Here is our tentative itinerary
Day 1: To Chiang Rai from Chiang Mai- In afternoon see temples in city center. In evening Clock Tower and Night Baazar

Day 2: AM: White Temple, Khun Kon Waterfall (maybe skip),
Afternoon: Lunch @ CR River Beach, Art Bridge, Mae Fah Luang Art and Cultural Park. Then Blue Temple and Black House.
On way back stop @ Wat Huay Pla Kang: Goddess of Mercy Temple.

Day 3: North to Doi Tung stop @ Choui Fong Tea Plantation enroute. After Don Tung maybe continue to Mai Sai, (stop @ Anantapura Restaurant for drink)
And/or stop @ Fish Monkey Cave (Wat Tham Pla)

Day 4: Return to Chiang Mai
We are considering take longtail boat to Tan Ton then stopping in Chiang Dao to see caves on way back https://all-thailand-exp.com/mae_kok_river_thailand_boat_ride_tour/ Alternate would be to drive back via Chiang Dao

Any feedback on this plan would be appreciated.
We have not decided on transportation yet from/to Chiang Mai but leaning toward a private driver.
We plan to hire a driver/guide for days 2/3. Any recommendations?
Are there any lovely restaurants on the riverside that you would recommend? Any other restaurants in town you would recommend?
Do you know of any shorter long tail boat rides from Chiang Rai or anywhere nearby? I loved seeing life along the river and visiting villages when I was in Lao several years ago and would like for my friend to have the same experience.
If possible, we would like to visit some hillltribe villages but are not interested in any visits that exploit the villagers. I am particularly interested in villages known for their crafts. We could add another day in area if needed.
Any other sights to see on way to/from Ciang Mai. We are not interested in hot springs. There are lots where I live and my travel companion is not a water person.
Are there any agencies that could put this all together for us that you would recommend?

Thanks in advance for any help you can give me.

We have visited many of those place but generally rented a car to explore northern Thailand rather than engage a guide or driver. That would be my preferred option if you are happy to drive. The driving is generally pretty easy in that part of the country and it would provide much greater flexibility. The exception being for visits to any hill tribe villages where you would definitely need a guide who can speak the languages of the people. You are right to be cautious revisiting the minority peoples villages. Those that are within easy reach of CR will be very touristy and most likely the people are exploited by the agencies ferrying tourists there . Any villages "known for their crafts." are likely to fall into this category.

CR itself is a delightful place, smaller and more manageable than CM, the Black House and White Temple were highlights for us.some photos of our time there https://accidentalnomads.com/2015/10...ack-and-white/

If possible , they to stay a Saturday night in CR as that is when the "walking market"takes place.

Chiang Dao offers opportunities for various activities in addition to the caves. We stayed at Chiang Dao Nest - it may be worth having a look at their website for options.

Sorry but I cant help with any agencies who would do all this for you. You may have to resort to google or the tripadvisor Thailand forum which is a lot more active than this one. There was one guide who was recommend a lot on this forum , Sergeant Kai but whether he is still around I dont know.

One final thought is that, given the choice, I would take a look at the "Mai Hong Son Loop" from CM visiting places like Soppong, Mai Sariang, Mai Hong Son, Dai Inthanon. Lots of caves, rural markets, waterfalls and opps for visiting hill tribes (There is a community based tourism group operating from Fern Resort which is very good.

Thank you Cresston. I appreciate your input. We would feel comfortable driving so may just go that route.
I did also post on TripAdvisor so hopefully will also get some feedback there.

Hi
Khun Kon Waterfall is quite an uphill footpath trek but really is worth the effort, an impressive waterfall and io enjoyed the jungle walk.
Think it took me about 40 mins- but my fitness is lazy lol
The White Temple is a must- extraordinary.
Restaurant The Chivit Thamma is good-- well it was this year and two years ago and you can get riverside tables- love the location and look..
Is also quite close to the Blue Temple ( could be helpful ), which is pretty amazing in the dark ( check the closing time ) as well as in daylight.

Maybe consider
Tham Luang Nang Cave- where those boys were stranded for two weeks is about an hourish north of Chaing Rai.
Has been developed but is still an interesting visit- a fantastic rescue, and you can go in some of the cave .
I am a little claustrophobic but felt fine. I believe it is possible to book full tours but a month or so in advance- not for me !

Have to say Chiang Rai area has so many interesting places to visit another is the Sky Walk in Mae Sai
You can visit hill tribes and there are some where the Long Neck women live- I do suspect a little exploitation.
Whatever you do I am certain that you will enjoy. it is fabulous- I will go back for more

when are you travelling? Avoid January to April because of the haze