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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. 

Doi Suthep Temple & Ethical Elephant Sanctuary Day Trip.

3. Doi Suthep Temple & Ethical Elephant Sanctuary Day Trip.

Experience an ethical elephant estate and Wat Phra That Doi Suthep on this outdoor adventure tour from Chiang Mai. Interact with the elephants in the forest and feed them treats, enjoy a Thai meal, and visit a temple on top of the mountain. Begin your trip with hotel pickup and a scenic journey to a private elephant estate where you'll get to be their caretaker for half a day. Upon arrival, walk to the main base camp located up the hill and get changed into an elephant caretaker outfit. Hear about the long history of Asian elephants as you learn to cook healthy herbal treats for them to eat for a snack. Afterward, feed the handmade treats to them and walk along their side through the lush forest. Continue with elephant bathing in the river and say farewell to your new, big friends before taking some time to enjoy an authentic Thai lunch. Taste dishes with rice and a selection of fresh tropical fruits. With a full stomach, visit Wat Phra That Doi Suthep next, a temple situated on the top of a mountain. You can reach the top by walking up or using the elevator. At the top, see a golden chedi and terrace adorned with small shrines, breadfruit trees, rock gardens, and an Emerald Buddha statue. Round off your day on the mountaintop with breathtaking views of the greenery below, followed by drop-off back at your hotel.

Doi Suthep, Wat Umong & Wat Pha Lat Sunrise Small-Group Tour

4. Doi Suthep, Wat Umong & Wat Pha Lat Sunrise Small-Group Tour

Begin your morning tour by climbing the 306 steps up to Doi Suthep Temple with your local guide. Bask in the golden rays of sunrise after conquering the staircase and take photos of the unrivaled view of the city of Chiang Mai.  Then, stand in the shadow of the golden Kruba Srivichai Monument, named after the Thai Buddhist monk and engineer of many temples and roads. Gain an insight into how the monks live and choose to make a merit (offering) with them.  Head to Wat Pha Lat, a hidden temple in the lush jungle. Admire the serene statues, shrines, and surrounding nature.  Wrap up your half-day tour with a stop at Wat Umong, a 700-year old temple built back in 1297. Explore the forest and underground tunnels. Marvel at the architecture of the chedi.

Private Doi Suthep Temple and Sticky Waterfall Tour

5. Private Doi Suthep Temple and Sticky Waterfall Tour

Get picked up from your hotel or accommodation in Chiang Mai and drive up the curvy mountain roads to Doi Suthep - Pui National Park. You will visit the most important temple here. Walk up 306 steps (or, if you prefer an easier method, take a funicular ride) to the temple, which sits at 1,100 meters above sea level. The famous golden pagoda is stunning and the temple contains the relic of the Lord Buddha. Here, you'll also have the chance to get a holy blessing from a Buddhist monk and participate in a wrist tiding ceremony. From the balcony, enjoy a panoramic view of Chiang Mai. Next, you'll continue to Bua Tong waterfalls. Swim around the clear water or climb the "sticky" limestone and enjoy the gorgeous natural scenery.

Chiang Mai: 4-Hour Wat Umong and Doi Suthep Evening Tour

6. Chiang Mai: 4-Hour Wat Umong and Doi Suthep Evening Tour

Be picked up from your hotel in Chiang Mai city center and go on a short drive to Wat Umong temple in the late afternoon. At this time of day, the crowds are few and views are prime. Upon arrival, explore the underground tunnels, bask in the beauty of the temple, and enjoy the forest surroundings. It is said that the trees in this forest have words of wisdom for those who pass by. After Wat Umong, the next stop is Doi Suthep temple. At this ornate structure, which is reached by a 306-step staircase, enjoy a beautiful sunset that lights up the golden temple. Also, take in the spectacular views of Chiang Mai at night from the summit of the mountain. Join a traditional ceremony performed by the temple's monks at the Golden Pagoda. After an afternoon spent exploring Chiang Mai’s temples and enjoying the sunset over the city, be returned to your hotel.

From Chiang Mai: Chiang Rai and Golden Triangle Day Trip

7. 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: 6-Hour Doi Pui National Park Summit Hike

8. Chiang Mai: 6-Hour Doi Pui National Park Summit Hike

After being picked up in the morning from your hotel in Chiang Mai city, you will head towards your local hiking adventure. 2 hours after beginning your ascent, you will reach Wat Doi Suthep at the 1,100 meter mark. Here you will start to traverse through highland jungle and the old Hmong Hill Tribe Village near the summit of Doi Pui which you will reach after your 3rd hour. After a hearty lunch at the village and an approximate 1-hour climb, you will tackle the summit of Doi Pui peak. Here we get to enjoy 180 degrees views of the Mae Ping Valley. The trip will be completed by a climb with a 30-minute downhill stroll to the Doi Pui Camp grounds ,where your ride back awaits you. Refreshed with cold drinks and snacks, you will then head back to the comfort of Chiang Mai, but not before making a stop at Wat Suthep to marvel at this rich temple which was built centuries ago in 1383.

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

9. 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 Mai: Doi Suthep & Inthanon National Park Day Tour

10. Chiang Mai: Doi Suthep & Inthanon National Park Day Tour

Start your day of adventure at 8:00 AM when your private guide and driver picks you up from your hotel. You'll drive through the west of Chiang Mai to the Doi Suthep Temple, the most famous landmark in Chiang Mai and a sacred site among the locals. Thai people say you haven’t truly been to Chiang Mai if you haven't visited Doi Suthep. At the top of the temple, marvel at the shining gold and jeweled pagoda made in the Lanna architecture style. Listen to the chanting of the monks while you admire the panoramic views of the whole city of Chiang Mai from the viewing platform.  Next, you'll head to Doi Inthanon National Park where Thailand's highest peak is located. The area is covered by lush green preserved forests and has become one of the country's best parks. Stop at the halfway point up to the peak where you can admire the beautiful Wachirathan Waterfall and enjoy the flavors the real Thai food for lunch. After lunch, continue the drive up the mountain and enjoy the amazing views along the way. At the summit, visit the King, and Queen Pagoda and the beautiful surrounding gardens.  On the return trip, you'll make a final stop at a local market on the way down the mountain before heading back to your hotel in Chiang Mai.

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What people are saying about Chiang Mai

Overall rating

4.7 / 5

based on 690 reviews

Our tour guide Sam was a really great guide for group of four people, and made it a personal and teaching experience. I can only recommend the tour to anyone who is interested in impressing temples and a view behind the scenes. My pickup in the morning was smooth and the van was even a few minutes early, and we went straight to Doi Suthep. Even though it was a bit hazy on top when sunrise came around, the view was still impressive. The hidden temple Wat Pha Lhat was super beautiful as well, lying like a little oasis in the forest. The days after I caught myself in many "Did you know...?" moments with fellow travellers that didn't join, so you definitely learn a lot! Big recommendation!

Our guide Banana was very nice, he shared a lot about culture and history, he also gaves us explanations about what is inside the temples and how it was built and so on … he also booked a very good lunch. Great experience thank you !

We spent a good day, the temples are wonderful. The driver was good and the guide Pim very kind.

Great guide - really friendly - challenging walk but great fun - would recommend

It was fantastic! Our guide was very knowledgeable and helpful. Thank you!