Chiang Rai is located in the far north of Thailand, in the tri-border area of Laos/Myanmar/Thailand. The region was famous/infamous for opium cultivation until a few years ago. However, opium cultivation is no longer significant in Thailand.
We spent four days in Chiang Rai and used two of them to explore attractions located 10-15 km outside the city by scooter. The first destination was the Baandam Museum, also known as the 'Black House'. It consists not of one, but 40 black houses designed and built by the artist Thawan Duchanee. They have a dark, archaic and Satanic vibe.
The Blue Temple, which we visited next, makes a completely different impression. At first, you might think that Europa Park built it: playful and adorned with large fairytale figures. And yet, it is a religious building and attracts many tourists. Equally surprised and fascinated, we stood in front of the White Temple: it was also designed by a Thai artist and opened in 1997. A spectacle in white and silver. You enter the main temple via the Bridge of Rebirth. Unfortunately, photography is not allowed inside. Here too, it is not just one building, but a very large complex with various structures, most of which are white, but there are also golden ones. We had seen enough temples for now and took a trip to the Khun Korn Waterfall, located in a small national park. The fresh air, cooled by the spray, was very pleasant. A welcome change from the typical temperatures of 38-42 degrees. We spend the rest of our time at the market, in the old temples of the city, in various pubs, and last but not least in the cat cafe.
