We arrived in Chiang Mai with no specific plans, so on the first day, we just wandered around the Old Town. Chiang Mai, often called the “Rose of the North,” is the largest city in northern Thailand. Unlike Bangkok’s busy and chaotic energy, Chiang Mai offers a calm, nature-filled atmosphere with a blend of tradition and culture.
Surrounded by mountains and forests, the city feels like eternal spring. It’s full of ancient temples, historic city walls, night markets, delicious street food, and famous festivals like Loy Krathong (the lantern festival) and Songkran (the water festival).
Day 2: Total Relaxation – Thai Massage, Facial, and Muay Thai Show
We dedicated this day to pampering ourselves. We started with a traditional Thai massage, followed by a facial and hair wash—so relaxing! In the evening, we went to watch a Muay Thai fight, which was thrilling and full of energy.
One-Day Chiang Rai Tour: Hot Spring + Long Neck Tribe + White Temple + Blue Temple + Black House + Golden Triangle
This is one of the most popular day trips offered by tour companies in Chiang Mai. It’s perfect for first-time visitors who want to see the cultural and scenic highlights of northern Thailand in one day. The schedule is packed, but it’s worth it!
1st Stop: Natural Hot Spring Rest Area
🚐 We left Chiang Mai early in the morning, and after about an hour, we arrived at a hot spring rest stop.
Here, you can soak your feet in the hot spring and even see natural geysers bubbling up from the ground. One fun thing to try is boiling eggs in the spring water. Vendors sell baskets of eggs—you drop them in the water, soak your feet, and enjoy a warm snack at the same time. It’s oddly relaxing and fun!
2nd Stop: Long Neck Tribe Village
Next, we visited the famous Long Neck Tribe Village, which showcases the traditions of the Karen people, an ethnic minority from northern Thailand.
The women are known for wearing brass coils around their necks from a young age, which gives the appearance of an elongated neck. You can take photos, browse their handmade crafts, and buy souvenirs like scarves woven on-site.
⚠️ Some travelers feel these villages are a bit touristy or staged—whether to visit is a personal choice.
3rd Stop: White Temple (Wat Rong Khun)
This is the iconic spot in Chiang Rai. Designed by artist Chalermchai Kositpipat, the White Temple looks like something out of a fantasy world—pure white with glimmering glass mosaics. Walking across the bridge feels like entering heaven.
📷 It’s an amazing place for photos, but photography isn’t allowed inside the main temple hall.
4th Stop: Blue Temple (Wat Rong Suea Ten)
This temple is another recent hotspot for Instagram lovers. The entire temple is painted in vibrant blue—even the Buddha statue inside! It’s a bit less crowded than the White Temple, but equally photogenic.
The golden details and mythical decorations make it feel magical.
5th Stop: Black House (Baan Dam Museum)
Don’t let the name fool you—it’s not a temple. This is the private museum of Thai artist Thawan Duchanee. The site features multiple black buildings filled with eerie and intriguing collections: animal bones, leather, antique furniture, and spiritual artwork.
🖤 If you’re into dark, gothic, or mysterious art, this is your place.
6th Stop: Golden Triangle Boat Ride
Last stop: the famous Golden Triangle, where Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar meet. Once a major hub for the opium trade, it’s now a peaceful tourist attraction.
📸 Don’t miss taking a photo with the iconic “Golden Triangle” sign!
We arrived back in Chiang Mai around 7 p.m. It was a long day, but totally worth it. You get a little bit of everything—nature, art, culture, and photo ops—all in one trip.
If you don’t have many days in Chiang Mai, this kind of all-in-one tour is a great choice!
After this adventure, we hopped on a night bus back to Bangkok. From there, we continued our journey to Pattaya.
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