Chiang Rai

Three hours north of Chiang Mai (or a quick flight from Bangkok) and a different scene entirely: smaller, slower, and built around three contemporary temples that have become the city’s shorthand. Wat Rong Khun — the all-white “White Temple” with its mirrored-mosaic spires and reaching-hands bridge — is the marquee, but Wat Rong Suea Ten (the Blue Temple) is arguably the better interior, and the Baan Dam Black House compound is the strangest art-pilgrimage in the country. North of the city, the Golden Triangle marks the Mekong meeting point of Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar, and the hill-tribe villages around Mae Salong and Doi Tung make a good two-day loop.

Wat Rong Khun White Temple in Chiang Rai, the surreal alabaster-white temple with mirrored mosaic spires reflecting in a still pond, ornate sculpted bridge of reaching hands in the foreground under a blue sky
Wat Rong Khun, the White Temple.
Wat Rong Suea Ten Blue Temple interior in Chiang Rai, deep cobalt-and-gold ordination hall with a luminous white seated Buddha and intricate painted murals in atmospheric warm lighting
Wat Rong Suea Ten, the Blue Temple.
Baan Dam Black House compound in Chiang Rai, dark teak temple-like buildings surrounded by skulls, animal hides, and sculptural taxidermy in a manicured garden under overcast afternoon light
Baan Dam, the Black House.

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