Weekend in Chiang Rai

The original home of the Emerald Buddha now in Bangkok. A quiet temple complex with a three-tiered Lanna-style roof and a small museum of local artefacts.

Tip: The museum next door is free and has the original wooden Buddha pedestal carved with dragons. Go mid-afternoon when it's cooler — the temple grounds are shaded.

A golden clock tower in the middle of the main roundabout, designed by the same artist as the White Temple. It lights up in the evening.

Tip: Come back at 7pm, 8pm or 9pm for a free light-and-sound show with changing colours and music. It lasts about 5 minutes. Best viewed from the grassy patch near the Chiang Rai Tourism office.

A reconstructed old city gate marking the northern entrance to the historic centre. It's a simple red-brick structure with a small park and statue of local hero Phraya Phadab.

Tip: Best for a quick photo stop on a walk. The Saturday Walking Street market starts here every Saturday evening 4pm–10pm, with cheap snacks like grilled pork skewers for 10 baht.

An unconventional, privately-owned Buddhist temple that's all white with mirror-glass accents. Entry to the main temple is free if you stick to the exterior and grounds.

Tip: Go early (before 9am) to avoid tour groups. The interior painting of Superman among the murals is worth a look if you want to pay 50 baht for the temple hall — though optional, that's the only cost.

Small museum run by a non-profit that covers the six main hill tribes of northern Thailand. Three floors of exhibits on textiles, tools, and traditions.

Tip: Entry is 50 baht, which pays for the educational work. Go to the rooftop cafe afterwards for a 30-baht coffee and a view over the old bus station.