The Blue Temple, or “Wat Rong Suea Ten”, is another artistic masterpiece of Chiang Rai - boasting sapphire-blue and gold details. The temple houses a stunning porcelain Buddha statue, with murals on the walls and ceiling that have a cosmic and almost psychedelic element to them. It’s just a short drive from the city center and what’s better: entry is completely free.

The White Temple of Chiang Rai, or “Wat Rong Khun”, is easily one of the most stunning temples we’ve seen in Thailand. The level of detail is extraordinary: thousands of mirrored tiles and flame-like patterns glisten in the sun. It’s not every day you come across a Thai temple that’s painted completely white, a color that was chosen by local artist Chalermchai Kositpipat to represent the purity and goodness of Buddha.

Some of the most rewarding travel experiences come from seeing a place through the eyes of a local, and that’s exactly what we found in Chiang Rai. One of Kat’s best friends is from Chiang Rai, so recently we decided it was time to explore her hometown together. We didn’t know what to expect going into the trip, but after three days of incredible local experiences we were totally blown away by this gem of Northern Thailand.