Day 6: Chiang Mai

Today was a marathon—left the hotel at 7 AM, got back just before 10 PM, and squeezed in more temples, art, and geography than most people see in a week. But what a ride!

First stop: the White Temple (Wat Rong Khun). Let’s just say: if Elsa from Frozen designed a Buddhist temple, this would be it. Gleaming white marble, sparkling mirror fragments, and spires that practically pierce the sky—it was blindingly bright and utterly jaw-dropping. Created by a visionary Thai artist, the temple is still a work in progress, and honestly, it’s more sculpture garden than monastery.

Inside, things get even wilder. The murals? Besides your usual serene Buddha, there are Marvel superheroes, Michael Jackson, Kung Fu Panda, and even the International Space Station, all mingling in some sort of cosmic enlightenment. It’s as if your childhood action figure collection found nirvana. Sadly, no photos allowed—but trust me, it’s seared into memory forever.

Second stop: the Blue Temple (Wat Rong Suea Ten). Built by a student of the White Temple’s creator, this smaller but equally bold temple is, yes, entirely blue. Deep royal blues, electric blues, celestial blues—it’s like walking into a dream painted with stardust. And that ceiling? Instagram would have a meltdown if photos could do it justice.

Third stop: the Black House (Baan Dam). This one took a sharp turn into dark and broody. Designed by the teacher of the White Temple’s artist, this place is less temple, more gothic bachelor pad. The vibe? Viking longhouse meets Thai jungle shaman. Animal bones, skins, and an unexpected number of phallic sculptures litter the property like relics of some primal ritual. Let’s just say: this artist was deeply in touch with his masculine energy.

Final stop: the legendary Golden Triangle—where Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar meet, and where the opium trade once reigned supreme. Back in the day, this was the Wild East—a hotbed of smugglers and warlords. Today? The Laos side is being turned into a glittery casino playground by a Chinese businessman with a 90-year lease (seriously), while Myanmar’s side remains frozen in time due to ongoing unrest. It’s a surreal mix of history, development, and political tension—but totally fascinating.Read more