Top Chiang Mai Cultural Tours

Beat the crowds and see a spectacular sunrise from one of Chiang Mai’s highest points during an early-morning tour to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. This unique tour offers you the chance to experience an alms-giving ceremony in the early morning and explore the famous temple without daytime crowds. Plus, a former-monk guide provides insight into Thai culture and the Buddhist religion.

Thailand’s second city, Chiang Mai was once capital of an independent kingdom—and its temples and architecture display that. Get a handle on the city’s rich heritage on this time-saving door-to-door tour. You’ll see the Tha Phae Gate, medieval Wat Chedi Luang, and Wat Pha Lat, built beside a stream, while savoring city views from mountain-top Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. Travel in a small group, or upgrade for a private tour.

Those looking for an experience that combines nature with culture can enjoy this small-group tour to the Doi Suthep Temple and Wat Pha Lat in Chiang Mai. Hike to Wat Pha Lat, nestled within a lush forest, and discover its serene ambience and captivating statues. Then, make a trip to see the splendor of Doi Suthep Temple, adorned in shimmering gold. Hotel pickup is included for added convenience, though entrance fees are extra.

This small-group tour is a convenient way to tick off three examples of magnificent architecture in a day without having to look up public transport schedules. Zip around the city in an air-conditioned van or car and see Wat Chedi Luang, Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, and Wat Pha Lat temples—with admission included to save you time waiting in ticket lines. Upgrade to a private tour that also includes a visit to the Chiang Mai Night Market.

Chiang Rai is famed for its temples, including the spectacular White Temple. The city is roughly a 3.5-hour drive from Chiang Mai so a day trip by public transportation is tricky, but this bus tour makes it easy. An official guide ensures you don’t miss a single detail of the temples. Plus, enjoy a soak in some hot springs and visit a “longneck” village (entrance at your own expense).

Visit the magnificent temples of Chiang Rai on a full-day, private-tour from Chiang Mai to a series of iconic Buddhist sites. Enjoy the flexibility of a private driver/guide throughout the day as you visit Wat Sang Kaew Photiyarn, Wat Rong Khun, Wat Huai Pla Kung, and more, with a break for lunch in a local restaurant. This 13-hour temple tour from Chiang Mai includes pickup and drop-off at city hotels, lunch, and entrance fees, and it’s a fun, personal way to explore the sites of northern Thailand.

Check out some spectacular Northern Thai temple culture on this private day tour, where you’ll visit several places that you might not fit in if you didn’t have a guide and driver. You’ll have round-trip transfers from your hotel, then visit the Sticky Waterfall, Bai Orchid and Butterfly Farm, Wat Banden, and much more.

Discover the best of Chiang Mai and cover more ground than is possible on foot on a private tuk tuk tour. Cover Chiang Mai's most important landmarks in less time, including Wat Chedi Luang, Wat Phra Singh, Tha Phae Gate, and Wat Sri Suphan. Get insights from your guide as you hear the stories behind each attraction.

Visit several of Chiang Mai’s most famous temples on this half-day small group tour, where you’ll have air-conditioned transport and a guide the entire tour, so you won’t need to organize those yourself. You’ll be with a small group, which will keep costs down, but you’ll still have an intimate experinece at Wat Umong, Wat Pha Lat, and more.

Getting to Doi Inthanon, the tallest mountain in Thailand, from Chiang Mai can be a hassle, and so can navigating the national park once you are there. This tour includes hotel pickup and takes care of the details so you experience a variety of what Northern Thailand has to offer. Your guide also takes you to a waterfall, a hill tribe village, and more for a well-rounded experience.

Once the sun sets, Chiang Mai takes on a completely different character. See the city magically illuminated on an evening tour that reveals two of Chiang Mai’s most-popular temples—Wat Umong and Wat Phra That Doi Suthep—at night. Visiting the temples at night means that you’ll benefit from cooler temperatures and less crowds.

Explore Doi Inthanon National Park and stand at Thailand’s highest peak. Immerse yourself in lush natural surroundings as you walk to picturesque waterfalls. Visit a local Hmong hill tribe market. Discover a scenic Karen village, where you can experience traditional village life and enjoy a coffee tasting.

Spend a day exploring Chiang Rai and its surroundings with this full-day tour from Chiang Mai. You'll visit the city's iconic White Temple (Wat Rong Khun), the Blue Temple (Wat Rong Seur Ten), and the Baan Dam Museum. Upgrade to include a visit to a Karen community. Hotel pickup and round-trip transfers are included for your convenience.

