Chiang Mai & Chiang Rai Temples, Golden Triangle Tour Review

Thinking about heading to Northern Thailand and seeing some beautiful sights? Taking a tour that hits Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, and the Golden Triangle could be something you would really enjoy. Getting some first-hand knowledge before you book will be helpful, and that is very true for this trip. Hopefully, this write-up will share the highlights (and maybe a few things you should know before you go) based on my own time there.

What’s the Big Deal About These Tours?

These tours are very common for those who are visiting Chiang Mai, but it is also because they pack in a lot. Very often, they cover famous temples – like the White Temple (Wat Rong Khun) and the Blue Temple (Wat Rong Suea Ten) near Chiang Rai. It is also a good way to explore the Golden Triangle, which is a place where Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar come together. If that’s not enough, the tours will often include visits to local hill tribe villages, too it’s almost like a crash course in the area’s culture and history.

I found that many tours operate like well-oiled machines. Now, whether that is for you will be up to you! That is that they often start very early, around 7 AM or 8 AM. The goal is clearly to make the most of the day, as there’s lots of ground to cover. That means a good chunk of your time will probably be spent in a van. Keep that in mind, because if you don’t really enjoy long car rides, then this might be tiring for you.

Hitting the Temples: Wat Rong Khun and Wat Rong Suea Ten

Okay, let’s talk about the White Temple, or Wat Rong Khun, near Chiang Rai. Very, very eye-catching, to say the least! Created by artist Chalermchai Kositpipat, it is more or less a work of art than a temple, if you know what I mean? Everything is sparkly white, and it is inlaid with mirrored glass. In some respects, that catches the light and makes it look almost dreamlike. Be ready for crowds, though – this spot is hugely popular, that!

After the White Temple, many tours head to the Blue Temple, or Wat Rong Suea Ten. So, you’ve got to like, guess what the color is. Another strikingly designed temple, it is pretty different from the White Temple, offering a cool contrast. Some people might even enjoy it even more.

The Golden Triangle: Where Three Countries Meet

The Golden Triangle is where Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar meet, so it is quite the spot geographically. Historically, it used to be a major area for opium production, and it has got a rather colorful, though a bit dark, history. It is possible to take a boat ride on the Mekong River, and there is usually a stop at a viewpoint where you can see into all three countries. If you’re into history, very interesting place.

The Hall of Opium is another place to look at in the area, just a little! It has exhibits detailing the history of opium and its impact on the region, and I found it to be quite educational. Now, you should expect some touristy elements, too it’s almost like you are warned. The area has seen its share of tourist development over the years. As I was saying, be ready for that. Still, visiting the Golden Triangle offers a rather unique experience.

Meeting the Locals: Hill Tribe Visits

Quite a few tours include a visit to one or two of the local hill tribe villages, so very cool, maybe? You might come across Akha, Karen (Long Neck), or Hmong villages, which are only a few examples. While these visits can be quite interesting, anyway, it is good to approach them with respect. Ask yourself whether the tours feel too much like a “human zoo.” That might be the case.

Basically, I felt it was important to buy handicrafts directly from the villagers when given the opportunity. I feel like that is one way to ensure that your visit is, in some ways, benefiting the community directly. On the other hand, don’t feel pressured to buy anything you don’t really want.

Is it Worth It? Weighing the Pros and Cons

So, you might wonder if one of these tours is worth the time and expense? I’d say these tours give you a quick look at several sites in one day, that’s for sure. So, if you’re limited on time and you want to see as much as possible, tours like this one can be very convenient.

However, be aware of the fast pace, still. Remember that you’ll probably spend several hours on the road. This might also be true of you and some people could find it all a little rushed, and I was just a little one of them! If you prefer more relaxed and immersive experiences, this might not really be for you, but on the other hand it could be a new thing. You might want to think about maybe renting a car and exploring these places on your own, that could be cool too. Anyway, that way, you get to set your own schedule and spend as much time as you would want at each place.