A Day Trip to Chiang Rai: 5 Beautiful Destinations to See

Chiang Rai is a city in northern Thailand, near the borders of Laos and Myanmar, about a few hours’ drive from Chiang Mai. It’s home to several beautiful temples and tourist spots you’ve probably seen advertised by tour agencies. While my parents were visiting Chiang Mai, I decided to take them on a little road trip to Chiang Rai. We wanted something chill, so instead of joining a tour, we booked a private car with a driver and set off early in the morning to spend the day without feeling rushed. These were the places we managed to visit.

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Long Neck Village

We left Chiang Mai around 7am, and about an hour later we had already arrived at the Long Neck Village. By the way, this isn’t their original indigenous village – it’s a tourist site created to introduce visitors to the Kayan tribe. If you’re interested in learning more deeply about the tribe and their way of life, it’s also possible to visit their actual village with a local guide.

The Kayan Long Neck tribe is an ethnic group originally from Myanmar – so they’re not native to Thailand, if I understand correctly. Many migrated across the border seeking safety as refugees, and unfortunately, many still don’t have full legal status in Thailand, which can mean limited access to education and healthcare.

I can see why some people might view this tourist village as controversial. Personally, I felt that visiting, paying the entrance fee and supporting them by buying the handmade crafts and souvenirs they sell – was a small way to contribute directly to their community. I genuinely hope their culture continues to exist and be preserved.

White Temple

This temple is just as beautiful as it looks on the internet – maybe even more. The entire complex is pure white, covered in incredibly detailed mirror ornaments that sparkle under the sun. I read that it was designed and built by Thai artist Chalermchai Kositpipat. The white colour represents the purity of Buddha, while the mirror fragments reflecting the sunlight symbolise Buddha’s wisdom.

To enter the temple, you walk across a bridge with a lake of tormented hand statues reaching up from below, along with eerie figures symbolising human desire, greed, and suffering. A voice announcement asks visitors to keep moving and not stop on the bridge, representing the idea of leaving darkness behind. At the centre is the main hall, where photography isn’t allowed. Inside, a large Buddha sits surrounded by murals featuring pop-culture characters like Superman, Spider-Man, and Pokémon – not random at all, it is a portrayal of the modern world and the things people become obsessed with today; technology, consumerism, power, and fame.

You could easily spend hours exploring this temple – it’s huge! But I’d recommend going in the morning. Not only does it get very hot by midday, it also becomes extremely busy with visitors. P.S. They have one of the most beautiful toilets I’ve ever seen.

You may also like this article: A Guide to Doi Suthep Temple, Chiang Mai – 4 Things to Know

Blue Temple

Located only about 10 minutes from the White Temple, is the Blue Temple. It was designed by Phutta Kabkaew, a student of Chalermchai Kositpipat – the artist behind the White Temple. Dominated by vibrant blue with a touch of gold, the temple carries a similar artistic style, but here the colour blue represents Buddha’s infinite wisdom.

The temple is also known as the “Temple of the Dancing Tiger.” Legend says that villagers once saw tigers roaming and leaping around the temple grounds many years ago. Visitors are allowed to enter and take photos inside the prayer hall, where a giant white porcelain Buddha sits beautifully at the centre, making it a striking space to admire.

Big Buddha

One last stop before heading back to Chiang Mai was the Big Buddha. Sitting atop a hill surrounded by greenery is a giant statue of Guan Yin – or Indonesians may know her better as Dewi Kuam Im, the Goddess of mercy and compassion. You can spot the statue from far away, but the closer you get, the more impressive (and of course, the bigger) it becomes.

Unlike the White and Blue Temples, the Big Buddha feels much calmer and less crowded. It’s believed that praying here brings good health and fortune. Personally, I’ve always seen Dewi Kuam Im as a powerful symbol of compassion and I do believe in kindness and positive energy.

Singha Park

We originally planned to stop by Singha Park because there was a hot air balloon festival happening that very day. Since the park is on the way back to Chiang Mai anyway, we thought – why not? We arrived around 6pm, which I assumed would be the perfect time to catch the show, but unfortunately it turned out the balloons were scheduled to launch much later. We also had to take a shared songthaew ride to reach the lake where the festival was taking place.

