Program 3 Destinations

 1. Emerald Buddha Temple, Chiang Rai This is an ancient and historicallyขsignificant temple in Chiang Rai Province. It was once home to the Emerald Buddha, which is now enshrined in Bangkok. Today, a replica of the jade Buddha is housed in the ordination hall for worship. The temple features beautiful Lanna-style architecture and is surrounded by shady trees and tranquil gardens, making it ideal for meditation and for learning about Buddhist art.

2. Saeng Kaew Royal Pavilion Located within the grounds of Saeng Kaew Photiyan Temple, this museum serves as a center for learning about Buddhism and Lanna culture. It showcases Buddhist art of Northern Thailand, with exhibits including important Buddha statues, ancient artifacts, Dharma paintings, and a variety of colorful traditional crafts such as tung (Lanna-style flags). The peaceful atmosphere makes it perfect for meditation and for those interested in history and religious studies.

3. Ming Muang Temple This is a striking temple known for its blend of traditional Lanna stucco art with modern elements. Inside the sanctuary are mural paintings that depict the life of Lord Buddha and local legends. The all-white temple is visually impressive, with intricate decorative patterns on the ordination hall. It serves as a spiritual center for the people of Chiang Rai, and its spacious courtyard invites visitors to make merit and find peace.

4. Black House Museum Created by National Artist Thawan Duchanee, this museum showcases a collection of art and artifacts in multiple black wooden buildings. It reflects Lanna culture and creative thought through a fusion of traditional and contemporary art. Spread across a large area, the exhibits include animal skeletons, hides, furniture, and artworks that explore themes of life and death. The museum has a mysterious and powerful atmosphere with a unique identity.

5. Tiger-Leaping (Blue) Temple This temple stands out with its vivid deep-blue and golden ordination hall, striking both inside and out. The ornate designs represent a new expression of Buddhist art, created by a student of the renowned artist Chalermchai Kositpipat. Inside, a large white Buddha statue is enshrined under a beautifully-decorated ceiling. It is a must-visit destination when in Chiang Rai.

6. Doi Tung Royal Villa This royal residence belonged to the Princess Mother, Her Royal Highness Princess Srinagarindra. The architecture is a harmonious blend of Swiss chalet and traditional Lanna styles. The villa is surrounded by the stunning Royal Princess-Mother Garden, which features a wide variety of temperate-climate flowers. Inside, the villa is simply decorated yet exudes warmth and serenity. Visitors can also learn about the Royal-Development Projects initiated to improve the quality of life in highland areas.

7. Royal Cave-Sleeping-Lady Upstream National Park This national park gained international recognition during the rescue mission of the Wild Boars soccer team. The Royal Cave is open for visitors to explore near its entrance, and the crystal-clear waters of Sleeping-Lady Upstream are nearby. The park also offers nature trails and scenic viewpoints overlooking the beautiful mountain ranges. The surrounding area is peaceful and shaded, and there are exhibitions detailing the historic rescue mission for visitors to learn from.

8. Doi Wao Sanctuary and Skywalk Located on a high hill in Mae Sai District, this sanctuary is a spiritual landmark for both Thai and Myanmar people living near the border. Close by is a glass skywalk that juts out from the cliff, offering panoramic views of the Sai River and neighboring country. Visitors can enjoy the thrill of walking on glass while admiring a breathtaking 360º landscape.

9. Golden Triangle This iconic destination is where the Mekhong and Ruak Rivers meet, forming the border of three countries: Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar. The area boasts wide river views and scenic lookouts, including a large Buddha statue and river cruise experiences. Visitors can enjoy the historical ambiance and natural beauty of this culturally-rich region.

10. House of Opium Museum This informative and engaging museum presents the history of opium cultivation in the mountainous regions of the Golden Triangle. It covers the story of opium from its medicinal uses to the trade networks and its social impact. Exhibits include ancient tools, photographs, and multimedia presentations. It’s an ideal destination for those interested in history and the social transformation brought about by alternative development programs.

11. Singha Park This park is Chiang Rai’s large-scale agro-tourism attraction offering a variety of activities. Visitors can enjoy tea plantation tours by tram, visit a small petting zoo, admire Swan Lake, go cycling, experience hot-air balloon rides (during festival season), and savor local cuisine. Surrounded by rolling hills, flower fields, and lush farmlands, the park is especially popular during winter when the scenery is at its most vibrant.

12. Steep-Cliff Hill This hill offers spectacular panoramic views of the Mekhong River and Laos, especially during winter when sea mist blankets the valley and Thai cherry blossoms bloom. The peak is a year-round scenic destination, perfect for camping or catching the sunrise. Nearby, a Yunnanese Chinese village allows visitors to experience the unique culture and taste local Chinese dishes.

