Chiang Mai: Doi Tung, Doi Mae, Salong Day Trip with Driver

Planning a day trip from Chiang Mai to the northern province of Chiang Rai? This tour offers a well-rounded glimpse into the region’s natural beauty, rich culture, and serene landscapes—all without the hassle of arranging transportation or guides yourself.

What makes this experience particularly appealing? First, the scenic mountain views and cool climate provide a refreshing change from Chiang Mai’s bustling city vibe. Second, the chance to sample authentic Yunnan-style dishes and premium Oolong tea transports your taste buds straight to the hills of China. Third, the trip’s comfort and safety are assured by a professional driver, making it perfect for travelers who want to relax and enjoy the scenery.

One consideration to keep in mind: the schedule is quite packed, meaning you’ll cover multiple sites in one day, which can feel rushed if you’re a slow explorer. This tour suits those eager to experience a variety of sights in a single day—ideal for travelers who prefer a curated, hassle-free adventure over leisure time at each stop.

Key Points

• Scenic Mountain Landscapes: Expect breathtaking views and cool air, perfect for nature lovers.
• Cultural Insights: Visit a royal villa, sacred temples, and a hill tribe market for a taste of local life.
• Gastronomic Delights: Enjoy Yunnan-style noodles and taste premium Oolong tea at a tea plantation.
• Convenience and Comfort: Travel in a private air-conditioned vehicle with a professional driver.
• Time-efficient: Combines multiple highlights into a single day, saving planning and transportation hassle.
• Authentic Experiences: Small group size and knowledgeable driver enhance the trip’s genuine feel.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Itinerary Breakdown: What You Can Expect

Morning Departure and Scenic Drive

The day kicks off early, with hotel pickups around 7:00 AM. From Chiang Mai, the drive to Chiang Rai takes about 3.5 to 4 hours, so setting out early helps maximize your time at each site. The coach, driven by a professional, ensures a smooth journey, and some travelers noted how helpful and friendly their driver, Mr. Kob, was—showing a genuine willingness to make the trip memorable.

Doi Tung Royal Villa & Mae Fah Luang Garden

Arriving at Doi Tung around 10:30 AM, you’ll visit the Royal Villa, a site with significant history connected to the Princess Mother. Here, the views are especially notable—mountains stretching into the distance, with a crisp, cool breeze that makes the visit feel especially refreshing. Next, explore the Mae Fah Luang Garden, renowned for its vibrant winter flower displays. Travelers love how colorful and well-maintained it is—an ideal spot for photos and soaking in nature’s beauty.

Wat Phra That Doi Tung

Following the gardens, you’ll see the Wat Phra That Doi Tung, an important sacred temple perched atop the mountain. Its tranquil atmosphere and panoramic views make it a favorite among visitors. The significance of the temple adds a spiritual layer to the experience, offering a peaceful moment amid the tour’s more lively stops.

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Heading to Doi Mae Salong

After a short drive, around 1:00 PM, lunch awaits at Doi Mae Salong. Here, authentic Yunnan cuisine is the star—think Yunnan-style noodles and steamed buns. Reviewers appreciated the quality of the food, describing it as flavorful and satisfying, making it a highlight of the trip in itself.

Exploring Doi Mae Salong & Tea Plantation

Post-lunch, the tour continues with a visit to a tea plantation, where you can taste premium Oolong tea and enjoy sweeping mountain vistas. The area is known for its lush tea fields, and many travelers find this to be the most photogenic part of the trip. The visit offers a chance to understand the local tea-making process and appreciate the landscape’s beauty.

Santikhiri Village & Market

A stroll through Santikhiri Village offers a glimpse into Yunnanese culture—local markets, craft stalls, and a chance to see the influences of Chinese hill tribes. Reviewers mention loving the cultural contrast and the chance to pick up unique souvenirs.

Return Journey and Arrival

By around 4:00 PM, the group departs to head back to Chiang Mai. The drive, lasting about four hours, is typically comfortable and scenic, with stops at cafes or gas stations. Expect to arrive back in Chiang Mai around 8:00 PM, tired but enriched by a day filled with stunning views and authentic experiences.

What You Will Love About This Tour

Stunning Mountain Views: The entire day features sweeping vistas, especially from Doi Tung and the tea plantations. Many travelers comment on how breathtaking and peaceful the scenery is, offering a perfect escape from city life.

Cultural Encounters: Visiting the royal villa and sacred temples provides a sense of the area’s spiritual and historical significance. The hill tribe market adds a vibrant, authentic touch that makes this feel less like a tourist trap.

Gastronomic Delights: Tasting Yunnan-style dishes and premium Oolong tea elevates the trip beyond mere sightseeing. Reviewers have noted the quality and flavor of the food and drinks as a highlight.

Comfortable Transportation: Traveling with a private driver in a modern, air-conditioned vehicle means a hassle-free experience. One review even praised their driver, Mr. Kob, for his helpfulness and friendliness, which added a personal touch.

Efficient Use of Time: Covering multiple sites in a single day means you get a broad taste of northern Thailand and Yunnan culture without the need to travel independently or extend your trip unnecessarily.

The Realistically Practical Aspects

Price and Value

For $232 per group (up to 9 people), this tour offers a lot of value. It includes transportation, fuel, tolls, and hotel transfers—costs that can quickly add up if you tried to organize everything yourself. The convenience of having everything arranged, especially with a driver who knows the route, makes this a smart choice for travelers new to the region or those wanting a hassle-free experience.

Timing and Scheduling

The itinerary starts early and wraps up in the evening, making it suitable for travelers with a full day to spare. The schedule is approximate, and some sites may be visited more briefly depending on conditions. Last-minute bookings are discouraged because of full capacity, so planning ahead is advisable.

Group Size and Personal Touch

The tour operates with a small group or private vehicle, creating a more intimate experience. As one reviewer mentioned, their driver went out of his way to show extra sights even if it meant slightly over time. Small groups allow for flexibility and personalized attention.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This trip is perfect for nature lovers, culture enthusiasts, and tea aficionados who want a comprehensive yet relaxed exploration of northern Thailand’s highlights. If you like a mix of scenic views, spiritual sites, and local culture, you’ll find plenty to love here. It’s also ideal for those who prefer the comfort of private transportation and dislike complicated travel logistics.

However, if you prefer a very leisurely pace or want more time at each site, this might feel somewhat rushed. It’s best suited for travelers with a full day available and a desire for a curated experience.

FAQ: Common Questions Answered

Is transportation included?
Yes, the tour includes private, air-conditioned transportation for the entire day, with hotel pick-up and drop-off.

Can I book this last minute?
It’s not recommended, as last-minute bookings may be at full capacity and cannot be accommodated. Advance reservation is advised.

Are entrance fees included?
No, entrance fees to attractions are not covered in the tour cost, so you should budget for those separately.

What type of food is served at lunch?
You’ll enjoy authentic Yunnan-style noodles and steamed buns, providing a taste of regional Chinese cuisine.

How long does the drive from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai take?
About 3.5 to 4 hours each way, so expect a long but comfortable journey in a private vehicle.

Is the tour suitable for children?
While children are welcome, additional charges for child seats may apply, and the itinerary is quite full, so consider their stamina.

What should I wear?
Dress comfortably for outdoor exploration—layers are advisable since mountain areas can be cooler than Chiang Mai.

Is this a guided tour?
No, the tour does not include a guide, but the driver is experienced and knowledgeable about the sites.

Final Thoughts

This day trip from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai offers an excellent way to experience the region’s natural beauty, cultural richness, and culinary delights all in one convenient package. The combination of stunning mountain vistas, authentic local culture, and hassle-free transportation makes it a compelling option for those wanting to maximize their limited time.

You’ll appreciate the sense of discovery as you visit a royal villa, explore vibrant gardens, taste premium tea, and stroll through hill tribe markets. The trip’s value is especially clear when you consider the cost of arranging similar experiences independently—plus, you get the benefit of an experienced driver who ensures your comfort and safety.

While the schedule is tight, it’s perfect for travelers who want a broad overview without sacrificing authenticity or comfort. If you’re eager to see Thailand’s northern landscapes and cultural highlights in a single day, this tour is certainly worth considering.

In summary, this tour is best suited for curious travelers who value scenery, culture, and good food—and who don’t mind a busy schedule. It’s a streamlined, well-organized way to get a taste of Thailand’s diverse north, all while enjoying the scenic beauty and warm hospitality that makes this region so special.

You can check availability for your dates here: