Day 1 of Northern Thai Trip: Bhumibol Dam And Wat Rong Khun

I really can't get enough of Northern part of Thailand, my favorite holiday destination from all regions.  This family trip is taken around new year break.  Visiting main area like Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai and Mae Hong Son. 

First stop after a long drive last night was this Bhumibol Dam in Amphoe Sam Ngao district of Tak Province.  This dam is named after Thailand's King and is a beautiful arch dam on the ping river.  Then not far from there, there is a small local morning market, selling homey food, fresh fruit and vegetables. 

Pork Congee with extra egg

Local morning market

Wat Rong Khun

Next stop and a must visit is this Wat Rong Khun.  It is like a white temple, painted in white and stick in pieces of glass that sparkling in the sun.  This temple is designed by a famous Thai artist, Chalermchai Kositpipat.  He had ever dreamed about heaven and then build this temple accordingly.  However, this temple is not finished yet, eventually there will be nine buildings in total.  So far for me, this temple is the most beautiful looking temple with white color and shining glasses, simply like heaven even I haven't seen one.  

Stay tuned for the next blog still in Chiang Rai:

Day 1 of Northern Thai Trip (part 2): Golden Triangle

Journey Back To Bangkok From Chiang Rai

We spotted this chic boutique café along the main road back to Bangkok from Chiang Rai.  This tiny café not only serve nice coffees and sweets but they also provide a homestay on the second level of the shop.  It is a little bit far from anywhere, however it should be relax and chill out for just a night or two staying in.

Deep Chocolate Frappe

We also made another short stop at Cocolampang at Lampang city.  A cute community theme park, complete with small souvenirs shops, food and iconic symbol of Lampang city, which are horse and ceramic bowl.  

Cocolampang

One Fine Day In Chiang Rai

This kind of foggy morning is pretty common in here around Northern of Thailand.  Because the area is surrounded by mountains and higher altitude town.  We drove straight from Bangkok, last night just before midnight and took us about 11 hours cruisey drive.  Once we arrived in Chiang Rai, we made a short visit to the temple and then ride further up to Doi Tung Royal Villa.  Then last but not least, we spent our night at Chiang Rai night bazaar for a marvelous meal.  

Doi Tung Royal Villa

Maekok River

Hot Spring

Boiling egg with natural hot spring



Chiang Rai Night Bazaar

Thai Style Hot Pot

Maekok Siri Cottage, Chiang Rai 3

Besides Chiang Mai, still so many places are lovely to visit around Northern of Thailand.  And Chiang Rai is of course one of them.  It is laid in the border between Laos and Myanmar.  Embracing the different culture from three different countries.  Yet, this place is much less crowded than Chiang Mai.  We chose to stayed in Maekok Siri Cottage for two nights.  The place is a bit outside town and along the Maekok river.  Very peacefull and ultimate fresh breeze in the morning, plus right next to it, they have small elephant camp belongs to the locals.  Therefore, still not so touristy and you can do the same activities with elephant, such as elephant feeding and elephant riding.  

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Maekok Siri Cottage

558 Moo.2, Ban Karieng Ruammit, Maeyao.

Muang Chiang Rai 

Tel: (+66) 08 6732 1555 , (+66) 08 0563 2666