Chiang Rai Tour: White & Blue & Big Buddha (Red)Temples

Exploring Chiang Rai’s Temples: A Day of Artistic Wonders and Cultural Highlights

This guided day trip from Chiang Mai costs around $41 per person and takes you to some of Chiang Rai’s most iconic sights—White Temple (Wat Rong Khun), Blue Temple, and Red Temple (Wat Huay Pla Kang). The tour typically lasts about a full day, including transportation, lunch, and a relaxing stop at Mae Khachan Hot Springs. The journey involves about 6 hours of travel, with a comfortable van and an experienced guide leading the way.

What we particularly enjoy about this experience are the distinctive artistic styles of each temple—each a showcase of modern creativity blended with spiritual themes. The White Temple, designed by a visionary Thai artist, feels like stepping into a surreal art piece, with its dazzling white facade and intricate details. The Blue Temple impresses with vibrant colors and a modern touch that contrasts beautifully with traditional Buddhist architecture. The Red Temple adds a touch of boldness and originality, crafted by a monk-architect and full of symbolic design choices.

A key consideration is that the full-day travel can feel long, especially with about 3 hours of transfer each way. Some travelers find this a bit tiring, and the reviews mention that the comfort level of transportation isn’t the highest. Also, the guide’s explanations were sometimes hard to follow, which can impact how much you get out of the experience. However, if you’re eager to see these spectacular temples and enjoy some time in natural hot springs, this tour offers good value and memorable sights.

This trip suits those who are interested in modern Thai art and architecture, enjoy cultural sightseeing, and are comfortable with a fairly full day of travel. It’s also a good pick for travelers who want a guided, organized experience with transportation included, especially if they prefer visiting several sites in one go rather than planning independently.

Key Points

• Artistic and Modern Temples: The White, Blue, and Red Temples showcase innovative designs blending art and spirituality.
• Comfortable Transportation: Van with air conditioning, although reviews note some discomfort.
• Expert Guides: Guides are generally knowledgeable, though some travelers find explanations difficult to understand.
• Hot Springs Break: A relaxing pause at Mae Khachan Hot Springs offers a chance to unwind and enjoy a pedicure in hot pools.
• Value for Price: For around $41, you get entrance fees, lunch, transportation, and a guide—a fair deal for those wanting a comprehensive experience.
• Travel Time: About 6 hours on the road, so patience and comfortable seats are recommended.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Deep Dive into the Temples and Experience

The White Temple (Wat Rong Khun)

The White Temple is undoubtedly the star attraction. It’s a modern temple designed by Chalermchai Kositpipat, who envisioned it as a blend of traditional Buddhist symbolism and contemporary art. Unlike many ancient temples, this is a newer structure, completed in the 1990s, but it exudes a sense of otherworldliness that feels timeless. Expect bright white surfaces and meticulous details—from intricate sculptures to reflective mirrors embedded in the facade.

Travelers mention that the White Temple is more of an art installation than a traditional temple. One reviewer notes, “it makes you wonder and is a tribute to the very concept of imagination.” It’s an Instagram favorite, but it’s also deeply symbolic, representing purity and enlightenment. You’ll want to spend time exploring the surroundings, including the bridge over a puddle of hands reaching out, symbolizing suffering and temptation.

The Blue Temple (Wat Rong Sua Ten)

The Blue Temple is equally impressive, but in a very different way. With its vibrant blue walls and shimmering gold accents, it feels like stepping into a fantasy world. Built relatively recently, it’s a striking example of modern Thai temple art. The bright colors and reflective surfaces make it a favorite for its visual impact.

Visitors appreciate how the Blue Temple contrasts with the White Temple’s white purity, inspiring a sense of modern artistic expression rooted in spiritual tradition. It’s a reminder that Chiang Rai’s temples are not just historical relics but living artworks that evolve with Thailand’s contemporary culture.

The Red Temple (Wat Huay Pla Kang)

The Red Temple is a stunning departure from the more polished White and Blue Temples. Originally a small monk’s office, it grew over four years into a bold, unconventional structure. Designed by a monk, Phra Ajarn Phob Chok, it features unusual colors, shapes, and structural choices. Its design is more experimental, reflecting a visionary approach to religious architecture.

