Top Chiang Mai Historical Tours

Chiang Mai comes into its own at night, with soft lights illuminating the ancient temples and cooler temperatures than day. Experience the city like a local with a guide to clue you in on the sights on this charismatic tour by classic tuk-tuk 3-wheeler. See four of the city’s signature temples (tickets at your own expense) then hit Chiang Mai Night Bazaar for a simple but authentic dinner with dessert.

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.

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.

The Wat Pha Lat Monk’s Trail is a mellow forest hike on the slopes of Doi Suthep. Experience it without worrying about transportation or getting lost on this small-group adventure with a guide to help you navigate the mossy temple. After you’re done exploring Wat Pha Lat, transfer up the mountain to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. Please note your package excludes entrance fees—and cable car if required.

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).

See more of the historic streets of Chiang Mai’s Old City than you’d be able to on foot on a bike tour that takes in ancient temples, local markets, and landmarks. Follow your guide along back lanes as you learn about the city’s culture and history, pedaling for around 7.5 miles (12 kilometers) throughout the course of your tour.

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.

An exciting adventure to the unseen and off-the-beat temples in Chiang Mai which start from Wat Lok Moli, one of the most beautiful Lanna temple and oldest temples in Chiang Mai. Then, we will explore the labyrinthine passages and uncover the mysteries that shroud this unique place of worship. Immerse yourself in the fine details and the peaceful ambiance that truly makes this temple a visual masterpiece at Wat Pha Lat, a temple that seamlessly blends the elegance of Thai and Burmese architectural styles Choose a scenic drive or cable car ascent, then conquer the iconic Naga Staircase to reach the temple's summit. Witness Chiang Mai's dazzling transformation as the city lights up below, capturing timeless memories in this mesmerizing panorama.

See the highlights of Chiang Mai alongside your own private local host who shows you around this vibrant city in Northern Thailand. Go through the old city center and beyond to explore glittering temples, bustling markets, and museums that cover architecture and culture. Plus, you can tweak your sightseeing schedule to align with your interests for a personalized sightseeing experience. Entrance tickets to Wat Sing are included.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Combine a visit to Doi Suteph with a tour to a Hmong village on this group excursion. Start with an included cable car trip to the top of Doi Suthep to take in city views and explore one of Thailand's most important temples. Continue to a Hmong village to learn about the local way of life of this hill tribe.

Chiang Mai has an abundance of beautiful and historic Buddhist temples, and this tour takes you to some of the most interesting and revered in Thailand’s second largest city. Climb the staircase to the mountain temple of Wat Phra That Doi Suthep and visit Wat Chedi Luang, among others. Upgrade your tour for a private guide.

• 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.

Eliminate the worry of getting lost when exploring Chiang Mai at night by opting for this evening tuk-tuk tour after sunset. Escape the daytime heat and crowds while seeing the city illuminated. Ride between temples and visit a bustling night market, sampling local specialties. Entrance fees for Wat Chedi Luang and Wat Phra Singh are not included and must be paid in cash on the day of the tour.

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.

Beat both the midday humidity and the crowds on a private morning tour that reveals Wat Phra That Doi Suthep at its most beautiful, at sunrise. Rather than breaking a sweat making the trek to the top of the mountain, benefit from air-conditioned transport between the summit, the hidden Wat Pha Lat, and the 700-year-old Wat Umong.

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.

Explore the national park that surrounds Thailand’s tallest mountain on a private tour of Doi Inthanon National Park, which includes hassle-free transport from Chiang Mai. You set the pace as you get off the beaten path and discover secluded waterfalls and hill tribe Karen community, who offers deeper insight into the culture of northern Thailand.

Combine a visit to Chiang Rai with a trip to a Karen village on this small-group tour from Chiang Mai. You'll visit the famous Blue Temple and White Temple, see the architecture of the Baan Dam Museum, and meet members of the Karen community, who live in a nearby village.

Reaching Thailand’s highest peak independently can be challenging, especially with the distances and winding mountain roads. This small-group tour makes it easy to explore Doi Inthanon National Park in one day. Visit scenic waterfalls, take in sweeping mountain views, and learn about the traditions of local Karen communities while discovering the landscapes around Doi Inthanon.