Attractions
What you're actually looking at.
Short, honest background on the places we visit — so the day means more than a photograph.
Doi Suthep, Chiang Mai
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep
The golden chedi above the city, reached by a 306-step naga staircase.
Chom Thong, 1.5 hrs from Chiang Mai
Doi Inthanon National Park
The highest mountain in Thailand, at 2,565 metres, with cloud forest and royal pagodas.
Chiang Rai
Wat Rong Khun — The White Temple
Chalermchai Kositpipat's mirror-white contemporary temple, still unfinished.
Chiang Rai
Wat Rong Suea Ten — The Blue Temple
Sapphire walls, gold detail and a pearl-white seated Buddha.
Chiang Rai
Baan Dam — The Black House Museum
Thawan Duchanee's dark teak compound of bone, horn and hide.
Old City, Chiang Mai
Wat Phra Singh
The old city's most important temple and home of the Phra Singh Buddha.
Old City, Chiang Mai
Wat Chedi Luang
The vast ruined chedi at the centre of the walled city.
Old City, Chiang Mai
Wat Chiang Man
The oldest temple in Chiang Mai, founded with the city itself in 1296.
Mae Taeng and Mae Wang valleys
Thai Elephants
Understanding the national animal — and how ethical sanctuaries work.
Golden Triangle, Chiang Rai
Hall of Opium
A serious, superbly designed museum on the opium trade in the Golden Triangle.