The temple’s reddish hue and striking design set it apart, though some travelers find it less polished, but more evocative of creative spiritual expression. It’s a lively place with a large statue of the Big Buddha nearby, offering panoramic views and additional photo opportunities.

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The Hot Springs and Additional Stops

The tour includes a brief stop at Mae Khachan Hot Springs, where you can soak your feet or enjoy a quick pedicure in the naturally warm waters. It’s a relaxing break amid the day’s busy temple visits. Several reviews mention that the hot springs are a highlight for their relaxing vibes and the chance to unwind.

The last stop is often the Big Buddha (Wat Huay Pla Kang), which provides a peaceful end to the day, as well as excellent views of the surrounding countryside. Visitors describe it as more worth the visit than some of the long transfers, especially when combined with the cool art temples.

Transportation, Guides, and Practical Tips

The tour’s transportation involves a van with air conditioning, which is generally comfortable but receives mixed reviews. Some travelers found the ride a bit lengthy and tiring, especially with 3 hours each way. If you’re prone to motion sickness or prefer a more spacious ride, it’s worth considering this.

The guides are mainly praised for their kindness and knowledge, though a few mention difficulty understanding some explanations. They often don’t carry flags or signs, which can make meeting up in crowded areas tricky. You’ll want to stay close and communicate clearly.

The tour includes entrance fees, a buffet Thai lunch (vegetarian options available if requested), and drinking water. Extra expenses like souvenirs or tips are not included, so bring some cash if you want to pick up a memento.

Is This Tour Worth It?

For those who are interested in modern artistic interpretations of Buddhist themes, this tour offers a unique glimpse into Thailand’s creative side. The price point is reasonable, especially considering entrance fees, lunch, and transportation. The guided experience adds depth, although some travelers feel the explanations could be clearer.

If your goal is to see historic temples or ancient architecture, this trip might not suit you—these temples are modern, symbolic, and visually striking but lack the historical depth of older sites. However, if you’re drawn to contemporary art, colorful temples, and engaging photo opportunities, you’ll find plenty to love.

Be prepared for long travel times and some unpredictability in guide commentary. Still, the experience offers a well-rounded day of sightseeing, relaxation, and cultural insight.

Final Thoughts: Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour is best for art lovers, modern temple enthusiasts, and curious travelers who want a curated experience that showcases Chiang Rai’s creative architecture. It’s perfect if you enjoy a guided day with transport included, and don’t mind a long day on the road. It also appeals to those wanting a good value for access to several major sites along with a relaxing break at the hot springs.

It’s less suited for travelers seeking ancient, historic temples, or those with mobility issues, given the travel length and some uneven walking surfaces. If you’re eager for a visual feast of contemporary Thai religious art and a taste of local hospitality, this tour will deliver.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation comfortable?
The tour uses a van with air conditioning, which is generally comfortable, but some reviews mention that the ride can feel lengthy and tiring. Prepare for about 6 hours of travel with a bit of patience.

Are entrance fees included?
Yes, all standard activity entrance fees are covered in the tour price, so you won’t need extra cash for those.

What should I wear?
Respectful attire is required for temple visits—cover shoulders and knees, and remove shoes before entering the main chapels.

Is food included?
A buffet Thai lunch is included, with vegetarian options available if you notify the guide in advance.

Can I visit these temples independently?
Yes, but this guided tour simplifies logistics and includes transport, making it easier for those unfamiliar with the area. However, the long travel time might be a drawback if you prefer a more relaxed pace.

How long do we stay at each site?
The itinerary includes time to explore each temple, but specific durations aren’t fixed. Expect about 1-2 hours at the main temples, plus time for photos and a quick stroll.

Is this tour suitable for children or those with limited mobility?
While children could enjoy the visual aspects, the long travel and walking might be challenging for those with mobility issues. The tour is not specially designed for wheelchair users.

In all, this tour provides a compelling look at Chiang Rai’s modern temple architecture and some relaxing hot springs, all in a manageable day trip from Chiang Mai. With a fair price point and guided insights, it’s a good choice for those eager to see the artistic side of Thailand’s spiritual landscape.

You can check availability for your dates here: