Chiang Rai

Transfer to hotel in city center(20 minutes)

Airport taxis cost 200 THB to town. If arriving by bus from Chiang Mai, Arcade Bus Terminal departures run every 30-60 minutes — book at greenbus.co.th

Late lunch at Phu Lae Restaurant(1 hour)

Northern Thai cuisine on the Clock Tower roundabout — khao soi (coconut curry noodles) from 60 THB, sai oua (herb sausage) from 80 THB

Clock Tower light show(15 minutes)

The golden Clock Tower by Chalermchai Kositpipat puts on a color-changing light and music show at 7PM, 8PM, and 9PM nightly. Free

Chiang Rai Night Bazaar(1.5 hours)

Nightly market on Phahonyothin Road — hilltribe handicrafts, clothing, and a central food court. Live music and dance at 8PM. Most items 50-300 THB

Wat Rong Khun (White Temple)(2 hours)

Chalermchai's gleaming masterpiece. 100 THB entry. Open 8AM-5PM (6:30PM weekends). 13 km south — songthaew or tuk-tuk ~100 THB. Strict dress code: no shorts above knee, no tank tops. No photography inside main chapel

Baan Dam Museum (Black House)(1.5 hours)

Thawan Duchanee's dark counterpart — 40+ black buildings with animal bones, pelts, and surrealist art. 80 THB. 13 km north. A jarring contrast to the White Temple

Lunch at Chivit Thamma Da Coffee House(1 hour)

Charming riverside cafe with gardens — Western and Thai dishes from 120 THB. The best scones in northern Thailand, reportedly

Wat Rong Suea Ten (Blue Temple)(1 hour)

Vivid sapphire-blue temple with gold detailing. Free entry. Open 7AM-8PM. Visit at sunset when interior lighting creates a dramatic glow. 5 minutes from center

Drive to Golden Triangle viewpoint(1.5 hours)

Hire a car (~800-1,200 THB/day) or join a group tour (~1,000-1,500 THB). The road passes through tea plantations and hilltribe villages

Golden Triangle viewpoint(45 minutes)

Free viewpoint overlooking three countries at the river confluence. Photo ops with the giant golden Buddha statue at Wat Phra That Phu Khao

Boat trip to Laos island market(1 hour)

Longtail boat across the Mekong to Don Sao island in Laos (~400 THB). Small market selling Lao whiskey, souvenirs, and snacks. No visa needed for the island

Hall of Opium museum(1.5 hours)

200 THB entry. Fascinating museum covering the history of the opium trade in the Golden Triangle. Atmospheric tunnel exhibits and historical artifacts

Dinner at Rim Khong Restaurant(1 hour)

Riverside restaurant in Chiang Saen — Mekong fish dishes and views over Laos. Thai dishes from 100 THB

Ethical hill tribe village visit(5 hours)

Full-day community-based tour via PDA Tours or Mirror Foundation — 1,500-2,500 THB. Visit Akha or Lahu communities, share lunch with a family, learn about traditional farming and textiles. Proceeds go directly to the village

Choui Fong Tea Plantation(1.5 hours)

Rolling hills of manicured tea bushes with mountain backdrops. Free entry. The cafe serves excellent oolong and matcha beverages from 60 THB. The green tea cake is addictive. 25 km from Chiang Rai

Sunset at Singha Park(1 hour)

400-acre estate with flower fields and tea gardens. Free entry. Bike rental 100 THB. Beautiful golden-hour light on the fields

Late breakfast at Cat 'n' A Cup Cat Cafe(1 hour)

If you like cats — a quirky cafe near the night bazaar with resident cats and decent coffee from 60 THB

Singha Park full exploration(3 hours)

Tram tour 150 THB, zip line, and farm activities. The flower festival (December-January) turns the fields into a rainbow. 10 km from city

Doi Tung Royal Villa and Gardens(2 hours)

The late Princess Mother's mountaintop residence with manicured gardens. 90 THB entry. Open 7AM-5:30PM. 60 km from Chiang Rai — combine with the return from the Golden Triangle area if time allows

Night bazaar food court(1 hour)

Filling meals from 50-70 THB — cheaper than Chiang Mai's equivalent. Try the khao soi and sticky rice with grilled pork

Morning market in Chiang Rai(1 hour)

The Soi 1 morning market near the bus station is a real local scene — northern Thai sausages, khao niew (sticky rice), and grilled meats from 20-40 THB

Huay Mae Sai Waterfall(2 hours)

20 km northeast of city in a national park. Entry 100 THB. Multi-tiered waterfall with swimming pools. Quiet on weekdays — bring lunch for a picnic

Mae Khachan Hot Springs(1 hour)

Natural hot springs on the road south toward Chiang Mai. Boil eggs in the geyser pools (10 THB for a basket of eggs) and soak your feet. Free entry

Farewell dinner at Melt in Your Mouth(1.5 hours)

Small Thai restaurant near the night bazaar — the khao soi here rivals Chiang Mai's best. Mains from 80 THB

Wat Phra Kaew Chiang Rai(45 minutes)

The temple where Thailand's famous Emerald Buddha was originally discovered in 1434. Free entry. A beautiful, quiet temple that most tourists skip for the flashier three. 10 minutes walk from the center

Last-minute shopping at the Saturday walking street(1 hour)

If it's Saturday — Thanalai Road walking street has hilltribe textiles, silver jewelry, and local crafts at better prices than the night bazaar

Transfer to airport or bus station(30 minutes)

Airport taxi 200 THB. For Chiang Mai: Green Bus first-class VIP from Arcade Terminal has recliners and snacks (260 THB, 3 hours)

Transfer to city center hotel(20 minutes)

Airport taxi 200 THB. Green Bus from Chiang Mai: 3-3.5 hours, 160-260 THB depending on class

Late lunch at Phu Lae Restaurant(1 hour)

Northern Thai cuisine — khao soi from 60 THB, sai oua sausage from 80 THB

Clock Tower light show(15 minutes)

Golden Clock Tower light show at 7PM, 8PM, 9PM nightly. Free

Chiang Rai Night Bazaar(1.5 hours)

Nightly on Phahonyothin Road. Hilltribe crafts, food court with live music at 8PM. Items 50-300 THB

Wat Rong Khun (White Temple)(2 hours)

100 THB. 13 km south. Strict dress code. No photos inside chapel. Open 8AM-5PM

Baan Dam Museum (Black House)(1.5 hours)

80 THB. 13 km north. 40+ black buildings with surrealist art

Lunch at Chivit Thamma Da Coffee House(1 hour)

Riverside cafe with gardens. Thai-Western dishes from 120 THB

Wat Rong Suea Ten (Blue Temple)(1 hour)

Free. Sapphire-blue with gold detailing. Visit at sunset for dramatic interior lighting

Drive to Golden Triangle(1.5 hours)

Hire car (~1,000 THB/day) or join tour (~1,500 THB)

Golden Triangle viewpoint(45 minutes)

Free viewpoint over Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar. Giant golden Buddha at Wat Phra That Phu Khao

Boat to Laos island market(1 hour)

~400 THB longtail to Don Sao island. No visa needed. Lao whiskey and souvenirs

Hall of Opium museum(1.5 hours)

200 THB. Atmospheric tunnel exhibits on the opium trade history

Chiang Saen historical ruins(1 hour)

Ancient Lanna kingdom ruins near the river. Wat Chedi Luang has a massive 12th-century chedi. Free to walk around

Ethical hill tribe village tour(5 hours)

Community-based tour via PDA Tours — 1,500-2,500 THB. Visit Akha or Lahu communities with local guide and lunch

Choui Fong Tea Plantation(1.5 hours)

Manicured tea hills. Free entry. Oolong and matcha drinks from 60 THB. Green tea cake is addictive

Sunset at Singha Park(1 hour)

Flower fields and tea gardens at golden hour. Free entry

Late brunch at Cat 'n' A Cup(1 hour)

Cat cafe near night bazaar with decent coffee from 60 THB

Singha Park activities(3 hours)

Tram tour 150 THB, biking 100 THB. Flower festival in December-January. 10 km from city

Thai massage in town(1 hour)

Traditional Thai massage from 250 THB at shops along Phahonyothin Road

Night bazaar food court dinner(1 hour)

Filling meals 50-70 THB. Khao soi and sticky rice with grilled pork

Doi Tung Royal Villa and Gardens(2 hours)

