Paradise on the planet - Chiang Rai, Thailand 2018

I visited chiang rai this February. No matter how many times I visit this place I feel astonished by the beauty of the city. I highly recommend you to go back pack if you are around.

Chiang Rai is a city in northern Thailand, in the mountainous province of the same name. They city is near the borders of Laos and Myanmar (formerly Burma). Wat Phra Kaew is a royal temple that once housed the jade Emerald Buddha and now displays a replica. Nearby, the Navel City Pillar is a monument made of more than 100 Khmer-style pillars. Mae Fah Luang Art and Cultural Park is a museum showcasing Lanna artifacts.

Blue Temple - Chiang rai, Thailand
Chiang Rai Blue Temple or Wat Rong Seua Ten is located in Rong Suea Ten in the district of Rimkok a few kilometers outside Chiang Rai. It is a recent temple which is still under construction even if its main hall is now completed. It is above all its magnificent blue interior with a large white Buddha that marks the spirits. The paintings are reminiscent of the style of what you can see inside the White Temple (Wat Rong Khun). The great standing Buddha, also white, standing in front of the back, is also superb. Between the White Temple, the Black House and the Blue Temple, Chiang Rai is definitely the city of colorful temples!

International Baloon Festival 2018 - Chiang Rai, Thailand
Singha Park International Balloon Fiesta, is considered top of the most charming balloon event, with participants from 14 countries, including the United Kingdom, the United States, Switzerland, Brazil, China and Japan.

The romantic sensation of hot air balloons rising serenely into the morning skies, fresh air caressing the skin, creating a tingling sense of adventure; this is the spirit, the magic and the sense of freedom that draws visitors to the Valentine's Day Singha Park International Balloon Fiesta, in Chiang Rai, Thailand.

The spectacular hot air balloon event is a fun-loving festival held over four days, combining daily balloon competitions and sensational Balloon Magic Night Glow, a show created by dozens of balloons.

Clock Tower - Chiang Rai, Thailand

Designed by Thai artist Chalermchai Khositpipat and unveiled in 2008 in honour of His Majesty the King, Chiang Rai’s elaborate golden clocktower (Hoh Nalika Chalerm Prakiat) is a work of art and tourist attraction in its own right. Chalermchai was the man who built the White Temple in Chiang Rai and that same distinctive architectural style from Wat Rong Khun can be seen again with the clocktower. The structure serves as a traffic roundabout and whilst it is distinctive enough during the day, the clocktower and setting takes on a whole new quality when it is lit up in the evening.

If you can time your visit for 7, 8 or 9pm you’ll also be treated to a light and sound show as the clock chimes the hour. The laser lights with musical accompaniment make for a surreal night-time scene as pick-up trucks, tuk-tuks and motorbikes continue to buzz around the clocktower as it changes in colour from gold to pink to green.

Night Market - Chiang Rai, Thailand

A fraction of the size of Chiang Mai’s more famous night bazaar, the mini version in downtown Chiang Rai is still a pleasant and fun place for an evening stroll and an excellent option for snacks and a beer or dinner.

Mae Fah Luang University - Chiang Rai, Thailand

Mae Fah Luang University, situated in the province of Chiang Rai in northern Thailand, is named after Her Royal Highness the Princess Mother, the mother of the current king of Thailand.

International Baloon Festival 2018 - Chiang Rai, Thailand

White Temple - Chiang Rai, Thailand

Wat Rong Khun, better known as “the White Temple” is one of the most recognizable temples in Thailand. The temple outside the town of Chiang Rai attracts a large number of visitors, both Thai and foreign, making it one of Chiang Rai’s most visited attractions.

Unique temple
Wat Rong Khun is a unique temple that stands out through the white color and the use of pieces of glass in the plaster, sparkling in the sun. The white color signifies the purity of the Buddha, while the glass symbolizes the Buddha’s wisdom and the Dhamma, the Buddhist teachings.

The Wat Rong Khun was designed by Chalermchai Kositpipat, a famous Thai visual artist. To date the temple is not finished. Eventually there will be nine buildings including an ubosot, a hall to enshrine Buddhist relics, a meditation hall, the monks living quarters and an art gallery.

On May 5th 2014 a strong earthquake hit Chiang Rai. Although the white temple was badly damaged, Chalermchai Kositpipat decided to restore and further expand the Wat Rong Khun.

All the photographs are taken by me personally..