Because we hadn’t planned to stay overnight in Chiang Rai and didn’t have any accommodation booked, we eventually decided to head back home instead. The park itself was lovely, though and definitely worth adding to your list. It would’ve been nice to see the hot air balloon festival, which is apparently a big annual event with participants from all over the world. Oh well – next time 🙂

Image credit: Chiang Rai Balloon Fiesta

Even though it was just a day trip, Chiang Rai felt quite different from Chiang Mai – quieter and full of little surprises (literally, like when we stopped for lunch and the restaurant owner realised we were Indonesian and told us he had visited Medan 20 years ago, haha!). We managed to see a lot in one day, but there are still plenty of places left on the list, like the Black House Museum (Baan Dam) and other lesser-known temples and viewpoints scattered around the region.

Maybe that’s a good reason to come back. Chiang Rai feels like a place best explored slowly, and next time, I’d probably stay a night or two to really experience it properly (and hopefully watch the hot air balloon festival!).

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13 Aug 2026 by Bella in United Kingdom

12 Things to Do in the Scottish Highlands - The Kata Bella Guide

Things to Do in the Scottish Highlands I've been seeing many posts on social media lately about Edinburgh becoming one of the favourite destinations for Indonesian travellers, and it has also become a popular conversation among my circle of friends. It's easy to understand why. With its historic streets, fairy-tale castles, charming little tea rooms, stunning architecture - all wrapped in its dark and misty atmosphere -Edinburgh is a city that feels magical no matter how many times you visit. And for Potterheads, the city is filled with Harry Potter connections and spots that feel straight out of the wizarding world, from winding cobbled streets to old buildings that look like they could belong in Hogwarts. But while you're there, don't stop at the city centre. Go on a road trip and head north, where the dramatic landscapes of the Scottish Highlands are waiting to be explored. Driving in Scotland should be easy for us as they drive on the left side of the road too, so get your international driving licence ready and start planning your journey. I was lucky enough to have a local as my tour guide, who showed me some beautiful spots along the way, so I'm sharing this list with you to inspire your own Scottish Highlands adventure. Things to Do in the Scottish HighlandsLunch and snack stop at the House of BruarExplore Dunrobin CastleWalk around InvernessWhisky distillery tour at GlenmorangieShop at AntaPlay a round of golf at Royal DornochSeafood feast at La Mirage, HelmsdaleWatch the salmon leap at the Falls of ShinDrive to John O' GroatDrinks at the Crask InnA walk along Oldshoremore beachTake a scenic drive through any part of the Scottish Highlands You may also like this article: 48 Hours in Amsterdam - A Quick Trip, Big Memories Lunch and snack stop at the House of Bruar If you're driving from Edinburgh to the Highlands, the House of Bruar makes the perfect first stop. More than just a place to stretch your legs - it’s a destination in itself. Inside, you’ll find shops filled with classic British country wear, from cashmere to tweed. There are also restaurants serving comfort meals, including their must-try steak pie, along with gift shops packed with local treats like biscuits, chocolates, fudge, cheese, and wine. To top it off, there’s also deli with a tempting selection of ready made meals like Scotch eggs, as well as ham, cheese, jam, and other local produce. Explore Dunrobin Castle Looking like something straight out of a fairytale book, Dunrobin Castle was originally the home of the Earls, and later the Dukes, of Sutherland. Today, this beautiful castle is open for visitors to explore its grand interiors, perfectly manicured gardens, and views stretching out towards the North Sea. Dunrobin is considered one of Scotland’s most enchanting castles, located in Golspie, Sutherland, on the northern coast of Scotland. Walk around Inverness Known as the capital of the Highlands, this charming city is a mix of history, nature, and cosy corners. Take a stroll along the River Ness, wander through the historic streets, and go to Inverness Castle for beautiful views over the city. And don’t miss the iconic Leakey’s Bookshop - a dream for any book lover. With its train station and airport, Inverness is also a great starting point for your Highland adventures. You may also like this article: From Privet Drive to Gringotts - A Magical Day at Harry Potter Studio Tour London Whisky distillery tour at Glenmorangie Located in Tain, Scotland, Glenmorangie offers whisky tours ranging from 45 minutes to two hours, where you can see how their whisky is traditionally made and learn a bit about the distillery. You don’t