Guide To: White Temple And Blue Temple, Chiang Rai

The white temple and blue temple in Chiang Rai are a must see! If you’re like us and temples have become quite monotonous and you’re looking for something different, then these are the ones for you.

The White Temple

The white temple is like nothing we’ve seen before and it has to be seen to be believed. Entry to the temple is free for Thai citizens but costs 50 baht (€1.40) for non Thai nationals. There are a number of coffee shops outside the temple and a number of free water stations within the grounds of the temple. These are very handy when you need to cool down in the midday sun and you’ve exceeded your water budget for the day.

The Blue Temple

At first glance the blue temple may not seem as impressive as the white temple, but give it time, because it will grow on you. You will soon become mesmerised by its colours and how photogenic it is.

Entry to the temple is free which is great news for the budget backpacker! There are some restaurants, coffee shops and souvenir shops running alongside the temple in case you have some cash that is burning a hole in your pocket (we didn’t!). Luckily, there are also picnic benches if you want to bring your own snacks (which we did!).

How To Get There?

The temples are located on opposite sides of the city and there are a few different ways you can get to them.

Tuk-Tuk

We took a tuk-tuk for 300 baht total (€8.50) for three people. They brought us from the centre, to the white temple, to the blue temple and back to the centre. They waited at both temples and didn’t give a time limit. The whole trip took approximately 2 hours 30 minutes.

We tried a number of tuk-tuk drivers who wanted between 400 and 500 baht (€11.50 – €14) but we walked away as we knew we could get a better deal. We found a driver that matched our valuation eventually.

If you are going to go down this route, have a price in your head that you want to pay and stick to it. Walk away and try someone else if it’s not within your range. Make sure it’s a realistic price too – you’ll know pretty quickly if you are being unreasonable.

Scooter

Another cheap way to do the trip is to rent a scooter and drive yourself to both temples. Scooters cost between 150-250 baht (€4 – €7) for 24 hours depending on where you rent it and the type of scooter. You may also need to get fuel – 60 baht (€1.70) should be plenty.

Tour Operator

Alternatively, you could do an organised tour. The tours are definitely more expensive but they include more activities. You will get to visit hot springs, the white, blue and black temples. You may also get to visit the long neck tribe or tea plantations depending on the tour operator. These are full day (12 hour) trips and cost between 950 baht and 1,400 baht (€27 – €40).

Our Advice

If you are looking for something to do for a few hours then a tuk-tuk or scooter is the way to go but if you are looking for a full day activity then the organised tour may be the one for you.

Time, budget and what you want to see will determine what route you take. The choice is yours!

So that’s the craic with the white and blue temples… now where is our tuk-tuk?

What is the most beautiful temple you have visited? Let us know in the comments section below 🙂

Do you want to see more countries without the hassle of leaving Thailand? Read our guide to the Golden Triangle to find out how.