Chiang Rai

Being quite bold, I bought a bus ticket only on the morning of my departure day and booked accommodation during the four-hour journey to Chiang Rai. I was lucky since the accommodation was just 700m from the bus station. At the same time, I was also unlucky because it rained. And a little spoiler: it didn't stop raining even once during the three days I was in Chiang Rai. That's what you call 'rainy season'.

After the temple marathon in Chiang Mai, I was so into it that I visited several temples in Chiang Rai besides the clock tower, the city's landmark. On the arrival day, I checked out the ones within walking distance, and the next day some more unique ones. One of them was Wat Rong Khun - also known as the White Temple - which is a private artwork created by the Thai artist Chalermchai Kositpipat. To enter the shrine, you cross a bridge over a pond with outstretched arms. Inside, you first see several perfectly arranged Buddhas lined up, with a meditating monk at the front - a great sight, but photography is not allowed inside. The walls are in warm brown and gold tones and depict the cycle of life and death with modern imagery: for example, next to the globe with an atomic mushroom, you can see Michael Jackson, Captain Jack Sparrow, and Harry Potter on his broom.

Wat Rong Suea Ten is also known as the Blue Temple, and the dominant color is evident: blue. This Wat is famous for its striking modern artistic design and was created by a student of Chalermchai Kositpipat. I found the interior design particularly appealing.

On the grounds of Wat Huai Pla Kang stand two impressive structures. A nine-story chedi, which offers a great view of the mountains around Chiang Rai, and another sight: a gigantic Buddha. The Buddha, at 79m, is the tallest in Thailand, and you can take an elevator inside to go up. The interior is adorned with sculptures, with the eyes, mouth, and bindi being glassed and providing a view. Here, I met Oliver, who himself traveled around the world for seven months a few years ago.

Additionally, I took a day trip to Chiang Saen and Sop Ruak for the Golden Triangle. The Golden Triangle is a region at the borders of Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar, where opium poppy is cultivated and processed into heroin. Admittedly, this was more of a trip to say I was there. However, I didn't know at that time that the last bus back to Chiang Rai leaves at 2:30 PM - after the first bus had only arrived at 10 AM... Nevertheless, the visit to the House of Opium was worthwhile!