Chiang Rai

White Temple (Wat Rong Khun) — arrive 8:30am before buses from Chiang Mai. 100 baht entry. It's contemporary art as much as temple — bizarre, beautiful, crowded by 10am. Grab from city 20 min. Staying in CR meant we spent 90 min, not 20 min Instagram stop.

Blue Temple closer to city center — free, vivid blue inside, less insane crowds than White Temple. Best light late afternoon. Pair with Wat Huay Pla Kang (big white Buddha + nine-tier temple) same day via Grab.

Chiang Rai night bazaar near Clock Tower — smaller than Chiang Mai Sunday market but easier to navigate. Khao soi, grilled sausages, live music. City feels sleepier than CM which after burning season is a feature not a bug.

Golden Triangle day trip — Mekong viewpoint where Thailand/Laos/Myanmar meet. Touristy boat rides optional. Stop at Choui Fong tea plantation on the way back — green hills, matcha soft serve, 45 min from city. Full day with driver 2500 baht split four ways.

PSA: Chiang Mai → Chiang Rai day trip is 12–14 hours door to door for ~1hr at each temple. Bus from Arcade station 3 hours, 200-ish baht. Stay 2 nights minimum or fly to CEI airport. Learned the hard way.