Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai Express Tour – 3 Days / 2 Nights
A short, dense run through the far north. This express itinerary takes the sharpest contrasts of the region in three days: the tea terraces of Choui Fong, the colossal white Goddess of Compassion at Wat Huay Pla Kang, the White Temple and Wat Phra Kaew in Chiang Rai, and the gilded shrine of Doi Suthep above Chiang Mai. Private guide and vehicle throughout.
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Three Days in the Far North: the Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai Express Tour
Three days and two nights for travelers who want the north of Thailand and do not have a week to give it. The express route keeps the distances short and the stops big: green tea terraces in the hills above Chiang Rai, a nine-story pagoda under a colossal white statue, temples that look like nothing else in the country, and the mountain shrine that Chiang Mai considers its own.
You start among the tea plantations, where the rows follow the shape of the hills and the terrace café looks out over the whole valley, and you finish on Doi Suthep as the light goes. In between come Wat Phra Kaew, where the Emerald Buddha was found inside a cracked chedi in 1434, and Wat Rong Khun, white plaster and mirror glass, closer to an art installation than to a temple.
The tour begins in Chiang Rai and ends in Chiang Mai. The final day is free until your airport transfer, whether you fly on to the next stop or stay in Thailand longer. On request we can fill it with optional trips or a custom extension.
Destinations visited
General Information
| Tour Code | TFTR03N |
|---|---|
| Starting from | Chiang Rai |
| Duration | 3 Days / 2 Nights |
| Tour Type | Multi-Day Tours |
| Tour Format | Private |
| Guide Language | Italian, English, Multilingual |
| Interests | Culture & Temples, Food & Cuisine, Local Markets, Nature & Trekking |
| Available Period | All year round |
| Availability | Daily |
Highlights
Sample Itinerary
Check out of your hotel in Bangkok and take the private transfer to the airport for the direct flight to Chiang Rai. You land in the early afternoon, where your guide and private driver are waiting.
The first stop is the Choui Fong Tea Plantation: rows of tea combed across the hillsides, a terrace where you can sit with a coffee or a tasting, and one of the finest views in the province. Then comes the huge complex of Wat Huay Pla Kang, known for its enormous white statue of the Goddess of Mercy and for the pagoda that is lit after dark.
At the end of the day, transfer and check-in at your hotel in Chiang Rai.
After breakfast you set off with your guide and private driver for Chiang Mai, on a road that strings together the high points of sacred art in the north.
The first stop is Wat Phra Kaew, one of the oldest and most important temples in Chiang Rai. In 1434 lightning struck an old chedi here and revealed a statue covered in stucco: underneath was the Jade Buddha, known today as the Emerald Buddha and kept in the Grand Palace in Bangkok. The temple holds a replica of the original image and a small museum on Lanna culture.
Next is Wat Rong Khun, the White Temple: a contemporary work with no equal anywhere, where the mirror inlay and the bare white plaster stand for Buddhist purity. After the included lunch at a local restaurant you carry on to Chiang Mai and up the mountain to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, the shrine the city holds most sacred. You can climb the 306-step staircase or ride the funicular to the golden pagoda at the top, and from there the whole valley opens out as the sun goes down.
Final transfer to your hotel in Chiang Mai and overnight.
After breakfast and check-out the day is yours, for a rest or for whatever you feel like doing, until your private driver takes you to the airport.
You can also add a small-group excursion in English to Doi Inthanon National Park, a day given over to nature and local culture. It includes a visit to an elephant sanctuary run by the Karen community, where you can watch and meet the animals in a natural setting, followed by a local lunch.
In the afternoon you reach the highest point in Thailand, with the King’s and Queen’s pagodas and their gardens. The day carries on with a jungle trek alongside a Karen guide, down to the Rak Jung waterfall and the village, where you can taste the coffee grown there. On the way back to Chiang Mai there is a stop at the striking Wachirathan waterfall.
The itinerary may change due to weather conditions or other unforeseeable circumstances.
Hotels
Chiang Rai The Heritage Chiang Rai
View HotelChiang Mai Bodhi Serene
View HotelPrice
| Participants | 1 person | 2 people | 3 people | 4 people | 5 people | 6 people |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price per person (EUR) | 800 € | 410 € | 305 € | 265 € | 230 € | 215 € |
| Price per person (THB) | 29,136 ฿ | 14,976 ฿ | 11,056 ฿ | 9,546 ฿ | 8,280 ฿ | 7,736 ฿ |
Note: prices in Euros are worked out at the current exchange rate and are indicative. The final price may change because of currency movements or updated operating costs at the time of booking.
