I had originally only planned on staying in Chiang Rai for a night on route to Laos, but once there extended to two, as there were a few things I wanted to check out. I arrived on a Saturday afternoon, and quickly realised that I’d forgotten to write down the address of the hostel I wanted (recommended by a fellow traveller in Chiang Mai). Not to worry, a mango fruitshake and free wifi in a small café later, I found the place just around the corner. And what an awesome hostel it was, one of the best I’ve stayed in, and only AU$7 per night. Bargain!
Saturday night brings the Saturday Walking Street Market, and I headed down there about 8pm to check out the action. Street stalls full of food, clothes, gadgets and some souvenirs, I definitely felt this was more of a locals event. In what looked to be the town square, a stage was set up with a band and people were dancing in unison around a big circle. There were different dance steps to each song and the locals all seemed to know them all. I kept waiting for the Nutbush to come on so I could join in! Lucky for me I got to join in anyway. After watching for about 30 minutes, a young Thai girl, about 14, came up and asked if I wanted to dance. I hesitated (there were no other foreigners dancing) but she insisted and so I joined in. It was hilarious. I didn’t know any steps, but she kindly led me through, and we had a good giggle all the way around the circle.
Wat Rong Khun
About 13km south of town is Wat Rong Khun, or The White Temple. Opened in 1997, it isn’t due for completion until 2070. The temple is designed by a Thai artist called Chalermchai Kositpipat and is quite controversial for it’s macabre depictions of Buddhism. It is one of the most bizarre things I’ve ever seen, and only photos can really tell the story of this temple.
The White Temple is simple to get to and the entrance is free. At the old town bus station just ask for a bus to the White Temple and you’ll be shown where it leaves from (usually platform 8). It costs 20 bhat and will drop you off on the highway across the road from the temple. Coming back you can wait on the opposite side of the road for a bus to come along, or join some other travellers, as I did, in sharing a songthaew back to town. Depending on how many people you have, should be between 20-30 baht each.