Head up to Doi Inthanon National Park, home to Thailand’s highest peak, with this guided small-group trekking and cultural tour. You'll visit area highlights such as Wachirathan Falls, the King and Queen Chedis (pagodas), and a local coffee roasting facility, with a stop for an included lunch along the way.

• Discover Chiang Mai's famous attractions: Wat Chedi Luang, Wat Phra Doi Suthep, Wat Pha Lat, and Tha Pae Gate • Explore in a small group, or upgrade to a private tour for a personalized experience • Hassle-free round-trip transfers from central Chiang Mai hotels • Gain fascinating insights from a knowledgeable local guide Thailand’s second-largest city, Chiang Mai, was once the capital of an independent kingdom — a legacy reflected in its stunning temples and historic architecture. Discover its rich heritage on this convenient, door-to-door tour. Visit the iconic Tha Phae Gate, the ancient Wat Chedi Luang, and the serene Wat Pha Lat, nestled beside a stream. Take in breathtaking city views from the mountain-top temple of Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. Choose to explore in a small group or upgrade for a private experience.

Experience one of Chiang Mai’s traditional customs at this Khantoke dinner and cultural dance show evening. You’ll be served generous helpings of locally made Thai dishes, and served seated on the floor and at low tables, as is customary. While you’re enjoying the delicious food, Thai dancers and musicians will entertain you. The cultural program even includes performances from Chiang Mai ethnic minorities.

Experience some of northern Thailand’s beloved Buddhist temples on this guided adventure. After a convenient hotel pickup, head to Doi Suthep-Pui National Park and hop on a cable car or climb 306 steps to reach the sacred temple of Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. Enjoy magnificent views of Chiang Mai before returning to the city for visits to Chedi Luang and Pantao temples.

With this full-day tour from Chiang Mai, you can check off Chiang Rai’s top landmarks with ease. Save hours of research time, and benefit from having a full itinerary organized for you. As you ride between sites in an air-conditioned vehicle, enjoy stops at the White Temple (Wat Rong Khun), the Baan Dam Museum, the Blue Temple (Wat Rong Seur Ten), and The Black House.

Discover the ancient cultures and traditions of Chiang Mai on this evening tour. Meet the locals and soak up the atmosphere at a local food market, then tuck into a delicious ‘Khan Koke’ style dinner of regional cuisine. Finally, be entertained by a spectacular cultural performance, showcasing the typical dances and rituals of the Akha, Yao, Lahu, Hmong and Karen people.

Supercharge your social media on a private tour that takes you to some of Chiang Mai’s most Instagrammable spots. You won’t have to worry about breaking a sweat for your photos, as you’ll be transported between photogenic stops in a private air-conditioned vehicle. Plus, your photographer takes the pictures, so you can avoid asking strangers to capture sub-par pictures of you.

Chiang Rai’s most striking temples are spread across the province, making them difficult to visit in a single day. This small-group tour from Chiang Mai connects the highlights with ease thanks to private transport. Visit Wat Rong Khun (the White Temple), admire the vivid blue tones of Wat Rong Suea Ten, and explore the striking red complex of Wat Huay Pla Kang, all while learning about the region’s modern temple architecture and symbolism.

Embark on a unique adventure from Chiang Mai and explore Chiang Rai’s most stunning temples, including tickets and lunch. Be amazed by the architecture, culture and unforgettable landscapes of this fascinating region. White Temple (Wat Rong Khun): An artistic gem that looks like something out of a story, with its glowing white structure and crystal details. Blue Temple (Wat Rong Suea Ten): A show of vibrant colors and golden details that will leave you speechless. Red Temple (Wat Huay Pla Kang): An imposing statue of the Goddess of Mercy offering panoramic views of the city. Enjoy a break at Lalitta Cafe, Thailand's most famous coffee shop. Surrounded by gardens and a waterfall, it is the perfect place to relax and take spectacular photos. Stroll among endless hills of deep green and capture a unique image amid the plantations.

Taste a variety of delicious Thai specialties on a private food tour in Chiang Mai with a local host Enjoy samples of 10 foods, that include sweet and savory dishes during a half-day tour that takes place in the morning or afternoon, depending on your choice. Your food-loving host provides insightful commentary throughout the experience.