Inclusions
What the Tour Includes
- English-speaking assistance throughout the tour.
- Transfers by private air-conditioned vehicle.
- Private professional English-speaking guide.
- Accommodation (2 nights) in selected hotels, breakfast included.
- Typical Thai lunches from Day 1 to Day 2 (drinks not included).
- Entrance tickets to every site, temple and park listed above.
Not Included
- Tips for the guide and the driver.
- Drinks with meals.
- Personal spending.
- Domestic and international flights.
Useful Tips
- Shoulders and knees must be covered to enter the temples (this applies to men and women alike).
- Bring sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat for the outdoor visits.
- Carry cash (Thai Baht) for anything you buy along the way
- Flights: we recommend booking a flight to Chiang Rai that lands by 13:00 on the first day.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does a custom tour with Thailand Fantastic work?
You can draw inspiration from our sample itineraries, or we can create a trip tailored 100% to you. We will work together to define every detail according to your wishes, your specific needs, your budget and your dates.
What happens after I contact you?
One of our English-speaking consultants will contact you within 24 hours of receiving your enquiry.
- Introductory call: we will get in touch to arrange a short call. This allows us to explore your travel idea and understand the character you would like to give your adventure.
- Receiving the proposal: you will receive a detailed quotation, free of charge and with no obligation.
What does the price of the trip include?
The price of the trip includes all the services, any domestic flights and the accommodation mentioned in the programme we have proposed to you (for example: overnight stays, transport, excursions and any other experience specified).
Do I need a visa to visit Thailand?
Entry requirements for Thailand depend on your nationality, so there is no single answer that applies to every traveler. As of August 2026 citizens of more than 90 countries can enter Thailand for tourism without a visa and are granted a 60-day stay on arrival, extendable once by a further 30 days at an immigration office. The Thai government has approved a reduction to 30 days that has not yet come into force, and travelers from other countries must apply for a visa before travelling: always check the rules for your own nationality before you book.
Two requirements apply to almost everyone:
- Passport: it must normally be valid for at least 6 months from the date you enter the country.
- Digital Arrival Card: you are required to complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card through the online form before you arrive.
Important: please always check the rules currently in force for your own nationality with the Thai embassy or consulate in your country, or on the official website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Thailand, as regulations can change quickly. If you are unsure, ask us and we will point you in the right direction.
When is the best time to visit Thailand?
Thailand enjoys a tropical climate, but the seasons vary from one region to another:
| Period | Climate and recommended areas |
| November - February | Cool season (high season): the best time of year. Ideal for the North and the Andaman Sea (Phuket, Krabi). |
| March - May | Hot season: high temperatures. Excellent for the Gulf islands and for diving. |
| June - October | Rainy season: short showers. The Gulf islands (Koh Samui) are often less affected. |
What happens when I book the trip?
Once the final quotation has been confirmed, the procedure is as follows:
- Deposit: you will be asked for a deposit (30% or 50%), to be paid within 5 days in order to secure the services.
- Balance: the balance must be paid no later than 40 days before departure.
- Documents: no later than 3 weeks before departure, you will receive the complete itinerary with vouchers and confirmations.
Which payment methods do you accept?
You can choose between several options:
- Bank transfer: to a European bank account (in Euros) or directly to our Thai bank account.
- PayPal: payment by PayPal is also possible.
How can I buy cancellation and/or medical and baggage insurance?
Your Travel Consultant will recommend the best insurance partners for your needs. On request, we can book the policy on your behalf, with a small handling fee for managing the paperwork.
Do you also offer international flights?
We do not have our own flight ticketing service, but we are happy to help you look for the best deals. We can handle the booking for you, with a small handling fee.
What if I can no longer travel? (trip cancellation)
Please refer to our Terms and Conditions. If you have cancellation insurance, you will be refunded by the insurance company. Without insurance, the penalties set out in the contract will apply.
What if something unexpected happens during the trip?
Your peace of mind is our priority. Should anything go wrong, we will act promptly with our local partners to rearrange your itinerary, and you will have English-speaking assistance with you throughout the trip.
