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Chiang Mai to the Golden Triangle: Route Guide

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The white temple of Wat Rong Khun
Photo: Chainwit. · CC BY 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons

A six-day licensed-driver journey from Chiang Mai through Chiang Dao and Tha Ton to Chiang Rai and Chiang Saen. The baseline stays on the Thai side of the Golden Triangle and uses bounded public town, art, temple and heritage days; border crossings, boats, treks and provider excursions remain optional.

Chiang Mai to the Golden Triangle is a 320 km one-way journey (staffed road transport). It works best as a 6-day trip; the plan below is the 6-day version for December, built from 444 verified places, with planned transit times, opening hours and daylight checked.

6
days
320km
distance
6
Stops
444
curated stops

Plan your own version → 6-day plan · best time to go

The route

Chiang Mai public heritage day→ 70 kmChiang Dao reserved transfer and public town day→ 105 kmTha Ton reserved transfer and public riverside day→ 80 kmChiang Rai reserved transfer and public city day→Chiang Rai public art and temple day→ 65 kmChiang Saen reserved transfer and Thai-side heritage day

What you'll see

Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep
Golden chedi gleams against mountain backdrop.
Chiang Mai public heritage day
Wat Pa Bunnak
Enjoy a scenic half-day hike through rice fields to a lone temple.
Chiang Dao reserved transfer and public town day
Tha Ton reserved transfer and public riverside circuit
Use the confirmed road transfer and a bounded public Tha Ton riverside-and-temple circuit; no boat is assumed.
Tha Ton reserved transfer and public riverside day
White Temple
Admire gleaming white walls and intricate mirror decorations under serene murals.
Chiang Rai reserved transfer and public city day
Chiang Rai public art and temple circuit
Use a bounded public Chiang Rai art-and-temple circuit and confirm current admission and opening.
Chiang Rai public art and temple day
Wat Phra Chao Lan Thong
Marvel at a massive Buddha statue.
Chiang Saen reserved transfer and Thai-side heritage day
Wat Chedi Luang
Grand ruins whisper tales of ancient kings.
Chiang Mai public heritage day
Doi Luang Chiang Dao
Ascend to panoramic views atop Thailand's third-highest peak.
Chiang Dao reserved transfer and public town day

Choose your length

6-day plan15 stops · 8.6 h transit2.5 stops/day · 1.4 h transit/daySee the full plan →

When to go

Best months: November, December, January, February

Cooler, generally drier conditions suit the northern route, but road, air and attraction status remain live checks.

See the month-by-month breakdown →

Similar journeys

Plan your own version →