need to book to visit the Visitor Centre, Shop or Tasting Bar, but you need to book ahead if you want to join a tour or tasting. Just make sure to check their website before you go, as opening hours change throughout the year and they close for around two weeks over Christmas and New Year. Shop at Anta It’s a lovely little stop for Scottish-inspired ceramics and other beautiful crafts. Founded in the Highlands, Anta creates timeless homeware, textiles, and hand-painted stoneware inspired by Scotland’s landscapes and seasons. The place itself is humble, quiet, and not too big - the kind of spot where you can take your time browsing and pick up a little piece of Scotland to bring home, whether it’s a cosy wool piece, a tartan mug, or a hand-painted thistle plate. Play a round of golf at Royal Dornoch I'm not a golfer, but even I could see why so many people make the trip to Dornoch, especially in the summer. The town is best known for its legendary golf course, but you don't need to play a round to enjoy being here. Spend some time wandering through the charming streets, take a walk along the beach, and grab a sandwich to enjoy with the sea as your backdrop. There are also some lovely places to eat, including The Castle Hotel, which has a lovely beer garden at the back. You may also like this article: A Playful Stay in Copenhagen - My 25hours Hotel Experience Seafood feast at La Mirage, Helmsdale From the moment you step inside, you're greeted by an eclectic interior filled with quirky décor, unusual lamps, and a police statue that adds to its unique charm. Known as Helmsdale's go-to seafood restaurant, it's famous for its fish and chips, but I couldn't resist ordering the scampi instead - and it didn't disappoint. The portions are incredibly generous, so don't be shy about asking for a takeaway box if you can't finish it all. After lunch, take a short walk down to the beautiful river, which is just steps away from the restaurant. Watch the salmon leap at the Falls of Shin Sometimes, happiness is as simple as sitting by the river and watching salmon launch themselves out of the rushing water. Located on the River Shin near Lairg and Bonar Bridge, it’s an easy stop on a Highlands road trip, with the falls just a one-minute walk from the main car park. There’s also a visitor centre, restaurant and walking trails, so you can grab a bite and have a little wander around while you’re there. The best time to see them is between May and September. Drive to John O' Groat It's a cute little village and one of the northernmost points of mainland Britain. It’s a popular stop if you’re driving around the northern coast of Scotland, with dramatic coastal views, and fresh sea air (by fresh, I mean...cold). It's also a fun landmark to tick off your Scotland road trip list. When I visited John O'Groat, it was in autumn, almost winter, and it was freezing and suuuper windy. So if you’re heading up this way around this time of year, bring your warmest jacket and a beanie, and maybe even a pair of gloves. Drinks at the Crask Inn It's known as the most isolated inn on the British mainland. Dating back to 1815, this little inn started out as a drovers’ inn and has been welcoming travellers for generations. Today, it’s still wonderfully old-school, with a cosy bar, hearty home-cooked food and a few rooms if you want to stay the night. There’s not much around it besides the beautiful, wild Highland landscape, which is kind of the whole point. If you’re road-tripping through the Highlands, it’s definitely worth making a stop here and soak in the peace and quiet. A walk along Oldshoremore beach It’s just one of the many beautiful beaches scattered around the Scottish Highlands, but unlike the beaches you’d find in tropical countries, the experience here is very different. Instead of warm, crystal-clear water and palm trees, you get dramatic mountain and cliff views. It feels peaceful and remote, especially when you’re there with hardly anyone else around. Take a scenic drive through any part of the Scottish Highlands You will find yourself going "whoahhhh" every five minutes. If you're lucky, you might spot cute Highland cows just chilling in a field, or stumble across a charming old castle. Stop at a random little vintage tea room, pop into a cosy pub for some classic bangers and mash, and just pull over and soak up the fresh air and incredible scenery. It’s the kind of road trip you’ll remember forever. I hope this guide inspires you to explore beyond Edinburgh city and discover more of what Scotland has to offer. From charming Highland towns and dramatic landscapes to cosy cafes, there’s so much beauty waiting to be explored. P.S. Since I frequently travel around the UK, I started Kata Bella UK Instagram page to share the places, experiences, and little discoveries I come across along the way. If you're planning your next UK adventure or simply looking for inspiration, feel free to follow along!

