Chiang Mai’s rich cultural heritage and Buddhist influences come alive on the Ex-Monk City & Temples Walking Tour. Covering 1.7 km in 3.5 hours, this immersive experience takes visitors through the city’s significant sites, offering insights into its 700-year history. From exploring Wat Chedi Luang to witnessing the evening monks’ chanting, the tour promises a truly authentic cultural encounter. With high customer ratings, it’s an opportunity not to be missed for those eager to delve deeper into Chiang Mai’s traditions.
Key Points
- This 3.5-hour, 1.7 km walking tour explores Chiang Mai’s cultural heritage, including visits to Wat Chedi Luang and the Three Kings Monument.
- Led by an experienced, English-speaking guide, the tour provides insights into the city’s 700-year history and Buddhist traditions.
- Highlights include observing the Phra Bhuddha Singh, a revered Buddha image, and experiencing evening monks chanting.
- The tour is priced starting from $19.22 per person, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
- Participants must adhere to a strict dress code and follow guidelines to ensure a respectful cultural experience.
Tour Overview and Details
This 3.5-hour walking tour takes visitors on a 1.7 km journey through an ex-monk city and its renowned temples in Chiang Mai.
Priced from $19.22 per person, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. Guests can reserve their spot and pay later.
Led by a live English-speaking guide, the tour covers 1.5 km of walking distance. Highlights include Wat Chedi Luang, Three Kings Monument, and an additional temple visit.
Guided by an English-speaking guide, the tour covers 1.5 km and highlights Wat Chedi Luang, Three Kings Monument, and another temple.
Travelers will experience evening monks chanting and learn about Chiang Mai’s 700-year history while exploring temples and local street food.
Into exploring Chiang Mai on foot? Check out these other walking experiences we've looked at
Itinerary Highlights
The tour begins at the พระบรมราชานุสาวรีย์สามกษัตริย์, the starting location.
The itinerary highlights include:
-
A 45-minute visit to Wat Chedi Luang, an impressive 14th-century temple.
-
A 30-minute exploration of the Three Kings Monument, commemorating the founders of the Lanna Kingdom.
-
An additional 35-minute temple visit to discover more of Chiang Mai’s rich Buddhist heritage.
-
The opportunity to experience evening monks chanting and learn about the city’s 700-year history, as well as explore its beautiful temples and local street food.
Cultural Experience
While on the tour, travelers can enjoy Chiang Mai’s rich cultural heritage with the guidance of a local expert.
The tour includes visits to important Buddhist sites, such as the Royal 1st class Monastery. Visitors will witness the Phra Bhuddha Singh, a significant Buddha image worshipped annually during the Thai New Year.
The experience allows travelers to deepen their understanding of Chiang Mai’s 700-year history and observe the evening monks chanting.
The tour offers a unique culture, providing insights into the city’s traditions and beliefs.
Customer Reviews and Ratings
Travelers have overwhelmingly praised the Ex-Monk City & Temples Walking Tour, with an impressive overall rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars based on 30 reviews.
The Ex-Monk City & Temples Walking Tour has earned an impressive 4.8/5 star rating based on 30 reviews, according to travelers.
Highlights include:
-
Guide rating of 4.9/5, indicating exceptional leadership and knowledge
-
Value for money rating of 4.5/5, suggesting a worthwhile investment
-
Glowing reviews from customers in the USA, UK, and Germany, praising the guide’s excellence and the informative, enjoyable experience
Comments such as "Excellent – our guide was amazing!" and "Learned a lot and had a great time!" further underscore the tour’s appeal.
More Great Tours NearbyImportant Information
To begin the tour, guests should look for the guide holding a Thai flag at the meeting point.
The dress code is strictly enforced, requiring long dresses covering knees and shoulders for temple visits. The tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users or babies under 1 year old.
Prohibited items include pets, shorts, short skirts, alcohol, and drugs. Following these guidelines ensures a respectful and meaningful cultural experience.
With an informed and prepared group, the ex-monk city and temples walking tour can provide an immersive glimpse into Chiang Mai’s rich 700-year history and Buddhist traditions.
Want to see more of Chiang Mai? Here are other city tours we've reviewed
- Chiang Mai Old City Temples & Meet Local Monk Small Group
- Chiang Mai: Temple & City Tour Part II
- Chiangmai: Temple and City Tour Part 1 (Walking Tour)
- Chiang Mai: 3 Hour Old City and Temples Guided Walking Tour
- Chiang Mai: Chiang Mai Old City Twilight Walking Tour
- Ex-Monk City & Temples Walking Tour: (3.5 Hours / 1.7 Km.)