13. Sky-Pointing Mountain This mountain is one of the most iconic sunrise viewpoints in Thailand. It features a cliff that juts out toward Laos, offering breathtaking views of thick morning mist and layered mountain ranges. The area is tranquil and ideal for relaxation. The trail to the summit is manageable for visitors of all ages, and the nearby hill-tribe villages offer a chance to explore local lifestyles.

14. Rong Khun (White) Temple This is a stunning contemporary Buddhist temple designed by national artist Chalermchai Kositpipat. Its all-white structure adorned with sparkling mirrors and intricate carvings symbolizes purity and the teachings of Lord Buddha. The interior features deeply-symbolic murals that blend spirituality with modern art, creating a harmonious and awe-inspiring space of faith and creativity.

15. Mae Kachan Hot Springs This is a natural stopover located on the Chiang Rai–Chiang Mai route. Visitors can relax by soaking their feet in the warm mineral waters or try boiling eggs in the bubbling hot spring pools. The setting is peaceful and calming, surrounded by gentle steam, with local vendors offering handicrafts and regional souvenirs nearby.

16. Doi Suthep Temple This is the most iconic temple of Chiang Mai, perched atop a mountain offering panoramic views of the city. It is home to a golden stupa that enshrines sacred Lord Buddha’s relics. Visitors can reach the temple by climbing the 306-step Naga staircase or taking a funicular tram. The temple is both visually stunning and spiritually significant, attracting pilgrims and tourists alike.

17. Sloping-Cliff Temple It is a tranquil forest monastery nestled on a hillside, hidden among lush greenery. It is one of Chiang Mai’s most peaceful meditation temples. The site offers serene views of the city below, ancient stupas, natural rock terraces, and a charming wooden bridge crossing a gentle stream. It’s ideal for those seeking spiritual peace or artistic photography in a natural setting.

18. Queen Sirikit Botanic Garden Covering over 6,500 rai (approx. 2,570 acres), the Queen Sirikit Botanic Garden offers a variety of nature trails, both short and long. Highlights include the Orchid Pavilion and the Tropical Rainforest Greenhouse, which showcase rare and native plant species from around the world. The Canopy Walkway, stretching over 400 meters above the treetops, provides a unique perspective of the forest. Visitors can enjoy fresh mountain air and an immersive natural experience.

19. Tung Tao Creek A favorite getaway spot for locals near Chiang Mai, this creek reservoir offers a relaxing atmosphere with floating bamboo huts, inner tubes for rent, and paddleboats. A unique attraction here is the “Giant-Straw Figures” that change with the seasons, such as giant King Kong, dragons, or characters from Thai mythology. The area also supports eco-tourism with rice planting, animal-care activities, and a community market selling organic produce.

20. Land of Angels This is a unique spiritual art destination set amidst misty mountains. It features statues of deities from Burmese, Thai, and Chinese traditions displayed among colorful flower gardens. Gentle background music enhances the ethereal atmosphere, making it feel like a realm of the divine. It’s perfect for fantasy-style photography, sunrise viewing, or quiet meditation in nature.

21. Hinoki Land This is a new landmark that replicates a traditional Japanese village nestled in the mountains of Chiang Mai. The highlight is the row of red Torii gates, a central pond, and fragrant Hinoki cypress wood buildings imported from Japan. Visitors can rent a kimono, stroll through the authentic Japanese-style setting, take photos, enjoy green tea and Japanese sweets, as well as shop for genuine Japanese souvenirs. It’s a popular destination for families.

 

22. Rock-Flow Hill Waterfall This is a medium-sized waterfall with a year-round flow, located within a lush forested area. The trail to the falls is easy to walk and surrounded by the sounds of birds, insects, and the scent of the forest. It’s an ideal spot for relaxing or cooling off in the water. The wide rock terrace over which the water flows is the highlight, offering a safe place for wading or sitting that is perfect for both adults and children. 23. Phra Singha Temple This is one of Chiang Mai’s most important temples and houses the revered Sihing, a sacred Buddha image. The temple showcases classic Lanna architecture, including the ordination hall and ancient golden pagodas. Inside are mural paintings that depict Buddhist stories and traditional Lanna life. The standout feature is the intricately-carved sanctuary, a must-see spot for any visitor to Chiang Mai.

23. Phra Singha Temple This is one of Chiang Mai’s most important temples and houses the revered Sihing, a sacred Buddha image. The temple showcases classic Lanna architecture, including the ordination hall and ancient golden pagodas. Inside are mural paintings that depict Buddhist stories and traditional Lanna life. The standout feature is the intricately-carved sanctuary, a must-see spot for any visitor to Chiang Mai