Best of Chiangmai day trip Temples and Sticky waterfall

When it comes to experiencing Chiang Mai’s cultural charm and natural beauty in a single day, a well-organized tour can make all the difference. This private day trip to two iconic temples and the famous Sticky Waterfall offers a convenient way to tick off must-see attractions without the hassle of planning, and it’s designed to give you a taste of both history and adventure.

What we love about this experience is its easy transportation, well-chosen sites, and the inclusion of lunch and drinks, allowing you to focus on enjoying the sights rather than worrying about logistics. However, some travelers might find that the tour doesn’t meet their expectations if they expect a highly guided or immersive experience. It’s best suited for those who want a straightforward, hassle-free way to explore Chiang Mai’s highlights in a limited timeframe.

Key Points

• Comfortable private transportation simplifies travel between dispersed sites.
• Visit two unique temples showcasing Lanna architecture and history.
• Enjoy the thrill of climbing the Sticky Waterfall, a fun and accessible adventure.
• Lunch and soft drinks included add to the value and convenience.
• Flexible itinerary allows some customization based on your interests.
• Good for travelers with limited time who want a balanced mix of culture and nature.

An Overview of the Experience

This tour offers a 6-hour journey through some of Chiang Mai’s most interesting sites, combining cultural heritage with a bit of adrenaline. The price of around $75.51 per person might seem steep for some, but the inclusion of transport, guide, entrance fees, lunch, and drinks makes it a practical choice for those who value convenience and variety in their day.

The tour starts early at 9:00 am, with hotel pickup and drop-off, making the start seamless. You’ll be riding in an air-conditioned vehicle, which is especially welcome in Thailand’s warm climate. The tour is private, meaning only your group participates, which allows for more flexibility and personalized attention from your guide.

The Itinerary in Detail

Wat Ched Yot: A Unique Lanna Temple

The first stop, Wat Ched Yot, is situated on the outskirts of Chiang Mai and is known for its distinct architecture from the Lanna era. The complex features a beautifully restored chedi and intricate design elements that differ from the more tourist-heavy temples in the city center. Travelers can expect about an hour here, giving you enough time to appreciate the unique structures, snap some photos, and soak in the peaceful atmosphere.

Authentic insight: Reviewers mention that Wat Ched Yot has some very unique architecture, making it a worthwhile visit for those interested in distinctive temple designs. It’s not just a quick photo stop but offers a genuine glimpse into traditional Thai temple craftsmanship.

Wat Chiang Man: The Oldest Temple in Chiang Mai

Next, you’ll visit Wat Chiang Man, built in 1296 by King Mengrai. This temple stands out because of its history and features, notably the Lanna-style chedi supported by elephant-shaped buttresses. This site provides a window into the early days of Chiang Mai’s history and traditional Lanna architecture.

Expect about an hour here, enough to walk leisurely around the grounds, admire the chedi, and perhaps learn a bit about the history from your guide. Reviewers highlight the friendly, knowledgeable guides and the interest in the temples, which makes these visits more meaningful.

Bua Tong Waterfalls: The Sticky Waterfall Experience

The highlight for many is the Bua Thong Waterfalls, often called the Sticky Waterfall. Its special feature is the rough limestone surface, which allows you to climb directly into the flowing water without slipping. You can choose to simply relax in the water or challenge yourself by climbing up the rocks, making it an exciting break from temple sightseeing.

Your two-hour visit here gives ample time to take photos, splash around, and enjoy the natural scenery. One reviewer describes the experience as “climbing directly up the rocks into the oncoming cascading water,” which captures the fun and active vibe of this stop.

Note: The waterfall’s accessibility and fun nature make it suitable for most age groups, and the tour guides often assist with safety tips and encouragement.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The tour’s inclusions make it a convenient package: lunch, soft drinks, all entrance fees, and hotel pickup and drop-off. The professional guide helps interpret the sites, enriching your understanding of the temples’ significance. The air-conditioned vehicle ensures comfort, especially during the hot parts of the day.

Not included are personal expenses, so you might want to bring extra cash for souvenirs, snacks, or additional drinks.

What Travelers Are Saying

While most reviews are positive, a few feedback points are worth noting. A reviewer named Heather J described the experience as a “sticky waterfalls disaster,” criticizing the older, hot van and feeling the guide was more of a driver than a guide. She felt that the temples closer to her hotel could have sufficed, especially with such a short trip.

On the other hand, Joanne L appreciated the friendly and knowledgeable guide and felt the timing was just right. She enjoyed the comfort of the vehicle and considered the trip very worthwhile.

A standout review by Loan P raved about GowithJoe’s guide, Joe, who went beyond expectations, taking them to additional locations and making the day feel personalized. This highlights that the quality of guiding can significantly influence your experience.

The Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Ease of travel between sites thanks to private transport
• Well-chosen destinations with a good mix of history and nature
• Inclusion of lunch and drinks adds to the value
• Flexibility to tailor parts of the tour
• Comfortable vehicle and professional guide

Cons:

• Some travelers might find the day too busy or short on time at each site
• The van’s age and air conditioning can vary (some reviews mention it being hot or old)
• If you’re expecting a guided tour with in-depth storytelling, this might feel a bit limited

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This tour suits travelers who want a balanced mix of cultural exploration and outdoor fun without the hassle of planning. It’s ideal for those with limited time in Chiang Mai and who prefer private, flexible arrangements. Also, if you’re keen on climbing the Sticky Waterfall or exploring temples with a knowledgeable guide, this trip offers excellent value.

It’s less suitable for travelers expecting an in-depth historical tour or those who prioritize guided storytelling over flexible sightseeing. Also, those sensitive to older vehicles or looking for a more luxurious experience might want to consider other options.

Final Thoughts

This Best of Chiangmai day trip offers a practical way to see some of the most memorable sites in Chiang Mai within a manageable timeframe. The combination of cultural sites, like Wat Ched Yot and Wat Chiang Man, with the adventure of climbing the Sticky Waterfall, makes for a varied and engaging day.

While some reviews point out areas for improvement, overall, the experience provides good value for money, especially with the included lunch, drinks, and private transportation. It’s a flexible, easy way to tick off key Chiang Mai attractions, especially if you prefer a personalized touch from your guide.

If you’re after a comfortable, hassle-free day with a little bit of everything—history, nature, and fun—this tour will likely meet your expectations.

FAQ

Is this a private tour?
Yes, this experience is exclusively for your group, making it more flexible and personalized.

What is included in the price?
The price covers all entrance fees, lunch, soft drinks, hotel pickup and drop-off, and a professional guide.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 6 hours, starting at 9:00 am and ending with hotel drop-off.

Are there any age restrictions?
Most travelers can participate, but it’s best suited for those able to climb the waterfall and walk around the temples comfortably.

Is the vehicle comfortable?
The vehicle is air-conditioned, but some reviews mention it being quite old and hot, so be prepared accordingly.

Can I customize the itinerary?
There is some flexibility built into the tour, allowing the guide to adapt the timing based on your interests.

What should I bring?
Bring comfortable clothing, sunscreen, water, and a small amount of extra cash for personal expenses.

Will there be a guide at each site?
Yes, a professional guide accompanies you throughout, providing insights and assistance.

This tour offers a nice blend of cultural history and outdoor adventure, with the convenience of private transport and all-day comfort. Perfect for travelers wanting a straightforward, enjoyable taste of Chiang Mai’s highlights.