Princess Mother's mountaintop residence. 90 THB. Manicured alpine gardens at 1,300m elevation. Open 7AM-5:30PM

Doi Tung Tree Top Walk(45 minutes)

Canopy walkway through the forest near the villa — included in combined ticket (290 THB for villa + garden + tree top)

Lunch at Doi Tung Coffee Shop(45 minutes)

The royal development project produces excellent Arabica coffee — single origin from 60 THB. The proceeds fund hilltribe development

Mae Sai border market(1.5 hours)

Thailand's northernmost town at the Myanmar border. Walk the market for jade, gems, and textiles at wholesale prices. Cross into Myanmar's Tachileik for 500 THB (bring passport)

Rent a bicycle from hotel or shop(15 minutes)

100-200 THB/day. The countryside north of the city is flat and bikeable

Cycling loop through rice fields(4 hours)

Head north along the Kok River — pass through farming villages, pause at roadside temples, and cross wooden bridges. 20-30 km loop depending on route

Lunch at a village noodle shop(45 minutes)

Roadside noodle shops in small villages serve boat noodles and som tam for 30-50 THB

Evening at Baan Chivit Mai Bakery(1 hour)

Social enterprise bakery employing former trafficking victims — excellent baked goods and coffee. Proceeds fund rehabilitation programs

Huay Mae Sai Waterfall(2 hours)

Multi-tiered waterfall in national park. 100 THB. Swimming pools, quiet on weekdays. 20 km northeast

Mae Khachan Hot Springs(1 hour)

Natural hot springs south of city. Boil eggs in geyser pools (10 THB/basket). Free foot soaking

Lunch at a roadside restaurant near hot springs(1 hour)

Grilled chicken (gai yang) and sticky rice from 50 THB

Wiang Pa Pao Saturday market(1 hour)

If it's Saturday — this small town on the road to Chiang Mai has an authentic local market with hilltribe vendors. 45 minutes south

Drive to Chiang Khong(2 hours)

Scenic drive through mountains along Route 1020. Rent a car or arrange driver (~1,500 THB)

Mekong riverside walk in Chiang Khong(1.5 hours)

Peaceful river town without the tourist crowds of the Golden Triangle. Walk the promenade, watch boats heading to Laos

Lunch at Tamilla Guest House restaurant(1 hour)

Riverside dining with views over the Mekong to Laos — Thai and Lao dishes from 80 THB

Phu Chi Fah viewpoint drive(2 hours)

If weather is clear — detour to this mountaintop viewpoint (1,628m) for a sea of clouds at dawn. Better as an early-morning visit if you overnight in the area

Akha Ama Coffee Roastery(1 hour)

Specialty coffee roasted from Akha hilltribe-grown beans. Single-origin pour-over from 80 THB. The founder's story of bringing his village out of poverty through coffee is inspiring

MAIIAM Contemporary Art Museum day trip(2 hours)

If willing to drive 3 hours to Chiang Mai — or do this as a stop en route. Thailand's premier contemporary art museum in a mirror-facade building. 150 THB

OR: Chiang Rai art galleries loop(2 hours)

Alternative: visit Chalermchai's art gallery near the White Temple (free) and the Hilltribe Museum in the city center (50 THB)

Evening cooking class(3 hours)

Northern Thai cooking class at Suan Bua Cooking School — 900 THB. Learn khao soi, som tam, and larb. Market visit included

Morning alms giving observation(30 minutes)

Watch monks collecting alms at dawn (6-6:30AM) along Phahonyothin Road. Observe respectfully from a distance

Brunch at BaanChivitMai Bakery(1 hour)

Social enterprise with excellent pastries and coffee

Spa afternoon(2 hours)

Herbal steam sauna and traditional massage at Le Meridien spa or local spa shops — packages from 800 THB

Evening at the night bazaar(1.5 hours)

Last night at the bazaar — pick up any remaining souvenirs and have a final food court feast

Morning at Wat Phra Kaew(45 minutes)

Where the Emerald Buddha was discovered in 1434. A quiet, beautiful temple most tourists skip. Free entry

Drive scenic Route 118 to Chiang Mai(4 hours)

Stop at roadside viewpoints, tea plantations, and the hot springs. Alternatively, the VIP Green Bus does this in comfort for 260 THB

Stop at Doi Suthep on arrival in Chiang Mai(1.5 hours)

If driving — detour to Chiang Mai's hilltop temple (30 THB). 309 steps or cable car to the top. Views over the city

Check in and explore Chiang Mai's Old City(2 hours)

Walk the moat, explore temple alleys, and find dinner along Nimmanhaemin Road

Drive to Doi Inthanon(1.5 hours)

60 km southwest of Chiang Mai. Entry 300 THB. Hire car or join tour from ~1,200 THB

King and Queen Pagodas(45 minutes)

Twin pagodas near the summit with gardens and Himalayan views on clear days. At 2,500m it's noticeably cool — bring a jacket

Wachirathan Waterfall(1 hour)

Powerful 70m waterfall on the way down — the mist creates rainbows in morning sun

Karen hill tribe market(45 minutes)

Small roadside market selling highland coffee, strawberries, and hand-woven textiles

Return to Chiang Mai for Sunday Walking Street(2 hours)

If it's Sunday — Ratchadamnoen Road transforms into a massive night market. The best one in northern Thailand

Breakfast at Rustic & Blue(1 hour)

Popular brunch spot in Nimmanhaemin — eggs Benedict from 180 THB, excellent coffee

Warorot Market souvenir shopping(1 hour)

Chiang Mai's largest market — dried fruits, northern Thai spices, hill tribe textiles, and local snacks at local prices

Transfer to Chiang Mai International Airport(30 minutes)

Grab ride 100-150 THB. Flights to Bangkok take 1 hour 15 minutes

Transfer to city center hotel(20 minutes)

Airport taxi 200 THB, or Green Bus from Chiang Mai 160-260 THB

Late lunch at Phu Lae Restaurant(1 hour)

Northern Thai — khao soi 60 THB, sai oua sausage 80 THB

Clock Tower light show(15 minutes)

7PM, 8PM, 9PM nightly. Free

Night Bazaar dinner(1.5 hours)

Food court meals 50-70 THB, live music at 8PM

Wat Rong Khun (White Temple)(2 hours)

100 THB. 13 km south. Arrive at 8AM to beat crowds. Strict dress code

Lunch at Chivit Thamma Da Coffee House(1 hour)

Riverside cafe with gardens — dishes from 120 THB

Wat Rong Suea Ten (Blue Temple)(1 hour)

Free. Sapphire-blue interior. Visit at sunset for dramatic lighting

Evening walk along the Kok River(1 hour)

Peaceful riverside path with temple views and local food vendors

Baan Dam Museum (Black House)(2 hours)

80 THB. 40+ buildings of surrealist dark art. 13 km north. Allow time to explore all structures

Singha Park exploration(3 hours)

Free entry. Tram tour 150 THB, biking 100 THB. Tea plantations, flower fields, zip line

Dinner at Melt in Your Mouth(1.5 hours)

Small Thai restaurant — khao soi rivals Chiang Mai's best. Mains from 80 THB

Drive to Golden Triangle(1.5 hours)

Hire car ~1,000 THB/day or join tour ~1,500 THB

Golden Triangle viewpoint(45 minutes)

Free overlook of Thailand-Laos-Myanmar confluence

Boat to Don Sao island (Laos)(1 hour)

~400 THB. No visa needed. Small market with Lao whiskey and crafts

Hall of Opium museum(1.5 hours)

200 THB. Atmospheric history of the Golden Triangle opium trade

Chiang Saen historical park(1 hour)

Lanna kingdom ruins — 12th-century chedi, ancient city walls. Free

Dinner at Rim Khong, Chiang Saen(1 hour)

Mekong fish dishes with river views. From 100 THB

Community-based hilltribe tour(7 hours)

Via PDA Tours or Mirror Foundation. 1,500-2,500 THB full day. Visit villages, share lunch with families, learn weaving and farming. Proceeds go to communities

Evening reflection at night bazaar(1 hour)

Quieter evening — hilltribe handicrafts at the bazaar have more meaning after today's visit

Choui Fong Tea Plantation(1.5 hours)

Rolling tea hills. Free entry. Oolong and matcha from 60 THB. Green tea cake is addictive

Doi Chaang Coffee Farm(2 hours)

