Chiang Mai: Chiang Rai 3 Temples Tour & Magical Lalitta Cafe

Exploring Chiang Rai’s Temples and More: A Relaxed Day Trip from Chiang Mai

Taking a day to explore Chiang Rai’s iconic temples and scenic viewpoints can be a highlight of your trip to Northern Thailand. This 12-hour tour offers a gentle pace, fewer steps, and a comfortable way to see some of the most celebrated sights without feeling rushed or overwhelmed. We’ve looked into what makes this experience stand out—and what might give you pause—so you can decide if it’s the right fit for your travel plans.

What we love about this tour are its well-balanced itinerary, convenient hotel pick-up, and the chance to see three distinct temples plus Lalitta Cafe—a charming spot for a break. The local buffet lunch offers good value, and the small group size (limited to 12 people) makes for a more personal experience. A potential downside? The long travel time means you’ll spend quite a few hours on the road, which might be tiring for some. But overall, this trip seems best suited for those who want an easy, informative, and scenic day out of Chiang Mai without the hassle of planning every detail themselves.

Key Points

• Comfortable Pacing: The tour emphasizes a relaxed experience with minimal walking and plenty of rest breaks.
• Diverse Sightseeing: Visit White, Blue, and Huay Pla Kang Temples, plus Lalitta Cafe for a variety of scenic and cultural highlights.
• All-Inclusive Feel: Includes hotel pick-up, guided explanations, a buffet lunch, and scenic viewpoints.
• Long Day, Long Drive: Expect about 2-3 hours of driving each way, so prepare for a full day on the road.
• Small Group Experience: With a maximum of 12 travelers, you’ll get more personal attention from the guide.
• Ideal for Relaxed Tourers: Best suited for those who prefer comfort and easy walking over intense sightseeing.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Detailed Look at the Itinerary and What You’ll Experience

Pickup and Travel: Starting the Day Relaxed

Your day begins early with a pickup from your Chiang Mai hotel around 07:00-07:30. From there, a comfortable van whisks you off towards Chiang Rai, with a roughly 70-minute drive to Mae Kha Chan. Here, you’ll have a quick break—an opportunity to stretch, grab a snack, or explore casually before hitting the road again. The journey from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai is scenic, with some brief roadside stops that add a touch of local flavor.

Mae Kha Chan Break and Initial Exploration

The Mae Kha Chan stop is more than just a rest point; it’s a chance to get a feel for the local area and enjoy some downtime before diving into temple visits. Reviewers mention the friendly atmosphere here as a highlight, and many appreciate the chance to arrive at the temples feeling refreshed and ready.

White Temple (Wat Rong Khun): The Most Famous

The White Temple is often the star of any Chiang Rai tour, and for good reason. Known for its dazzling white façade and intricate mirror mosaics, it’s a striking blend of modern art and spiritual symbolism. You’ll have about 105 minutes here—enough time for photos, guided explanations, and some rest.

What makes this visit particularly special is the guided tour that helps bring out the meaning behind the surreal sculptures and paintings. Reviewers note that the white temple’s otherworldly glow is even more captivating in person, and many find it a must-see for its unique, contemporary take on Buddhist architecture.

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Lunch: Local Restaurant and Buffet

After the temple visit, a 45-minute buffet lunch at a local restaurant provides a welcome break. The meal typically features Thai dishes, offering a good variety at a reasonable price. Guests often comment on the generous portions and the authentic flavors, which add to the overall value of the day. It’s a great chance to refuel for the afternoon’s sightseeing.

Blue Temple (Wat Rong Suea Ten): A Colorful Hidden Gem

Post-lunch, you’ll head to the Blue Temple, a newer addition to Chiang Rai’s list of must-see temples. Its vivid blue hues and intricate artwork create a striking contrast with the White Temple. With about 45 minutes here, you’ll get a chance for photos, a brief guided explanation, and some free time to take in the unique, calming atmosphere.

This temple is often praised for its bright, vibrant color palette and peaceful setting, making it a favorite for many visitors. Reviewers describe it as “more intimate” than the White Temple, and some appreciate the less crowded environment here.

Huay Pla Kang Red Temple & Scenic Viewpoint

Next, you’ll visit the Huay Pla Kang temple, famous for its red, gold, and white detailing. The visit here includes a scenic viewpoint, which offers sweeping views of the surrounding hills and countryside—perfect for memorable photos. With about 105 minutes, this part of the tour combines light sightseeing with minimal walking, making it accessible for most travelers.