18 Feb 2026 by Bella in Asia

How to Stay in Thailand Visa-Free for 90 Days

If you’re Indonesian, you probably already know that Thailand is among the countries we can enter without a visa. But I only recently found out that not many people realise you can actually stay for a total of 90 days. You get 60 days visa-free when you first enter, and then you can apply for an extension at the local immigration office. At first, I thought I needed a visa agent because I’d never done anything like this before and was scared of getting rejected. But when I went to the immigration office in Chiang Mai for the first time, they happily explained the steps. It was surprisingly easy - and you can absolutely do it yourself. Check how many days you can stay in Thailand visa-free on Thai e-visa official website You may also like this article: A Guide to Doi Suthep Temple, Chiang Mai: 4 Things to Know The first 60 daysArriving in ThailandAfter your first 30 daysApplying for your extensionFinal Thoughts The first 60 days After checking several trusted official websites, the rule (at the time I’m writing this) hasn’t changed. Indonesians can enter Thailand visa-free and stay for 60 days, despite the uncertain news you might have seen on social media. What shocked me was that during check-in at Soekarno–Hatta, when I showed my return ticket, the staff questioned my 60-day stay - even the immigration officer seemed unsure. But don’t worry. If you’re ever in doubt, you can check the official Thai e-visa official website and enter your nationality (if you’re not Indonesian) to confirm whether you can enter visa-free and how long you’re allowed to stay. Fill in TDAC online before you fly Arriving in Thailand Don’t forget to fill in the TDAC (Thailand Digital Arrival Card) form before arriving in Thailand - you can do it a day before your trip to stay organised. In the form, you’ll be asked for your return flight details. When you’re in the immigration line, you just need to scan the barcode sent to your email. As long as you haven’t been going in and out of Thailand a suspicious number of times in the past few months, you should be fine. I landed at Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok, and after scanning the QR code, they didn’t even ask me any questions. You may also like this article: What It’s Like to Live in Bali: Cost, Culture, and Everyday Life After your first 30 days Depending on where you’re staying in Thailand, you can look up the nearest immigration office. I was based in Chiang Mai, and the immigration office there is conveniently located inside a shopping mall called Central Festival Chiang Mai. After you’ve spent a month in the country, or basically before your 60 days run out, you can apply for a 30-day extension. Here’s what you’ll need: Applying for your extension It’s actually pretty straightforward once you have all your documents ready. You can show up during opening hours, but like most administrative offices, I’d suggest going early. I’m not sure about other cities, but in Chiang Mai they’re closed for lunch from 12–1pm. When I arrived, an officer checked our documents first. They’ll let you know if you’re missing anything or forgot to fill in a section. If everything’s in order, they’ll sign it off and give you a queue number. After that, you just sit inside and wait for your number to be called. When it’s your turn, hand over the checked documents and pay the 1,900 Baht fee in cash. Then you wait another 15–30 minutes (depending on how busy it is). Your name will be called, they’ll take a quick photo of you, and hand back your passport with a new stamp giving you another 30 days to stay in this beautiful country. In my personal experience, I wasn’t asked a single question, and the staff were actually pretty nice - you know how immigration offices can sometimes feel a bit intimidating? Anyway, that’s it. The whole process was done in one day, which was great and super efficient. Final Thoughts So yes, staying in Thailand visa-free for 90 days is completely doable for Indonesians and many other nationalities, and you don’t need an agent to make it happen. It might feel intimidating at first (especially with all the mixed information online), but once you understand the steps, it’s actually very manageable. My biggest tips are to double-check official sources, prepare your documents properly, and go early to the immigration office. That’s really it. Hope you find this article useful and happy holiday!