Fair-trade Akha coffee village 30 km northwest. Tour the roastery and learn how the community transformed from opium to coffee. Tastings from 60 THB

Lunch at Doi Chaang village(1 hour)

Simple hillside restaurant — noodle soup and local dishes from 50 THB with mountain views

Akha Ama Coffee in the city(1 hour)

Specialty single-origin pour-over from 80 THB. The founder's village-to-cup story is inspiring

Late breakfast at BaanChivitMai Bakery(1 hour)

Social enterprise employing former trafficking victims — excellent pastries and coffee

Thai massage(1.5 hours)

Traditional massage from 250 THB along Phahonyothin Road

Afternoon at the Hilltribe Museum(1.5 hours)

50 THB. Educational exhibits on Akha, Hmong, Yao, Karen, Lahu, and Lisu peoples. In the city center

Casual dinner at the food court(1 hour)

Night bazaar food court — sticky rice and grilled pork, noodle soup, fruit shakes

Doi Tung Royal Villa(2 hours)

90 THB. Alpine gardens at 1,300m. Open 7AM-5:30PM

Doi Tung Tree Top Walk(45 minutes)

Canopy walkway. Combined ticket 290 THB for villa + garden + tree top

Doi Tung Coffee Shop lunch(45 minutes)

Excellent Arabica from the royal development project. From 60 THB

Mae Sai border market(1.5 hours)

Thailand's northernmost town. Jade, gems, textiles at wholesale prices. Optional Myanmar crossing 500 THB

Huay Mae Sai Waterfall(2 hours)

Multi-tiered falls in national park. 100 THB. Swimming pools. 20 km northeast

Khun Korn Waterfall(1.5 hours)

70m cascading waterfall 30 km south. Short hike through forest to reach it. Less visited than Huay Mae Sai

Mae Khachan Hot Springs(1 hour)

Boil eggs in the geyser (10 THB/basket). Free foot soaking area

Quiet dinner at Cabbages & Condoms(1.5 hours)

PDA Foundation restaurant — Thai dishes from 100 THB. Quirky condom-themed decor funds HIV education

Drive to Chiang Khong(2 hours)

Scenic mountain road via Route 1020. Car rental or driver ~1,500 THB

Mekong riverside walk(1.5 hours)

Peaceful promenade without tourist crowds. Watch boats heading to Laos

Lunch at Tamilla Guest House(1 hour)

River views, Thai and Lao dishes from 80 THB

Visit Wat Phra Kaew Chiang Khong(30 minutes)

Small riverside temple with peaceful Mekong views. Free

Return via Chiang Saen(1.5 hours)

Stop at riverside cafes along the way back

Rent bicycle(15 minutes)

100-200 THB/day from hotel or bike shop

Cycling loop through rice fields(4 hours)

North along the Kok River — farming villages, roadside temples, wooden bridges. 20-30 km loop

Village noodle shop lunch(45 minutes)

Boat noodles and som tam at roadside shops, 30-50 THB

Sunset from the Kok River bridge(30 minutes)

Golden light over the river and surrounding mountains

Morning market visit(1 hour)

Soi 1 morning market — northern sausages, sticky rice, grilled meats from 20-40 THB

Northern Thai cooking class(4 hours)

Suan Bua Cooking School — 900 THB. Learn khao soi, som tam, larb, and northern curries. Market visit included

Chalermchai art gallery(1 hour)

The White Temple artist's personal gallery near the temple. Free. See works-in-progress and lesser-known pieces

Evening at Doi Pha Tang viewpoint(2 hours)

If arranged ahead — mountain viewpoint 100 km northeast for sunset above the clouds. Best November-February

Morning at Wat Phra Kaew(45 minutes)

Where Thailand's Emerald Buddha was discovered in 1434. Free. A quiet gem

Drive Route 118 to Chiang Mai(4 hours)

Stop at roadside viewpoints and hot springs. Or VIP Green Bus: 260 THB, 3 hours

Doi Suthep temple stop(1.5 hours)

Chiang Mai's hilltop temple. 30 THB. 309 steps or cable car to panoramic city views

Check in and Nimmanhaemin Road dinner(2 hours)

Trendy restaurant street in Chiang Mai — craft cocktails and fusion Thai

Wat Chedi Luang(1 hour)

