Baan Dam, also known as the Black House, is one of the most unusual stops in Chiang Rai. Created by Thai artist Thawan Duchanee, this dark, thought-provoking complex is not a temple but a collection of striking wooden buildings filled with bold, symbolic art. It’s a quick visit, but one that definitely leaves an impression.
Overnight Stay At Chai Lai Orchid Elephant Sanctuary in Thailand
From feeding elephants sugarcane on our porch to cooking lunch in bamboo over an open fire, our overnight stay at Chai Lai Orchid was packed from start to finish. This is exactly what you can expect from the two day experience near Chiang Mai.
Casaroro Falls — An Adventurous Hike That Was A Little More Than I Expected
A tuk-tuk ride to check out Casaroro Falls turned into far more than just a hike with “a lot of stairs.” It meant wading through the river, climbing 335+ steep steps, and my daughter facing her fear of murky water. – A bit more than we had expected.
Blue Temple, Chiang Rai — A Modern Temple That Feels Almost Unreal
Wat Rong Suea Ten — the Blue Temple — is a modern temple in Chiang Rai known for its deep cobalt color and contemporary artwork. Designed by a student of the White Temple’s artist and completed in 2016. It’s free to visit, close to town, and an easy addition to the Chiang Rai temple route.
The White Temple, Chiang Rai
On a day trip from Chiang Mai in January 2026, I visited Wat Rong Khun — the White Temple — and it ended up being my favorite temple in northern Thailand. Its bright white mirrored design and one-way path toward enlightenment make it completely different from the traditional temples
Climbing to the Top of Sacré-Cœur in Montmartre
The dome climb at Sacré-Cœur is 300 steps of narrow, winding stairs, but the panoramic views of Paris from the top are absolutely worth the workout.
Cathedral Rock Hike – Sedona, Arizona
Cathedral Rock looked massive from a distance. Once I started climbing, it felt even bigger. This short, steep Sedona hike pushed me in ways I didn’t expect—especially on the way down. Here’s what you need to know before you go.
Hawaii
Hawaii has a reputation for being expensive, but with smart planning, it doesn’t have to be. Here’s how we spent 10 nights in Hawaii for roughly $1,500 per person, including flights, accommodations, food, and transportation.
The Capuchin Crypt
The Capuchin Crypt: Rome’s Bone Chapel
Hidden beneath a church on Via Veneto, the Capuchin Crypt confronts you with 4,000 skeletons transformed into haunting art. Vertebrae become borders. Femurs form arches. Skulls line entire walls. The Capuchin friars created this 17th-century ossuary not to frighten, but to remind: “What you are now, we once were; what we are now, you shall be.” It’s macabre, peaceful, and unforgettable—a meditation on mortality that makes you appreciate being alive.
Arc De Triomphe
More than a famous landmark, the Arc de Triomphe stands as a bold tribute to France’s history, heroism, and enduring national spirit.