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Chiang Mai Religious & spiritual activities

Our most recommended Chiang Mai Religious & spiritual activities

From Chiang Mai: White Temple & Golden Triangle Day Trip

1. 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.

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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.

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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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.

Chiang Mai: Customizable Chiang Mai Surrounding Areas Tour

9. 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)

4-Hour Doi Suthep & Hmong Hill Tribe Village from Chiang Mai

10. 4-Hour Doi Suthep & Hmong Hill Tribe Village from Chiang Mai

Depart Chiang Mai and travel to the temple of Wat Phra That Doi Suthep on Doi Suthep mountain. Follow in the footsteps of the pilgrims who climb up 309 steps to the stupa on the hilltop. Get spectacular views of Chiang Mai city and its surroundings. Then, visit a village and museum of the ethnic Hmong hill tribe, located inside the boundaries of the Doi Suthep-Pui National Park. Learn more about the life of the tribe, known for their colorful costumes and handicraft traditions. Return to Chiang Mai and get dropped off at your hotel.

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What people are saying about Chiang Mai

Overall rating

4.7 / 5

based on 587 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.

A long day but worth it. Especially the Wat Pa Sat and Boat trip on MeKong River followed by the visit of the Opium Museum. Lunch was delicious and the coffee at Café Amazon lovely. Our guide Mr. Nong managed the time and itinerary ver well. His explanations at each site very informative and interesting. He also has a good sense of humor, which helps for a long day like this. Car was clean and today. Driver was polite and did an excellent job.

A fabulous trip with Pae as our guide and Max at the helm of a clean, comfy air conditioned mini van. This trip was perfect in every way and was exceptionally well timed & organized. The tour hits all the traveller hot spots and our ‘lunch’ was actually a multi-dish feast! Pae is a super nice guy and an extremely knowledgeable guide. I highly rate this tour!! And this is the first review I have ever written in my life.

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!

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