The purity of the White temple
Chiang Rai is a beautiful, nature-rich province in the far north of Thailand. In the small town of the same name, the laid back atmosphere, aromatic local food, morning market and many temples make this a wonderful place to wander around. At least visit Wat Rung Khun, the white temple that stands for celebration of life, where white symbolizes the purity of Buddha. Style elements from traditional temples are mixed with avant-garde quirkiness, the result is unique and fairy-tale like. Just outside the city you will find its black counterpart Ban Daam where death takes center stage.
Authentic mountain peoples in the Golden Triangle
The city of Chiang Rai is the gateway to the northern province and the Golden Triangle, the tri-border point where Thailand, Myanmar and Laos meet. The name is due to the time when opium trade was common here. In Sop Ruak, travel back to this period at the Opium Museum, the Hall of Opium, and the Golden Triangle Park. Here, enjoy the view of the Mekong River and the magnificent golden Buddha. Your eyes search in vain for poppy fields, which have given way to flowers, tea and fruit plantations for years.
In the same region, several mountain peoples still live authentically. During a multi-day stay in a village, you will get to know their unique identity and culture. Visit the small town of Doi Mae Salong, the center of tea in the middle of one of the áll most beautiful areas of Thailand. Take an evening stroll in the beautiful Mae Fah Luang Garden, explore the area with its numerous unique wats by bike and relax in the many hot springs. Nam Roo is a naturally heated lake located deep in the forest around the mountains of Doi Pha Hom Pok National Park, high in the mountains. It looks like an infinity pool from which the view is extraordinarily spectacular. Where the world can't find you....
