Chiang Rai
More culture. Up in the northern most part of the country is the town of Chiang Rai, which quickly became one of my favorite cities in the north. Here’s why:
Where to stay: Mora Boutique Hotel
With perfect location, a great design and wonderful staff, the Mora Boutique Hotel is my pick for where to stay in Chiang Rai. There’s a small gym, a great (albeit fucking freezing) pool, an awesome restaurant with a great breakfast and my pool view room was spacious with a comfortable bed and surprisingly luxurious vibe.
Where to have breakfast: Chivit Thamma Da Coffee House and Bistro
Literally the cutest restaurant in Thailand. You feel like you’re in some sort of hybrid between the Hamptons and French countryside. The eggs Benedict was cheap and tasty as can be. Service is great, and views over the river are solid as well.
Where to see a red temple: Wat Phra Kaew
I biked here from the hotel through the old town, which was very nice (that kind of encapsulates why I like Chiang Rai a bit more than Chiang Mai - I was worried riding a scooter through the city in Chiang Mai but I was fully chilling riding a janky little bike through Chiang Rai). Anyway, this whole complex is quite nice, and there’s even a little museum to check out in here with a bunch of buddhas and relics and gold plates and whatnot.
Where to see a black temple: Baan Dam
This is actually a complex of temples and shops and storage facilities all made by an artist years ago. Its a great area to check out and see some wild architecture.
Where to see a blue temple: The Blue Temple
If you haven’t caught on yet, there’s a colored temple theme up here in Chiang Rai. The blue temple is breathtaking, as literally everything is shades of blue. Plus, its just around the corner from Chivit Thamma, so you can combine the two easily.
Where to see a white temple: The White Temple
The grand daddy of them all. This is, without a doubt, the most beautiful temple in the country. Is it actually a Buddhist temple or an elaborate art project? Controversy, maybe, but who gives a shit. It’s the most beautiful building I saw in my time in Thailand, so that’s that. There’s an entry fee, of course, but pay it. Walk through it a few times. The story of the building is also great, and the dialogue between the story and the design is executed phenomenally. I’ll stop writing and let the pictures do the talking.
Where to hang at a park for the day: Singha Park
This is a massive park near the white temple complete with everything you could think of: zoos, famous statues of the Singha logo, zip lines, rice fields, restaurants, trams going throughout the property, etc. Definitely be sure to have a meal at the Bhu Bhirom restaurant for amazing views, solid food and a reasonable price. But to confirm a table with a view, make a reservation in advance.
Where to do a waterfall hike: Khun Korn Waterfall Nature Trail
A simple, 30 minute hike gets you to a stunning waterfall about 45 minutes from the city center. Its a huge waterfall, but its also freezing, so just be prepared. Get some jumping jacks in and you’ll be read to go for a dip.
Where to hang at a beach club: Joiwoii Beach Club
Yup, a beach club in northern, landlocked Thailand. Its a thing. And they killed the design here. Very Tulum/Mykonos vibes here. They have tons of lounge chairs, sand, riverfront views, and solid drinks. Plus, the owner of the place is a funny guy, I got a kick out of talking to him for a bit.
Where to see Buddha in a cave: Wat Tham Pra
I mean, you read it here. Buddha in a cave. It’s honestly not THAT cool, but worth a 10 minute detour. How many times have you seen a buddha in a cave? None? Do it here. Just know it does smell kind of foul. Still worth it though.
Where to see the city from above: Wat Huay Pla Kang
Oh, and there’s also some awesome big Buddha’s and temples up here. Big buddha, big views, big temples, and a nice workout from walking up all the stairs.
Chiang Rai may be a smaller, more chill version of Chiang Mai, but boy does it pack a punch. I basically did not stop once on my weekend trip here and I barely fit everything in. The temples are arguably better than Chiang Mai, vibes are more true to Thailand, and its just a more enjoyable experience in my opinion.