Chiang Rai

Located about three hours away, you should really spend more than a day in the city of Chiang Rai, but if you’re pressed for time you can still quickly see some of the region’s main highlights. Tour companies offer a day trip to the city usually to visit the unbelievable Wat Rong Khun, known in English as the ‘White Temple’, and Baan Si Dum, ‘Black House’, with a stop for lunch along the way before heading back to Chiang Mai. Both temples aren’t working Buddhist temples but two artists’ innovation creations and interpretations of Thai Buddhism and culture. While the White Temple will dazzle you with its brilliant white buildings featuring meticulous details and décor, it will also surprise you with sculptures and murals of humankind’s dark side and slide toward consumerism. Inside the main temple building, along with a giant Buddha image, is an elaborate mural featuring a collection of unexpected characters including Michael Jackson, Kung Fu Panda and even Osama Bin Laden. At the Black House, you’ll have an earthier feel as opposed to the White Temple’s glittering façade with dark, moody colours, wooden buildings, and displays of animal bones and horns. It will be a long day, but worth it!