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.

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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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05 Dec 2024 by Bella in United Kingdom

From Privet Drive to Gringotts: A Magical Day at Harry Potter Studio Tour London

My journey into the Harry Potter world began 24 years ago, when my uncle gifted me the first book when I was 12. He worked in a bookstore at the time and gave me the first book – it was considered quite a luxury back then, so I was eager not to miss out. After finishing the first one, I was hooked and wanted more. But the only copies available at that time were in English - so as the books got thicker, reading in my second language became more difficult. But luckily they started turning them into films, haha! Fast forward to today, and when I finally landed in London for the first time, I convinced my husband to visit The Making of Harry Potter Warner Bros studio tour. I’ll tell you what - I was one lucky Muggle! There was no way we could get tickets during the high season, but two people decided to cancel, and that’s how we got ours. The tickets are not cheap, especially when you convert them to Indonesian rupiah – it was over IDR 1 million each *crying in parseltongue*. But boy, was it worth it! It was a dream come true for me! And in this article, I'll share everything you need to know: ticket tips, costs, and why this magical London attraction is worth every Galleon. You may also like this article: 48 Hours in Amsterdam - A Quick Trip, Big Memories Unfortunately, the expense didn’t stop at the tickets. We also had to take a train out of London, which cost £20 per person. But the tickets did include a bus pick-up from the train station to the studio. On the bus, Draco Malfoy greeted us on screen, which definitely added to the excitement! (Not sure why him though, where’s Harry!). The tickets have time slots, and since we arrived early, we headed to the cafeteria for some soup served in a cauldron! We were also given a passport with interactive tasks, like collecting stamps and finding golden snitches. You can choose to use an audio guide, available in several languages - and I wonder why I didn’t ask for mine in Bahasa Indonesia, just for fun, lol. You make also like this article: A Playful Stay in Copenhagen - My 25hours Hotel Experience So, we started the studio tour in the Great Hall, and then it took us through everything you could possibly imagine from the films! From Harry’s cupboard under the stairs, to Gryffindor’s common room, Hagrid’s hut, Professor Dumbledore’s office, and even the Forbidden Forest! I got to meet Aragog and the Hippogriff (and I wasn’t surprised to see all the nerdy Potterheads bowing to it, haha). There’s also an outdoor area where you can visit Harry’s aunt and uncle’s house on Privet Drive, and the plant room where they grow Mandrakes! It was raining and cold, but that didn’t stop anyone - certainly not me, from exploring. I treated myself to some Butterbeer. You can clean the mug and take it home! Then, I continued my journey through Platform 9¾, Diagon Alley, and Gringotts. No wonder the website says it’s at least a 3-hour tour! You may also like this article: Brazil and Indonesia - Fun Finds in Similarities It was one of the best days ever! It brought back so many wonderful childhood memories. If you're ever in London and are a Harry Potter fan, I can't recommend the studio tour enough. It’s totally worth the splurge. Just be sure to book your tickets well in advance, as they tend to sell out quickly! Harry Potter Studio Tour London Summary Planning Your Visit Ticket Price: More less IDR 1,000,000 each How to Save: Book 3-4 months early – slots sell fast! Getting There: Take a £20 (approx. IDR 400,000) train from London + free shuttle bus Magical Highlights The Great Hall: Walk under floating candles and house banners Privet Drive: Recreate Harry’s iconic cupboard-under-the-stairs moment Butterbeer: Sip the creamy drink and keep the souvenir mug! Diagon Alley & Gringotts: Walk through the dragon-guarded bank and Ollivanders’ wand shop. Is It Worth It? Absolutely! For Potterheads, the Harry Potter Studio Tour London is a nostalgic journey through Hogwarts, Dumbledore’s office, and the Forbidden Forest. Just budget for tickets + train fares. Bella's Tips Skip the audio guide (you will be visually pleased the whole time - and save money) Arrive early for cauldron soup at the cafeteria Wear layers in autumn/ winter – the outdoor Privet Drive area gets chilly! Click here to buy the tickets. Isabella - Hufflepuff

