishes for me and my partner as we are vegans. The day is thoroughly thought out, there was also a stop at the hot springs, an opium museum, ruins from a 12th century temple and a cute coffee shop on the way back. The mini bus was extremely comfortable and ice cold water was given out after a couple of stops as was cold wet wipes.

Cookkie was an amazing host, my favorite in all of the time I spent in Thailand so far. She went above and beyond to explain all the history, and made the experience extra special. She even took extra time to take photos of us (my first photos of myself on this trip)!! The tour was gradual, didn’t feel rushed at all, it was perfect. I would suggest to make sure and bring sunscreen, a mask (Smoke in air this time if year),sunglasses and bug spray. The hot springs pit stop was pretty cool too, well worth the money, loved the entire tour!!!!!

Our guide Young and our driver Shachou were amazing! We had so much fun! Could not imagine a better day. Thank you Young for your excellent work as a guide, but most of all for being such a beautiful person!

Great experience. Doing it via a tour made it so easy. Teerawut, the guide was really attentive and provided a lot of information. My favourite part was the black temple/Baandam Museum.

Had a really lovely time and Saman, our guide shared a lot of interesting information.