40 THB. Ruined 14th-century chedi that once held the Emerald Buddha. Monk chat sessions available

Wat Phra Singh(45 minutes)

40 THB. Chiang Mai's most revered temple with stunning Lanna architecture

Wat Chiang Man(30 minutes)

Free. Chiang Mai's oldest temple (1296). Elephant buttressed chedi

Lunch at Khao Soi Khun Yai(45 minutes)

Legendary khao soi stall — widely considered the best in Chiang Mai. 50 THB per bowl. Closes when sold out (usually by 1PM)

Sunday Walking Street or Saturday Wualai Market(2 hours)

Depending on the day — massive night markets with crafts, food, and music. Northern Thailand's best market experience

Drive to Doi Inthanon(1.5 hours)

60 km southwest. Entry 300 THB. Hire car or join tour from 1,200 THB

King and Queen Pagodas(45 minutes)

Twin pagodas at 2,500m with gardens. Bring a jacket — it's cool up here

Wachirathan Waterfall(1 hour)

Powerful 70m fall — morning sun creates rainbows in the mist

Karen hill tribe market(45 minutes)

Highland coffee, strawberries, hand-woven textiles

Elephant Nature Park full day(8 hours)

~2,500 THB. Feed, walk with, and bathe rescued elephants. No riding (it's harmful). Lunch included. Book 2-4 weeks ahead — this is Chiang Mai's most popular experience

Evening at Lert Ros night market(1.5 hours)

Less touristy night market behind Chiang Mai Gate — grilled pork neck, isaan food, and local crafts at local prices

Morning yoga class(1.5 hours)

Wild Rose Yoga or Yoga Tree offer drop-in classes from 300-500 THB

Brunch at Rustic & Blue(1 hour)

Nimmanhaemin brunch spot — eggs Benedict from 180 THB

Spa treatment at Fah Lanna Spa(2 hours)

Beautiful Lanna-style spa — 2-hour herbal treatment from 1,500 THB

Warorot Market browsing(1.5 hours)

Chiang Mai's largest market — dried fruits, spices, textiles. Local prices

Thai Farm Cooking School(5 hours)

Organic farm cooking class — 1,200 THB. Market visit, harvest ingredients from the garden, cook 6 dishes including curry paste from scratch

Silver village (Wualai)(1.5 hours)

Watch silversmiths at work in the Wualai neighborhood. Buy handmade silver jewelry directly from artisans — 200-2,000 THB

Sunset drinks at North Gate Jazz Co-Op(1.5 hours)

Live jazz every night from 9PM. Beer 100 THB. One of Chiang Mai's legendary venues

Bua Tong (Sticky Falls)(2 hours)

Limestone waterfall where mineral deposits make the rock grippy — you can climb up the cascading water barefoot. 60 km north. Free entry

Mae Kampong village(3 hours)

Mountain village at 1,300m with homestays, coffee cultivation, and a giant treehouse canopy walk (~100 THB). Community-based tourism done right. 50 km east of Chiang Mai

Lunch at Mae Kampong homestay(1 hour)

Northern Thai home cooking served family-style — 100-200 THB per person

Evening at Chiang Mai Gate night food market(1 hour)

The cheapest night food market — full meals from 30-50 THB

Return to a favorite temple or cafe(2 hours)

Whether it's the White Temple's serenity, Chiang Rai's river walk, or Chiang Mai's Old City — revisit what moved you

Final souvenir shopping(1.5 hours)

Hilltribe textiles, Doi Chaang coffee beans, northern Thai spice sets, handmade paper products

Farewell dinner at David's Kitchen(2 hours)

Chiang Mai's top-rated French-Thai fine dining — tasting menus from 1,500 THB. Book ahead. Worth the splurge for a final night

Breakfast at the hotel or Graph Cafe(45 minutes)

Graph One Nimman serves specialty coffee and pastries from 80 THB — a proper caffeine send-off

Last-minute shopping at Warorot Market(45 minutes)

Dried mango, northern sausage, roasted chili paste — lightweight gifts that pack well

Transfer to Chiang Mai Airport(30 minutes)

Grab ride 100-150 THB. Flights to Bangkok hourly, ~1 hour 15 minutes