11 Aug 2026 by Bella in Asia

Chiang Mai Bakeries and Dessert Spots - Kata Bella's Picks 2026

Chiang Mai Bakeries and Dessert Spots Chiang Mai may be known for its temples, mountains, and cafe culture, but there’s also no shortage of amazing Chiang Mai Bakeries and dessert spots to discover. From buttery French croissants and freshly baked pastries to creative pies, cakes, and sweet treats, the city has plenty of places to satisfy your cravings. Whether you’re looking for a quiet morning coffee, a cosy afternoon dessert stop, or simply a little treat after exploring under the tropical sun, these are some of my favourite spots to indulge in Chiang Mai. You may also like this article: 7 Days in Chiang Mai - Interesting Things to Do, See, and Eat PASTRIES, DONUTS, PIES, AND MOREDay by DayVictor's French BakeryChouquetteCharin PieSMOOTHIES AND FROYOJoost GappleRob's Berry PASTRIES, DONUTS, PIES, AND MORE Day by Day They had only just opened (at the time of me writing this), but the queue was already pretty long - and it’s there for a reason. This little spot mainly does donuts, and they’ve definitely nailed it. The toppings are delicious with all my favourite flavours like pistachio, hazelnut, matcha, and raspberry, but the donuts themselves are really good! Light, fluffy, and have that perfect texture. A little heads up though, they only accept cash, so make sure you come prepared. If you’re getting a few boxes to take away, their clever packaging is a nice touch too! The donuts stand upright, making them easier to carry around. 📍Google Map: Day by Day⏰ Opening Hour: Mon-Sun, 9.30am-6pm Victor's French Bakery For those days when you wake up craving a simple, buttery French croissant for breakfast, this is the perfect spot to visit. The place is actually located on the main street, but tucked away behind a little alley, which makes it nice and quiet. Their coffee is good too, I usually order a piccolo latte. If you come a little later in the afternoon, they might not have many pastries left, though. But there will be some sweet treats in the fridge display. I love their tartlets with fresh blueberries, and maybe you will like them too! 📍Google Map: Victor's French Bakery⏰ Opening Hour: Mon-Sun, 8am-6pm Image credit: Victor's French Bakery Google page You may also like this article: Chiang Mai Cafes - 6 Cute Places with Great Coffee and Bites Chouquette Another French bakery not far from Victor's, this one feels like it has a wider selection of pastries and desserts to choose from. But somehow every time I visit, I always end up ordering from their breakfast menu instead - usually their croque madame or quiches, which are always a good choice. The space is bright and air-conditioned - a nice little escape if you need a break from walking around in the tropical heat. 📍Google Map: Chouquette ⏰ Opening Hour: Tue-Sun, 8am-6pm Image credit: Choquette Instagram page Charin Pie Charin Pie does exactly what the name suggests...pies, lol. And lots of them! They have a wide variety of flavours, from classic favourites like apple pie to more unique creations like their Dubai chocolate pistachio pie. I think it’s best to come with a few friends and order different pies to share so you can try a little bit of everything. They also serve coffee, and for a fun little touch, you can get your photo printed on the coffee foam. The place itself is really cute too - you can sit in the garden that feels a bit like visiting your grandma’s backyard. 📍Google Map: Charin Pie⏰ Opening Hour: Mon-Sun, 9am-7pm SMOOTHIES AND FROYO Joost If you see a small smoothie bar in Nimman with a long queue, that's it - that's Joost! One word: their strawberry yoghurt smoothie: bomb! For only 70 baht, you get a tall glass of creamy, refreshing goodness that, for me, is enough to replace a meal. I've tried their other flavours too, which were also so nice, but the strawberry yoghurt is still the best one so far. It’s simple, delicious, and definitely worth waiting in line for. 📍Google Map: Joost Smoothies drink healthy⏰ Opening Hour: Mon-Sun, 8am-11pm Image credit: Joost Google page You may also like this article: Where to Eat in Chiang Mai - From Thai to Western Cuisine Gapple Not far from Joost, there’s another smoothie spot that’s a little more on the fancy side. They use dates as a natural sweetener instead of added sugar. They also offer protein smoothies - and by protein, I mean...blended chicken breast! Whoah! Apparently, it doesn’t taste like chicken at all (I’ll take their word for it!), so if you’re feeling adventurous, this could be the one to try. But I’ll stick with my matcha strawberry smoothie. Ps. bonus point - they have a kids’ size option, which is perfect if you’re like me and can never finish a full tall cup of smoothie in one go. 📍Google Map: Gapple Chiang Mai⏰ Opening Hour: Mon-Sun, 9am-9pm Image credit: Gapple Thailand Instagram Rob's Berry Froyo has always been one of my all-time favourite desserts, and Rob’s Berry definitely hits the spot. It’s light and not overly sweet. You can customise it with your choice of toppings, so you can make it exactly how you like it. Besides froyo, they also offer smoothie bowls if you’re in the mood for something a little more filling. The place itself is super cute, and it’s conveniently located right next to a lovely bakery, Groon - the perfect little stop for a sweet treat. 📍Google Map: Rob's Berry⏰ Opening Hour: Mon-Sun, 9am-9.30pm Image credit: Rob's Berry Thailand Instagram

