Exploring Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai in 6 Days - An Incredible Family-Friendly Trip

  • Day 1: Chiang Rai Night Bazaar
    3.3 miles - 15 minutes from Chiang Rai Airport

    Begin your family vacation by visiting the Chiang Rai Night Bazaar. This bustling market offers local food and drinks, traditional handicrafts, souvenirs and much more.

  • Day 2: Doi Tung Royal Villa
    67.6 miles - 1 hour 50 minutes from Chiang Rai Night Bazaar

    A perfect place to spend a relaxed day with family. The majestic Doi Tung villa boasts exquisite gardens, breathtaking city views and an informative museum dedicated to Princess Mother.

  • Day 3: Wat Rong Khun (White Temple)
    8.8 miles - 20 minutes from Doi Tung Royal Villa

    Explore the stunning White Temple, one of the most unique temples in the world. Its intricate architecture, sculptures, and fascinating murals of Marvel & DC superheroes are sure to captivate adults and children alike.

  • Day 4: Elephant Nature Park
    80.7 miles - 1 hour 50 minutes from Wat Rong Khun

    A great way to teach your children about animal conservation is a visit to the Elephant Nature Park. Meet elephants saved from abusive practices and create memories feeding, bathing, and learning about these majestic animals in their natural habitat.

  • Day 5: Doi Suthep and Bhubing Palace
    142.8 miles - 3 hours 19 minutes from Elephant Nature Park

    Step into the rich historical and cultural heritage of Chiang Mai by visiting the Doi Suthep temple and the royal Bhubing Palace. You'll get to learn and witness the ancient rituals and traditions of Thailand while admiring the spectacular views from the mountaintops.

  • Day 6: Chiang Mai Night Bazaar
    9.7 miles - 21 minutes from Doi Suthep and Bhubing Palace

    End your trip with a bang and visit the Chiang Mai Night Bazaar for an authentic Thai shopping and cultural experience. You'll find everything from Thai street food, local crafts, souvenirs, and much more!

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Chiang Rai Airport Taxi to Night Bazaar (15 minutes, 70 THB)
  • Doi Tung Royal Villa Entrance Fees (60 THB per person)
  • White Temple Entrance Fees (50 THB per person)
  • Elephant Nature Park Full-Day Visit (2,500 THB per adult, 1,250 THB per child)
  • Doi Suthep and Bhubing Palace Entrance Fees (90 THB per person)
  • Total Estimated Costs: 10,370 THB (approximately $320 USD)

Transportation

It's recommended to take local taxis or tuk-tuks in Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai to get around the town. Alternatively, you could rent a car to get around freely. Depending on the need, the cost for renting cars can range from 800 THB per day to 3,000 THB per day. For longer distances, buses and trains are available but may take longer than expected

Useful Tips

If you have more time, you can include trips to Chiang Dao Cave, Doi Inthanon National Park, and Mae Sai (Thai-Myanmar border). To shorten the trip, you could skip the Wat Rong Khun temple or opt for a half-day visit to Elephant Nature Park. Pack bug spray, sunscreen, and comfortable shoes for walking the temple grounds. Try avoiding the rainy season in August to September.

Airports

There are two airports in the Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai areas. The Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) is the largest airport in Northern Thailand, located about 4.3 miles southwest of Chiang Mai. The smaller Chiang Rai International Airport (CEI) is about 5.2 miles from the city center of Chiang Rai. If you arrive at Bangkok, you can take a connecting flight to either airport.

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