Chiangmai to Chiangrai: Temples, Hot Springs & Lalitta Cafe

Traveling from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai for a day dedicated to some of Thailand’s most extraordinary temples, relaxing hot springs, and a picturesque café can be a fantastic way to experience northern Thailand’s unique blend of modern art and traditional culture. While the journey covers impressive sights, it’s the combination of visually stunning temples, comfortable transportation, and local flavor that makes this tour stand out.

What we really love about this experience is the chance to visit modern architectural marvels like the White Temple (Wat Rong Khun) and the vibrant Blue Temple, both of which push the boundaries of traditional Thai religious sites. The hot spring stop offers a nice breather, and Lalitta Cafe is a true highlight for its fairytale setting. Plus, the optional visit to the Longneck Karen Village adds an authentic touch that broadens understanding of local hill tribes.

On the flip side, keep in mind that the long drive and the mountain curves can be tiring, especially if you’re prone to car sickness. The tour is well-organized but does involve a fair amount of time on the road. If you’re looking for a slow-paced, relaxed day, this might feel a bit rushed, especially with options to see multiple temples.

This trip is best suited for travelers eager for a mix of art, culture, and scenic views, and who don’t mind a full day of sightseeing. It offers great value if you want to pack in several highlights without the hassle of planning, but it’s less ideal if you prefer a leisurely exploration or traveling with very young children or mobility limitations.

Key Points

• Diverse Temple Visits: White, Blue, and Red Temples showcase modern Thai art and visionary architecture.
• Authentic Cultural Insight: Optional visits to Longneck Karen Village offer a glimpse into hill tribe traditions.
• Relaxing Hot Springs: Mae Khachan Hot Springs provide a peaceful break without swimming options, just sightseeing.
• Scenic Drive: Mountainous routes offer impressive views, but expect many curves and a potentially bumpy ride.
• Flexible Options: Choose between shorter (30-minute Lalitta Cafe visit) or longer (up to 1-hour) cafe stops.
• Knowledgeable Guides: Tour guides like Daniel and Kwan are praised for their friendliness and insight.
• Great Value: All entrance fees and highlights are included, making it an efficient way to see Chiang Rai.
• Group Size: Small groups (10-12 people) create a more intimate experience.
• Timing: A full day trip, starting early from Chiang Mai, packs in a lot but requires patience due to distance.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Itinerary in Detail

Early Morning Pickup and Scenic Drive

Most tours kick off between 7:00 and 7:30 am with hotel pickups in Chiang Mai’s Old City. The drive to Chiang Rai takes approximately 3 hours, covering winding mountain roads with lots of curves. This route is what makes the trip a bit challenging for some, especially if you’re prone to motion sickness — a tip from some reviews is to bring medication just in case.

Traveling in a comfortable van equipped with GPS, the journey offers glimpses of lush countryside and mountain vistas. While the long hours on the road might seem daunting, they’re part of the adventure, with plenty of opportunities to snap photos and enjoy the changing landscape.

Visiting Chiang Rai’s Artistic Temples

Once in Chiang Rai, the tour usually begins with the White Temple (Wat Rong Khun). This striking structure, designed by the legendary Thai artist Chalermchai Kositpipat, looks like something from a fantasy world. Its white color symbolizes purity, while the intricate details and mirror accents make it a truly modern masterpiece. According to reviews, visitors love the way this temple challenges traditional Thai temple aesthetics—it’s an art piece designed to evoke awe and curiosity.

Next, you’ll visit the Blue Temple (Wat Rong Suea Ten). Its vibrant blue exterior and gold accents make it stand out as a bold contrast to the White Temple. It’s a space that combines contemporary art with spiritual symbolism, inspiring many visitors with its vivid colors and tranquil ambiance. Reviewers mention that the Blue Temple “inspires” and is a must-see to appreciate Chiang Rai’s modern artistic spirit.

The Red Temple (Wat Huay Pla Kang) might be included as an option, especially if you select the “3 Temples” package. Designed by a visionary monk, this temple’s unconventional style features striking structural choices and a colorful facade. Some reviews note that it’s both bizarre and fascinating, offering a different perspective on temple architecture.

Scenic Break at Mae Khachan Hot Springs

After the temple visits, the tour makes a short stop at Mae Khachan Hot Springs. No swimming is allowed, but the site provides a chance to see natural mineral hot pools, often bubbling and steaming in the cool mountain air. It’s a perfect spot for a quick walk and some photos, giving you a moment to breathe after a busy morning. The hot springs are appreciated for their authenticity and natural setting, but be aware that this is purely a sightseeing stop, not a soak.

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Lalitta Cafe — A Fairytale Venue

Between temple visits and the Longneck Village, the tour usually includes a stop at Lalitta Cafe, which has become a highlight for many. This gorgeous café, surrounded by lush greenery and cascading waterfalls, looks like it’s straight out of a storybook. Visitors consistently mention how Instagram-worthy and peaceful the setting is.

The visit lasts between 30 minutes and 1 hour, depending on the chosen option. Reviewers like Ana and Ditta expressed that they wished they had more time to enjoy the scenery and take photos. The café offers an array of drinks and light bites, making it a lovely place to relax and soak up the tranquil atmosphere.

Longneck Karen Village — Cultural Insight

If you select the Longneck Karen Village as an option, you’ll spend about 30 minutes there. This hill tribe village offers a close-up look at the traditional life of the Longneck Karen people, known for their distinctive brass rings around their necks. Visitors find this stop both fascinating and educational, although some reviews mention that the visit is brief. It’s a chance to support local artisans and gain a better understanding of the hill tribe culture, but it’s best approached with an open mind and awareness of its tourism aspect.

Return Journey to Chiang Mai

After a full day of sightseeing, the return trip starts in the late afternoon, arriving back in Chiang Mai by evening. The drive home is a good time to process the day, and many reviews praise the tour guides for their storytelling, ensuring the long hours are engaging rather than tiresome.

The Experience Guides and Group Dynamics

Tour guides like Daniel and Kwan consistently earn praise for their friendliness, knowledge, and ability to keep the group engaged. Guests mention that guides are attentive to questions, cultural insights, and making the day enjoyable despite the long hours on the road. The group sizes are kept small (10-12 people), which creates a more intimate and relaxed atmosphere, allowing for better interaction and personalized attention.

Transportation and Comfort

The vans are described as comfortable and equipped with GPS for safety, an important feature given the mountainous, curvy roads. The journey’s length means that choosing this tour works best for those comfortable with road trips. The early pick-up means a full day of activity, but most find it worthwhile due to the variety of sights and experiences.

Value for Money

Including all entrance fees, guided commentary, and transportation, the tour is considered good value by many reviewers. With the option to customize stops and durations, it caters to different interests and pace preferences. The price reflects the convenience and breadth of sights covered, making it an efficient way to see Chiang Rai’s highlights in a single day.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour Right for You?

This trip offers a well-rounded taste of Chiang Rai’s art, culture, and natural beauty. It’s perfect for travelers who want to maximize their time and enjoy a curated experience without the hassle of independent planning. If you love striking modern temples, enjoy scenic mountain drives, and appreciate authentic cultural interactions, this tour will be a satisfying choice.

However, be prepared for a full day and a fair amount of time on the bus. If you prefer a more leisurely pace or have difficulty with mountain curves, you might want to consider other options. It’s also ideal for those without mobility restrictions, as some stops are brief and involve walking around.

The knowledgeable guides, stunning architectural sights, and scenic stops create a memorable day trip that balances visual wow moments with cultural insights. It’s a superb way to experience Chiang Rai’s modern and traditional sides in one go.

FAQ

Can I choose the temples I want to visit?
You can select different options, such as visiting 2 or 3 temples. The tour includes the White, Blue, and Red Temples depending on your chosen package.

How long does each stop last?
Lalitta Cafe stop can be from 30 minutes to 1 hour, while the Longneck Village visit is about 30 minutes. Temple visits are typically scheduled to maximize viewing time without rushing.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Children aged 3-7 (less than 120 cm) require a child ticket. Contact the operator if bringing children under 3, as strollers are not allowed. The tour might be long for very young kids.

What should I wear to the temples?
Dress respectfully — knees and shoulders should be covered. Shoes must be removed before entering the temple interiors.

Is there food included?
The tour price includes entrance fees and transportation. Some packages may include a light meal or snacks, but check specific options.

What about the drive?
Expect a mountainous route with many curves. The vans are safe and equipped with GPS, but bring motion sickness medication if needed.

Can I customize the stops during the tour?
The tour follows a set itinerary, but options like Lalitta Cafe and Longneck Village are customizable based on your selection.

How early do I need to be ready?
Pickup begins around 7:00-7:30 am. Make sure your hotel details and contact info are accurate.

Is this tour available every day?
Check availability beforehand, as the tour operates on scheduled days with a small group capacity.

What’s the best time of year to go?
While the tour runs year-round, the cooler, dry season (November to February) offers more comfortable weather for sightseeing.

This day trip from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai packs in the best of northern Thailand’s modern temples, cultural spots, and scenic landscapes. Whether you’re an art lover, a cultural explorer, or simply seeking a memorable adventure, this tour is a well-organized and rewarding way to experience the region.

You can check availability for your dates here: