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.

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.

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.

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