Best of Chiang Mai: Private Tour in a Day

Thai Holiday Guide

cultural tours Free cancellation

4.9 (203 reviews) Top rated

Reviewed Jul 2026

Highlights

Climb to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep
Barefoot climb up the Sticky Waterfalls
Small group of max 9 guests
Thai lunch at a local restaurant
Hotel pickup and drop-off included
Led by a local guide

A private day trip out of Chiang Mai pairs Wat Phra That Doi Suthep with Bua Tong “sticky” waterfall, with the itinerary open to adjustment on the day. It runs 7 to 8 hours for up to 9 people, from $103.

The Experience: pickup starts around 8 AM at your hotel, then it’s a drive up the mountain roads to Doi Suthep, where the temple sits at 1,100 metres above sea level. You can climb the 306-step staircase or take the funicular, and once inside there’s a holy blessing and wrist-tying ceremony with a monk before the panoramic view from the balcony. After lunch, the group heads to Bua Tong waterfall, where you can climb the sticky limestone falls or swim in the pools at the base — a stop at an orchid farm can be added on the way back if there’s time.

Private transportation, hotel pickup and drop-off, bottled water, and lunch are all included, along with a local guide-driver for the day. Because the tour is private, the order of stops and time spent at each can shift to suit the group rather than following a fixed script. Personal expenses beyond the included items are the only extra cost.

Good for anyone who wants the temple and waterfall without joining a shared bus group, especially families with kids who might need extra time at the waterfall; skip it if 7-plus hours in a vehicle and on your feet sounds like too much for one day.

Itinerary

1

Wat Phra That Doi Suthep Temple + Sticky Waterfall + Other Acitivities - Get picked up from your hotel or accommodation in Chiang Mai 08.00 am. and drive up the curvy mountain roads to Doi Suthep - Pui National Park. You will visit the most important temple here. Walk up 306 steps (or, if you prefer an easier method, take a funicular ride) to the temple, which sits at 1,100 meters above sea level. - The famous golden pagoda is stunning and the temple contains the relic of the Lord Buddha. Here, you'll also have the chance to get a holy blessing from a Buddhist monk and participate in a wrist tiding ceremony. From the balcony, enjoy a panoramic view of Chiang Mai. - Enjoy the delicious lunch, Next, you'll continue to Bua Tong waterfalls. Swim around the clear water or climb the "sticky" limestone and enjoy the gorgeous natural scenery. On the way back to Chiang Mai city, you can also stop at an orchid farm and much more. - A time to leave the Waterfall, driving for return back to Chiang Mai city, 17:00 pm. Arrive at the hotel and end of our wonderful tour.

2

Climbing to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep temple perched on a mountain overlooking Chiang Mai city with panoramic city view, Receive a holy blessing and participate in a wrist tiding ceremony, with a private guide.