Chiang Mai · CRUISES & BOAT TOURS
15 reviewed
This is the shortlist we’d hand a friend: the 15 cruises & boat tours worth booking in the north, each with its price, its traveller verdict, and the one thing to know before you commit.
A 15-hour Chiang Rai day trip from Chiang Mai with White, Black, and Blue Temples, Golden Triangle sights, and a Mekong boat ride.
“guide Little B was helpful talking care of us. managed to change to another van when the old one air conditioning wasn't working”
Cruise the Mae Ping River on a long-tail boat from Chiang Mai, with an option for farm lunch, herbal drinks, and ice cream.
“It was a lovely last tour ending our stay in Chiang Mai, our guide was passionate about all the herbs growing at the small farm. The Khao Soi and ice cream were delicious. So lovely to sail on the Mae Ping River and see the lanterns for the last time”
A long Chiang Rai day from Chiang Mai with White and Blue temples, Black House, Karen longneck village, hot spring, and a Golden Triangle boat trip.
“I could not understand our “English “ speaking tour guide at all!!! The day was very very long! Needed more water too!”
Long day from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai with White and Blue Temples, Golden Triangle, Karen Long Neck village, and a Mekong boat trip.
“This has been by far the best tour I've had in two months of traveling. MM was an ethusiastic guide, sharing great information about the sites we were traveling to and the people of the Karen tribe we interacted with. The lunch was the best food I've had in thailand! Happy was an excellent driver. I would only add that for the Karen village visit, I think it would be a more unique experience to have an option to chat with the women more about their journey and culture with the guide translating rather than be shown more goods to buy ( I know they help support them). I also…”
Chiang Rai highlights from Chiang Mai, with the White and Blue Temples, Long Neck village, Golden Triangle boat ride, and lunch for $79.
“Tour listed as 6-8 hrs. Actual time was 15hrs. We had a light lunch mid day and only stopped at 7-11 for 15mins on the 4hr trip home. Had to choose between bathroom and finding food. Very long day. For that long of a day, would have been better in a bus instead of a van. Our guide was friendly and helpful. It was my first group style tour so i can't compare but it felt more rushed than i would have preferred.”
Half-day Mae Ping river boat plus herb-farm lunch in Chiang Mai, with hotel pickup and khao soi tasting for about $19.
“Very interesting, we had good descriptions from the guide.”
A long Chiang Rai day from Chiang Mai, packed with the White, Black, and Blue Temples plus Golden Triangle, Mekong boat ride, and hot springs.
“O passeio superou todas as minhas expectativas, foi muito melhor do que imaginei. A guia Surina e o motorista Eak, tornaram tudo mais especial, foram absurdamente atenciosos, com explicações detalhadas, dicas de compras, ajudas nas fotos. Foi sensacional. Recomendo para todos!”
3 days by slow boat from Chiang Rai to Luang Prabang, with White Temple, Huay Xai and Pakbeng overnights, plus a Laos border crossing.
“Everything about the trip was a nice slow pace. The river scenery was the highlight 😊”
Sticky Waterfalls, a reservoir boat trip, and a big Chiang Mai temple on an 8-hour province tour with pickup and a local market.
“I mainly booked this tour because I wanted to go to the sticky waterfalls, and that was really fun. But it was also great to visit some less touristy spots like the market and temple. The driver and my guide Saman were polite and helpful. The miRead more”
Chiang Rai day trip from Chiang Mai packed with the White Temple, Golden Triangle views, a Laos border boat ride, and Long Neck village.
“We really enjoyed our whole day and everything on this tour, our tour quide was very knowledgeable and our driver was amazing.”
Private Chiang Mai trishaw ride plus Mae Ping River cruise, with hotel pickup, market flower sights, and a Wat Phra Singh visit.
“Just got back from the most relaxing solo trip in Chiang Mai! Took a private trishaw ride through the city's charming streets, soaking in the culture and history. Then hopped on a Mae Ping River cruise, enjoying peaceful vibes and stunninRead more”
2-hour Ping River dinner cruise in Chiang Mai with hotel pickup, Thai set-menu dinner, night views, and drinks onboard.
“Be aware. This tour provides a SET menu. You cannot choose anything to eat. An issue if you have allergies to peanuts etc. The spring rolls had little to no filling. And the egg pancake and soup was not appetizing. We never got to the entree. Read more”
3-day slow boat from Chiang Mai to Luang Prabang with Mekong views, Chiang Rai stop, visa help, and an overnight in Huay Xay.
“Meget skuffende. Intet besøg ved Det hvide tempel. Total forvirrende med busserne. Guiden kom for sent til grænsen, så måtte selv stå for visum. Guiden forsøgte at snyde mig med at veksle penge og tog overpris for simkort. Guiden er kun på første stop og ikke med på slowboaten. Så det er IKKE en guidet tur. Meget billigere, nemmere og unden frustrationer at gøre turen selv. IKKE pengene værd. Hotelværelset er virkelig et skod hotel.”
Private Chiang Rai temples and Golden Triangle day trip from Chiang Mai, with a boat ride toward Laos and lunch included for $145.
“Had an absolutely wonderful experience with Mr. Big on 2/7/25. Picked us up at hotel, drove to all destinations while chatting with us in learning more about Thailand. He took us around the popular temples in bypassing the tour bus crowRead more”
Ride a calm Mae Ping River cruise from Wat Chai Mongkol, then visit Thai Farmer’s House for herbal drinks, fruits, and optional khao soi.
“This was a lovely experience, floating along taking in the view. It was as described- no commentary but didn’t expect one. Didn’t have the meal. The herb garden is interesting and the setting is relaxing. I recommend for a great way to spend a few hours. Kids on board seem to enjoy.”