Tour Inclusions
The ex-monk city and temples walking tour in Chiang Mai includes several key highlights that provide an immersive cultural experience for participants.
The 3.5-hour tour covers a 1.7 km walking distance and includes:
-
Guided visits to Wat Chedi Luang (45 minutes) and the Three Kings Monument (30 minutes).
-
An additional temple visit (35 minutes) to explore beautiful Buddhist architecture and learn about Chiang Mai’s 700-year history.
-
An opportunity to witness the evening monks chanting and experience the city’s cultural heritage.
-
Exploration of local street food and markets, offering a glimpse into Chiang Mai’s vibrant culinary scene.
Tour Exclusions
While the tour package covers an array of immersive cultural experiences, certain items aren’t included. This tour doesn’t cover personal expenses like meals, snacks, or drinks.
Plus, visitors are responsible for their own transportation to and from the meeting point. The tour also doesn’t provide travel insurance, which is highly recommended.
Visitors must arrange their own transportation to and from the tour meeting point. Travel insurance is also not provided, but highly recommended.
Guests should wear appropriate clothing for temple visits, as the tour doesn’t supply any. Finally, the tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users or babies under one year old.
Participants must follow the dress code and prohibited items guidelines to ensure a smooth and respectful experience.
Booking and Cancellation Policies
Customers can reserve their spot on the Ex-Monk City & Temples Walking Tour and pay nothing upfront.
The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Key booking and cancellation policies include:
-
Reserve now and pay later – Book your spot and pay nothing today.
-
Free cancellation – Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
-
Duration – The tour lasts approximately 3 hours.
-
Guide – The tour is led by a live English-speaking guide.
Since You Asked
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?
Food and drinks brought from outside are generally not allowed on the tour, as the focus is on experiencing the local cuisine. Participants should follow the dress code and prohibited items requirements to have the best cultural experience.
Is There a Discount for Students or Seniors?
There is no specific student or senior discount mentioned for this tour. However, discounts may be available, so it’s best to inquire directly with the tour provider when booking to see if any special rates apply.
Can I Leave the Group and Rejoin at a Later Point?
No, leaving the group and rejoining later is generally not permitted on this tour. The guide and group schedule must be maintained for the safety and enjoyment of all participants. Guests are expected to remain with the group for the duration of the tour.
Are There Restroom Facilities Available During the Tour?
Yes, there are restroom facilities available during the tour. Participants can use the restrooms at the various temples and sites visited along the route. The tour guide will point out the locations of restrooms for the group.
Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?
The tour duration cannot be extended. The tour is set at 3 hours and 1.5 km of walking. There’s no option to add more time or distance to the itinerary. The tour schedule is fixed.
The Sum Up
The Ex-Monk City & Temples Walking Tour provides a comprehensive exploration of Chiang Mai’s rich history and Buddhist heritage. With an experienced guide, participants can discover significant sites, enjoy the local culture, and enjoy a memorable evening of monks chanting and street food tasting. This tour is a must-do for anyone seeking a deeply informative and culturally immersive experience in Chiang Mai.
You can check availability for your dates here:More Tour Reviews in Chiang Mai
- Lean cooking in A Thai atmosphere with Cookventure Home Cooking Studio
- Elephant and Gibbon Encounters – 5days/4nights
- Private Half-Day Tour The Old Chiang Mai City With Street Foods
- Rural Explorer Mountain Biking Tour Chiang Mai
- Hike to the Highest Spot + Waterfall in Chiang Mai
- Chiang Mai farming and Khao Soy
Still browsing? Here are more Chiang Mai experiences we've covered recently
- Lean cooking in A Thai atmosphere with Cookventure Home Cooking Studio
- Elephant and Gibbon Encounters – 5days/4nights
- Private Half-Day Tour The Old Chiang Mai City With Street Foods
- Rural Explorer Mountain Biking Tour Chiang Mai
- Hike to the Highest Spot + Waterfall in Chiang Mai
- Chiang Mai farming and Khao Soy
- Chiang Rai White Temple, Blue Temple and more from Chiang Mai
- Chiang Mai: Guided City & Temple Discovery with Hotel Pickup
- Waterfall Wanderer Doi Inthanon Hiking Tour
- Best of Chiang Mai: Private Tour in a Day
- Private Day Tour Doi Suthep Temple and Handicraft Center
- No.1 Chiang Mai: 4-Hour ancient city “Wiang Kum Kam” Cycling Tour