Guests often mention the minimal walking involved here, making it suitable for those who prefer a more relaxed pace. The viewpoint is frequently highlighted as a highlight, showing the lush landscape and offering a peaceful moment amid the busy day.

Lalitta Cafe: A Relaxing Break

The tour then takes a short drive (about 40 minutes) to Lalitta Cafe, a charming spot where you can relax, enjoy a coffee or tea, and reflect on the day. Many reviewers rave about the beautiful setting and cozy atmosphere, making it a perfect place to unwind after a busy sightseeing schedule.

Return Journey and Drop-off

The trip back to Chiang Mai involves a longer drive of approximately 2 hours and 50 minutes. The group makes several comfort stops along the way, giving everyone a chance to stretch and break up the journey. Expect to arrive back at your hotel around 7:00-7:30 pm.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

Focus on Comfort and Authentic Experiences

Unlike some other temple tours that involve a lot of walking or hurried schedules, this experience emphasizes ease and relaxation. The small group size means you’ll get personal attention, and the guided explanations help you appreciate each site without feeling overwhelmed.

Scenic and Cultural Balance

Seeing the White, Blue, and Huay Pla Kang Temples gives a well-rounded view of Chiang Rai’s architectural styles and spiritual symbolism. The scenic viewpoints add a natural beauty to the cultural experience, and the visit to Lalitta Cafe offers a peaceful pause.

Good Value for the Cost

The tour’s price includes hotel pickup and drop-off, guidance in English, lunch, and all entrance fees—making it a convenient, all-in-one package. The length of the tour and the variety of sights included make it a solid choice for travelers seeking a comprehensive yet relaxed day trip.

Potential Drawbacks and Considerations

The main limitation is the long travel time, which may be tiring if you’re not used to spending hours on the road. Also, the itinerary may adjust for safety in bad weather, so those expecting a rigid schedule might find some variation. It’s best suited for travelers who prioritize comfort over speed and are okay with a full day of sightseeing.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience is ideal for first-time visitors to Chiang Rai who want to tick off the major temples without overexerting themselves. It’s also perfect for travelers who prefer guided, stress-free outings with a focus on culture and scenery. If you’re traveling with family, older travelers, or anyone who appreciates a slower pace, this tour suits your style well.

FAQ: Your Practical Questions Answered

What time does the tour start?
Pickup begins around 07:00-07:30 in Chiang Mai, with most tours starting early to maximize the day.

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour offers pickup from your hotel in Chiang Mai city area.

How long is the drive from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai?
It’s approximately 70 minutes to Mae Kha Chan, and then about 2 hours to Chiang Rai, totaling roughly 3 hours of travel each way.

What should I wear to the temples?
Modest clothing covering shoulders and knees is required, so plan to wear long pants or skirts and sleeves.

Are there any accessibility issues?
The tour involves moderate walking and is not wheelchair accessible. Be prepared for some steps and uneven surfaces.

Is lunch included?
Yes, a buffet lunch at a local restaurant is part of the itinerary, offering authentic Thai cuisine.

What is Lalitta Cafe like?
It’s a cozy, scenic spot where you can relax with coffee or tea and enjoy peaceful surroundings.

How many people are in the group?
The tour is limited to 12 participants, creating a more intimate experience.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is this tour suitable in all weather?
Yes, it operates rain or shine, though some parts may be adjusted for safety during bad weather.

Final Thoughts

This Chiang Rai Temples and Lalitta Cafe day trip from Chiang Mai offers a relaxed, guided, and scenic way to explore some of Northern Thailand’s most iconic sights. With a focus on comfort, cultural insight, and authentic experiences, it’s a good choice for those looking to enjoy a stress-free day without sacrificing depth or beauty.

Ideal for travelers who prefer a gentle pace, smaller groups, and meaningful explanations, this tour ensures you’ll leave with great photos, new knowledge, and some memorable moments. While the long drive is a consideration, the overall experience provides solid value and a well-rounded glimpse into Chiang Rai’s unique charm.

Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned traveler seeking a laid-back day out, this trip makes discovering Chiang Rai’s temples an accessible and enriching experience.

You can check availability for your dates here: