Chiang Rai: White Temple + Blue Temple + Black Museum

This is the classic Chiang Rai day trip: three very different works of modern Thai art in one long day out from Chiang Mai. It suits anyone who wants to see the famous White Temple with their own eyes and does not mind a long drive to do it. You travel by air-conditioned car or minivan with an English-speaking guide and lunch is included.

The first stop in Chiang Rai is Wat Rong Khun, the White Temple, built by the artist Chalermchai Kositpipat. The whole complex is white plaster set with mirror fragments, and you cross a bridge over a sea of reaching hands to enter the main hall. You have about an hour to walk the grounds, including the golden building and the gallery. After a Thai lunch at a local restaurant you continue to Wat Rong Suea Ten, the Blue Temple, whose deep blue halls are painted with gold detail around a large white Buddha. The last stop is Baan Dam, the Black House, the former home and studio of the artist Thawan Duchanee: a compound of dark teak buildings filled with animal bones, horns, skins and carvings. Then it is the long drive home.

Pickup is early, usually between 7:00 and 7:30 am from hotels in Chiang Mai city, and the drive to Chiang Rai takes around three hours each way with a short break at the Mae Kachan hot spring on the way up. You are back in Chiang Mai in the evening. Cover your shoulders and knees at the temples and wear shoes that are easy to slip off.