22 Jun 2026 by Bella in Asia

7 Days in Chiang Mai: Interesting Things to Do, See, and Eat

7 Days in Chiang Mai I can't believe I've been staying in Chiang Mai for six months by the time I’m writing this - time flies. This beautiful city in Northern Thailand has grown on me in the best way. Every time I post about the cafes I visit, the places I explore, or the delicious food I discover on Instagram, my DMs are filled with friends asking for Chiang Mai recommendations. A few have even come to visit me here - including my parents, and a few are coming in the next month. So, since I already have this website, I thought I might as well put everything together in one place for anyone planning a trip here. If you’ve been to Bangkok and are wondering how different Chiang Mai is, it feels like a different side of Thailand. It’s quieter, slower-paced, and much more affordable I'd say, with plenty of amazing food, cute cafes, nature escapes that are very close to the city, and fun local experiences. So here’s my guide to what you can expect from a week-long holiday in Chiang Mai - though in my opinion, a week is not enough. Also, this is not a day-by-day itinerary, so you have the freedom to pick and choose what you’d like to do. You may also like this article: How to Stay in Thailand Visa-Free for 90 Days Exploring the Old City The Old City sits right within the “square” area you’ll see on the city map, making it super easy to navigate. It’s packed with restaurants, bars, cafes, shops, and hotels, so there’s always something around every corner. You can even walk around the entire square and visit all four gates. I did it for fun and measured it - the full loop is about 6.7km. It’s a great way to slowly explore the city, especially on your first day, while getting a feel for Chiang Mai’s charm. Here are a few restaurants in Old City that I like: Kat's Kitchen: A popular Thai restaurant (super busy in high season) Sanjan: The only Indonesian restaurant in Chiang Mai Kai Wan: Tom Yum restaurant Kati: A western breakfast and brunch spot (super busy in high season) SP Chicken: Grilled chicken and Thai food Chang Phueak, one of the four gates in the Old City Wat Phra That Doi Suthep There are many beautiful temples here, but this Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is the city's unofficial "you have been to Chiang Mai" landmark. Sitting on top of Doi Suthep mountain, this iconic temple famous for its golden pagoda, beautiful details, and incredible views overlooking the city. I have written a complete article on how to get there, including the different transport options, so check that out if you’re planning your visit. Definitely worth adding to your Chiang Mai itinerary. Read here: A Guide to Doi Suthep Temple, Chiang Mai: 4 Things to Know The beautiful Wat Phra That Doi Suthep Local Markets, obviously I mean, you can’t really go to Thailand without visiting the markets, right? There are so many different ones to explore, and they’re great places to find interesting local handmade products too. But whenever I go to a market, I’m there for the food! I’ve put together a list of markets you can visit, along with their opening days and times, so you can plan your itinerary and figure out which market to visit on which day (aren’t I nice? Hehehe). Read here: Chiang Mai Food Markets - 8 Popular Spots to Eat The relaxing ambiance at Coconut Market Cooking Class I don’t cook, and I don’t like cooking - I’m really not that person, lol. But did I enjoy making Thai curries, Pad Thai, and Tom Yum? I surprisingly did! I probably wouldn’t have joined if it wasn’t for my parents convincing me, but it turned out to be such a fun experience. You can usually find cooking school options in brochures at travel agencies, but the one we chose was called Smile Organic Farm. It was 900 baht per person for four dishes plus one curry paste that we learned how to make from scratch. They picked us up from our accommodation, took us to the farm, and prepared all the ingredients for us, so all we had to do was cook (and try not to mess it up - which I kinda did). The portions were huge for me and my parents, and we ended up with so much food that we had to take some home. Coming from someone who rarely steps into the kitchen, I can confidently recommend this experience. My parents making Phat Kaphrao in the cooking class Baan Kang Wat I really love this place! Baan Kang Wat is a charming little art village where you can browse handmade crafts and join workshops like ceramics, jewellery making, painting, and other creative activities. You can meet local artists, shop for unique art pieces, and have lunch. If you haven’t tried Northern Thailand’s signature dish, Khao Soi, there’s a popular spot here serving a really delicious bowl (although there are plenty of other restaurants and coffee shops to explore too). You can easily spend a few hours here just wandering around without a plan - eat, shop, discover little creative corners, or simply relax in the lovely garden area in the middle of the village. It’s the perfect place to slow down and enjoy Chiang Mai’s creative side. ⏰ Opening Hour: Tuesday - Sunday, 10am - 6pm 📍Google Map: Baan Kang Wat One of the workshops you can do at Baan Kang Wat Nature and Adventure You can easily escape to nearby hills and waterfalls like Mae Sa Waterfall or Huay Kaew Waterfall, perfect for a quick nature break without going too far. For something more scenic, drive up to Doi Inthanon National Park, the highest point in Thailand, where you can enjoy cooler weather, viewpoints, and beautiful nature walks through forests and waterfalls. If you’re staying closer to the city, the famous Monk’s Trail near Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is a great little hike that takes you through the jungle up to a peaceful temple stop. It’s the perfect mix of adventure and calm, all within reach of Chiang Mai. Beautiful Maeya waterfall Massage...as many times as possible After all the sightseeing, adventures, and 10K steps a day, every single day, you definitely deserve a good Thai massage. Actually, you don’t even need to wait until the end of your trip. You can have as many as you want because they’re affordable and pretty great almost anywhere, even the random little spots. From just 350 baht an hour, you can basically be transported to heaven on earth. So make the most of your time in Chiang Mai and book that massage! Image credit: Pure Knead Massage A day trip to Chiang Rai If you have extra time on your holiday and still have the energy for a long drive, a day trip to Chiang Rai is worth considering. It’s a province in Northern Thailand, about 3 hours away from Chiang Mai, known for its beautiful temples and scenic landscapes. You can either rent a car and drive yourself, but I prefer just sitting back and letting a driver take you around - it’s way easier, especially when you just want to enjoy the views and not worry about navigation. I’ve also written a full article on the most beautiful places to see in Chiang Rai, so check that out if you’re planning your trip! Read here: A Day Trip to Chiang Rai: 5 Beautiful Destinations to See The White Temple, one of the must-sees in Chiang Rai Ok like I said, a week is not enough to explore this beautiful city. So this is just a starting point for your Chiang Mai journey. The city is best experienced at your own pace, with space to wander and discover beyond any list. However you choose to explore it, I hope Chiang Mai treats you as kindly as it has treated me. Hope you find this article useful and thank you for reading!