Join my husband and me on a four-day journey to the enchanting region of Chiang Rai and the northernmost borders of Thailand. Chiang Rai, a mesmerizing destination adorned with unique architectural wonders, some of which are considered world-class, has captivated our hearts. During our 15-day exploration of Northern Thailand, we’ve curated a list of exceptional places that we’re thrilled to share with you.
We flew from Bangkok to Chiang Rai and checked into The Imperial River House Resort. This 5-star hotel, nestled by the idyllic Kok River, serves as the perfect base for exploration.
Wat Rong Khun (White Temple): Considered a top-tier architectural masterpiece in Thailand, Wat Rong Khun has been a labor of love since 1997 for acclaimed artist and architect Chalermchai Kositpipat. With white symbolizing the purity of Buddha, Kositpipat has even sold renowned paintings to fund this ongoing project.
Wat Rong Suea Ten (Blue Temple): Another unique creation by Chalermchai Kositpipat, its striking blue hues from the first glance are utterly captivating, forming a complementary contrast to the White Temple’s serene purity.
Our dining experiences ranged from hotel restaurants to local eateries, each offering delicious flavors typical of the region.
Switching to The Riverie by Katathani, another splendid 5-star hotel, offered us a fresh perspective from across the river.
The day’s key attractions included:
Wat Huay Pla Kang: An impressive temple perched on twin hills, featuring a nearly 100-meter-tall Bodhisattva statue that drew us in from kilometers away.
Long Neck Karen Village: Venturing slightly north, we encountered this unique ethnic village famous for its long-neck tradition, where wearing brass coils is a mark of respect and beauty.
Choui Fong Tea Plantation: The expansive and beautifully maintained tea plantation was simply breathtaking, resembling giant green fingerprints from afar.
The northern border of Chiang Rai isn’t frequented by tourists due to its distance from the city center. However, its winding roads offer stunning viewpoints and some of Thailand’s best coffee plantations.
Chang Moob Military Outpost (Defunct): A former military outpost offering excellent views of the Myanmar border, complete with a café nearby.
Pha Hi Village Viewpoint: A quaint village set among hilltops and slopes, providing a picturesque backdrop worth stopping for a bite and enjoying the view.
Phu Kuma – ภู คุมะ Cafe & Homestay: A must-visit spot for those seeking breathtaking views and a pleasant dining experience, but be prepared for a challenging journey due to the steep and winding roads.
After spending a night here and exploring the area, we stumbled upon a coffee processing workshop run by elder women sorting and grading coffee beans. Our experience was enriched with friendly chats and laughter.
In the evening, we journeyed back to the heart of Chiang Rai, returned our rental motorbike, and caught a bus to Chiang Mai. The last bus we took left around 5:30 PM, providing a perfect end to our adventure as we dozed off, waking up in Chiang Mai.
