While in Chiang Mai, take a day trip to Chiang Rai. Although you can take the bus to Chiang Rai, I would suggest arranging your own transport or joining a day tour package to maximize your day. If you’re a small group the most economical would be joining a day tour. It takes about 3 hours for the drive. 

WAT RONG SUEA TAN (BLUE TEMPLE) 

Hours of Operation: 6AM-6PM 

Entrance Fee: free

BAAN DAM MUSEUM (THE BLACK HOUSE) 

The Black House or Baan Dam Museum is a complex of several houses in black or dark color. Furnished with different art works such as paintings, sculptures, and animal remains like skins, bones and teeth. The museum is by the artist Thawan Duchanee. 

Inside the main house

There are food and gift shop stalls near the exit and across the street of the museum.

Hours of Operation: 9AM-5PM 

Entrance Fee: 80 Baht

LONG NECK KAREN VILLAGE

Our day tour included a stop in the Long Neck Karen Village. A tribal group who wear heavy brass rings around their necks. This tradition of wearing heavy brass rings was not merely for beauty but for protection against tiger bites. They also sold handicrafts like scarves they weaved. 

WAT RONG KHUN (WHITE TEMPLE) 

Our last stop on the day tour was the White temple or the Wat Rong Khun

To reach the main worship hall, you’ll cross a small bridge called “the cycle of rebirth”. Hundreds of hands reach out from the sides that symbolize human desire, suffering and hell. By crossing the “cycle of death” to the “gate of heaven” where you are reborn free from human suffering. 

The “gates of heaven” is a bridge guarded by two figures that decide over men’s fate: Death & Rahu.

Photos are not allowed in the main hall. 

You will also definitely notice a gold building, which houses the restrooms. The temple complex also includes a crematorium. If you have time make sure to explore the rest of the area. 

Hours of Operation: 8AM-6PM

Entrance Fee: 50 Baht