Chiang Mai City and Temples Half-Day Tour

Chiang Mai, Thailand

The city of Chiang Mai has a wealth of beautiful and historic Buddhist Wats (temples), 36 Wats within the old city walls and many more in the surrounding countryside. Near the summit of Doi Suthep, a 5300 feet peak named after the hermit Sudeva who lived on the mountain's slopes for many years, is the 600 year old temple of Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep.

After a drive up the mountain's winding road, the final climb to the site is via an enormous mythological Nagas (Dragon-headed serpent) staircase of 306 steps. On a clear day, there are incomparable views over the city of Chiang Mai from the temple grounds.

Wat Chedi Luang consists of an impressive chedi, originally built in 1411. It reached a height of over 278 feet before it was partially destroyed by an earthquake in 1545. It now reaches a height of 196 feet. The temple also contains the city pillar. Statue in small shelters surrounding this building are the home of guardian spirits.

USD $30.62

Review by: schoneberger w	April 2012
Visiting the temples in Chiang Mai was a wonderful experience. The difference between this tour and the many I have taken in other places is the tour guide mostly delivers you to the destination and tells where to meet when done. We didn't get the history or insider information we would have expected on this type of tour. With that said, we would still do it again, the sites were saw were just great and the price was excellent.

Review by: Michael T	March 2012
The tour guide ('Fitch') was very friendly and his English was perfect. He could tell us a lot of facts about the temples and Buddhism. Chiang Mai itself is not really a beautiful city, so there is not much to see, except temples and the surrounding hills and jungle.

Review by: Geoff	March 2012
Our guide was prompt and very informative we had a wonderful time.

Review by: Darren S	May 2011
A great tour of some truly amazing temples. The guide was excellent and very informative. Definitely one to consider if you have a spare afternoon or morning.

Review by: Samantha K	April 2011
Chiang Mai was our second destination in Thailand, after Bangkok. Our guide was a bit late, but we were keen, so didnt faze us. What did though was the lack of interpretive tour guide chat. It was a private tour, but we may as well have hired the car ourself or bus. I kept asking her questions trying to let her know we are interested. She did know the answers but preferred to chat to the driver it seems. After the main tour up the hill to Doi Suthep, she asked us what we wanted to do next?????? i paid for a tour back in Aust and cant remember all that was in it, thats her job. In all it was worth seeing all the things and enjoyed ourselves, but didnt need this guide. Easily do this tour on your own as its not far up the hill and the temples are in old city.

Review by: Dan S	March 2011
Good overview of the major temples in the city.

Review by: Sharon P	February 2011
A great informative tour and our guide was lovely - we enjoyed it very much!

Review by: DAVID C	October 2010
The tour was great, and the tour guide was excellent, reel value for money, i'd book it again no problems.

Review by: Belinda S, Australia	May 2010
Great to check out the city.

Review by: Anonymous	May 2010
Great to check out the city.

Review by: Anonymous, Australia	March 2010
Great tour! English speaking guide, very knowledgeable, interesting, private car. Had a great time. Thank you!

Review by: Anonymous, Australia	February 2010
Good tour showing the sights of Chiang Mai. The jade factory visit was a little unnecessary and we could have had a little more time at the temple with views on the top of the mountain.

Review by: Lorraine P, United Kingdom	January 2008
Our guide was very knowledgeable and informative. She was on time, friendly, and a pleasure.

Review by: LORRAINE P	January 2008
Our guide was very knowledgeable and informative. She was on time, friendly, and a pleasure.