The Thai Royal Families
We're fancy
We decide to rent some traditional Thai outfits and visit some famous sites for photos. Seeing everyone try on costumes is a lot of fun. We even find costumes for the kids.
Blue Temple Revisited
We return to the blue temple to take pictures in our new clothes. It’s crowded, but we manage to get some great shots. We also visit the small museum onsite.
Wat Phrathat Doi Khao Kwai
On the way to the famous White Temple, we decide to visit a random temple I find on Google Maps. As we wind up a hill down some back roads, we start questioning the wisdom of this “minor detour.” It’s totally worth it though. The temple on top of the hill has commanding views of the city. It’s quiet and a welcome respite from the crowds at the Blue Temple. The architecture itself is gorgeous. The rainbow mermaid naga at the temple rank amongst our favorites, and there is also a spectacular lion guarding the temple.
To get from the temple on the hill to the white temple, we’re only able to find a single Grab car. So all six of us jam into a little compact sedan. Now we’re traveling like true royalty.
The White Temple
Arguably, the most famous attraction in Chiang Rai, the white temple is the only “temple” that charges admission. Honestly it’s not my favorite. For some reason, they also have a dress code that somehow allows shorts but not Mama Bear’s “southern” Thai-wear that is not “traditional Lanna” attire. We manage to do a costume fix and get in anyways.
I actually like the unnamed golden temple next to the white temple more. To me, gold is more beautiful than white, even when it’s paint and not true gold.
Though the GOLDEST building was… the bathroom.
Such a fun time with our royal friends. Until next time!
