White Temple & Golden Triangle Day Trip in Chiang Mai: A Detailed Guide
Touring Thailand should be on everyone’s travel bucket list. And Chiang Mai is in many people’s opinion the greatest place to start! As a major tourist destination located in northern Thailand, Chiang Mai has dozens of fascinating sights, historical locations, and fun activities. One of these activities is a White Temple & Golden Triangle day trip, which is a must for anyone visiting this region of the country.
In this article, we will give you a detailed guide on the White Temple & Golden Triangle day trip from Chiang Mai. We will explain what the trip is, the various things you can do and the sights you can see in the Golden Triangle and at Wat Rong Khun (the White Temple). We will also provide helpful tips on how to make the most out of your day trip, suggests recommendations for reliable guide services, and provide a convenient link for booking a tour at the end.
What is Wat Rong Khun (the White Temple) and What Should You Know Before Visiting?
Wat Rong Khun (the White Temple) is a stunningly beautiful and uniquely designed “temple within a temple” located just an hour northeast of Chiang Mai. It was designed and created by Thai artist Chalermchai Kositpipat – renowned for his art style and use of white, gold and glass mosaics in his work.
The temple is renowned for its beauty and grace, and it attracts both tourists and devout Thai Buddhists. It has multiple levels, each of which represent its own meaning or message. It is connected to the original Wat Rong Khun temple built in 14th century, but the White Temple is a very different structure since it was reconceptualized in 1997.
Visitors should note that as a temple, Wat Rong Khun (the White Temple) requires proper dress code in order to enter the compound. This includes wearing long pants or skirts. Flip-flops, shorts and sleeveless shirts are not permitted. Also, visitors must be respectful when in the premises of the temple; loud noises and bad conduct are forbidden.
The Golden Triangle: Geography, History and What To Expect
The Golden Triangle is an area with a highly charged historical background that lies where the bordering nations of Laos, Myanmar (Burma), and Thailand meet at a confluence of the Mekong and Ruak rivers on the banks of the Mekong River. It is an area known for its past production of opium during the height of its “Golden Age” – hence its name.
Today, it more so represents an area with stunning natural beauty, warm hospitality and rich history that is unlike any other. With its mix of cultures, languages and ways of life that are entirely different yet strangely intertwined – it is an area that appeals to all kinds of curious minds!
On a Golden Triangle Day Trip from Chiang Mae, there are many sights that one can expect to see such as:
- The Standing Buddha Statue at the Laos border
- The local villages along Mekong
- The 4-faced Buddha Image
- The Buddha Park
- The Burmese Market
- The Jumbo House
- The Doi Mai Lu View Point
Trips to this area start around 8 AM from Chiang Mai with an approximate driving time of 3 hours 30 minutes, depending upon traffic conditions.
What is included on A White Template & Golden Triangle Day Trip from Chiang Mai?
Most day trips from Chiang Mai to Wat Rong Khun (the White Temple) and Golden triangle are conducted over the course of 10 hours, including pick-up and drop off services as well as lunch. An experienced tour guide will accompany visitors throughout the trip to ensure they have an unforgettable and educational experience. All necessary entrance fees are usually taken care of by most tour companies as well.
The typical itinerary of such a tour usually includes:
- Early morning (08:00 AM) pick up at your hotel or accommodation in Chiang Mai
- 3–3.30 hours drive through Chiang Rai towards the Golden Triangle
- A stop at Wat Rong Seur Ten (Blue Temple)
- A stop at Wat Huai Pla Kang
- Visit to Wat Rong Khun (the White Temple)
- Visit to The Golden Triangle
- Lunch visit – Typically at a local restaurant
- A stop at Mae Sai Market
- A stop at Wat Chedi Luang to explore Wat Phra Singh complex
- A late evening drop off back at your accommodation or hotel in Chiang Mai
During your visit to Wat Rong Khun (the White Temple) you can take spectacular photos of its glimmering mosaic of mirrors and other decor, while plenty of outdoor activities await you in surrounding area such as rafting or trekking through jungles towards Chiang Rai province. You can also explore traditional Thai architecture while visiting local villages and markets around Golden Triangle such as Ban Huay Pon Sai – renowned for its hand-made jewelry market near the banks of Ruak River.
Talk to your tour guide too; they will often be able to recommend unique experiences off-the-beaten-track that offer insight into local customs and culture!
Tips for Making The Most Out Of The White Temple & Golden Triangle Day Trip from Chiang Mai
For visitors who are planning to take a White Temple & Golden Triangle day trip from Chiang Mai, here are some handy tips to make sure they get the most out of their experience:
- Book your tour early: It is always a good idea to book your tour early on with a reputable tour company. This will ensure that you get the best pick-up times, avoid disappointments and unnecessary delays. Sites like GetYourGuide, offer reliable guide services from which you can book a tour before your trip.
- Dress appropriately: Remember that Wat Rong Khun (the White Temple) is an important religious site and visitors must dress appropriately as per the rules at this temple complex. Make sure to wear long pants or skirts when visiting any religious sites.
- Wear comfortable shoes: Wear comfortable shoes or sneakers while visiting Wat Rong Khun (the White Temple). There is a lot to explore throughout this complex and wearing comfortable shoes will make sure you enjoy your visit hassle free.
- Start early: Although these guided tours usually take less than 10 hours, it is still recommended to start early so that you can make all stops without feeling too rushed.
- Carry cash: While travelling in remote areas, make sure you have enough cash with you for basic purchases like souvenirs at local markets or refreshments.
Following these tips will make sure you have an enjoyable and unforgettable time when taking a day trip from Chiang Mai to Wat Rong Khun (the White Temple) and The Golden Triangle!
Booking A White Template & Golden Triangle Day Trip from Chiang Mai
There are many reliable tour companies that offer guided trips to The White Temple & Golden Triangle day trip from Chiang Mai, but one of the best ones is GetYourGuide! GetYourGuide offers over 2000+ tours around Asia including Thailand – all with their unbeatable customer service commitment! Whether you are looking for a cheaper package or something more luxurious, GetYourGuide will have something that suits all kinds of needs and requirements. They can even arrange private tours if requested and their online booking system has made it easy for customers to book their trips quickly without any unnecessary delays or disappointments.
So what are you waiting for? Book your very own White Template & Golden Triangle day trip with GetYourGuide today! They promise unforgettable experiences with plenty of options available to choose from – ensuring that each traveler finds something suitable for their budget!
Click here to book – https://www.getyourguide.com/activity/-t122849?partner_id=UWJ1LS2.
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