06 Aug 2026 by Bella in Asia

Where to Eat in Chiang Mai: From Thai to Western Cuisine

Where to Eat in Chiang Mai I love food, and while I usually enjoy cooking and eating at home, living in Chiang Mai has made it very hard to resist eating out. Surrounded by incredible food spots and affordable prices, I find myself wanting to explore a new place almost every day. Oh, and one thing I love about Chiang Mai is that authentic, homemade-style meals are often cheaper than junk food - it’s so easy to eat well here. This isn’t a list of the “best restaurants in Chiang Mai” - because I’m sure there are just soooo many amazing places to discover. Instead, I’m simply sharing my regular go-to spots that I genuinely enjoy and hope they’ll help you plan your Chiang Mai trip, especially if it’s your first time visiting. Most of these places are located in or around the city centre, simply because that’s where I live. And if you’re looking for market snacks and street food finds, I’ve also written a separate guide for that, which you can find here: Chiang Mai Food Markets - 8 Popular Spots to Eat. THAI FOODKat's KitchenCherng Doi Roast ChickenKaPaoKhao-Sō-iHello SolaoTong Tem TohASIAN COMFORTSanjanSushi UmaiWESTERN COMFORTWhy Not Italian Restaurant & Wine BarBeast BurgerSmash DaddyLittle Pasta Box THAI FOOD Kat's Kitchen It seems like this restaurant is on every tourist's Chiang Mai checklist, and I can see why. The prices are incredibly affordable, the portions are generous enough to share with friends, and the food is delicious. Nothing fancy, it's a simple local eatery serving all the Thai classics we know and love. My personal favourite is the chicken Pad See Ew. Just keep in mind that it gets incredibly busy during the high season, with queues forming around lunch and dinner, so it's worth coming a little before or after the rush if you want to avoid the wait. 📍Google Map: Kat's Kitchen⏰ Opening Hour: Mon-Sun, 9am-9.30pm💰 Price Range: 100-200 baht/ person Image credit: Kat's Kitchen Google page Cherng Doi Roast Chicken They’re known for their boneless grilled chicken, which is very nice. But don’t overlook the grilled pork - it's as delicious, if not even better. Alongside the grilled meats, you’ll find classic Thai favourites like papaya salad and corn salad. Pair everything with a side of sticky rice, and you’ve got a simple meal that never disappoints. 📍Google Map: Cherng Doi Roast Chicken⏰ Opening Hour: Tue-Sun, 11am-8pm💰 Price Range: 100-200 baht/ person KaPao They specialise in elevated Thai classic pad krapao, with a choice of proteins including Angus beef, chicken, pork, and seafood. You can order it on its own with a duck egg on top, or as a set that comes with refillable salad and soup for a more satisfying meal. My favourite combination is the sea bass pad krapao paired with the sour pork rib soup. If you're dining with friends, don't miss the stir-fried cabbage to share, and wash it all down with one of their refreshing iced sparkling teas. 📍Google Map: KaPao - Thai Kaprao Stir Fried⏰ Opening Hour: Mon-Sun, 11am - 9.30pm💰 Price Range: 200-400 baht/ person You may also like this article: Chiang Mai Cafes: 6 Cute Places with Great Coffee and Bites Khao-Sō-i The same owner we met at KaPao told us he also runs this khao soi pot. If you’ve never tried it before, khao soi is a rich, creamy curry noodle soup from Northern Thailand that, to me, tastes a little like Singaporean laksa. Here, the menu is dedicated entirely to khao soi, with a variety of protein options to choose from. The space is bigger than KaPao, and has a Japanese-inspired vibe. And whatever you do, save room for their matcha soft serve! 📍Google Map: Khao-Sō-i⏰ Opening Hour: Mon-Sun, 9am-9pm💰 Price Range: 200-400 baht/ person Hello Solao This family-owned restaurant serves an extensive Thai menu, from classic favourites like different types of som tam and tom yum to plenty of other local dishes. There’s a lovely outdoor seating area, with a small playground nearby that makes it a great option for families with kids. The live music adds to the relaxed atmosphere, while the reasonable prices make it a great choice for a family meal. 📍Google Map: Hello Solao⏰ Opening Hour: Mon-Thu 10.30am-9pm, Fri-Sun 10.30am-10pm💰 Price Range: 200-400 baht/ person Image credit: Hello Solao Google page Tong Tem Toh A Thai friend recommended this place to me when I wanted to try authentic Northern Thai cuisine. The menu is unlike anything I'd tried before, like steamed fish wrapped in banana leaves, crispy pork belly, and a spicy mushroom soup. I brought my parents here, and the adventurous foodies in them were excited to order some of the more unique dishes on the menu. 📍Google Map: Tong Tem Toh⏰ Opening Hour: Mon-Sun, 8am-11pm 💰 Price Range: 60-150 baht/ person You may also like this article: 7 Days in Chiang Mai - Interesting Things to Do, See, and Eat ASIAN COMFORT Sanjan Of course this had to make the list, because I'm Indonesia, hehe. And as far as I know, it's the only Indonesian restaurant in Chiang Mai. The soto ayam (Indonesian chicken soup) and bakso kuah (meatball soup) both taste authentic. The sambal goreng tempe (chilli tempe) is another favourite - and it's vegan! No Indonesian meal feels complete without a side of kerupuk (crackers), which the have there. Aaaand they also stock Indomie instant noodles and will happily cook them for you just like they do at a classic Indo warung - aaah best! 📍Google Map: Sanjan Indonesian Cafe ⏰ Opening Hour: Mon-Sun, 11am-9pm💰 Price Range: 100-400 baht/ person Image credit: Sanjan Google page Sushi Umai 📍Google Map: Sushi Umai ⏰ Opening Hour: Mon-Fri 11am-2pm & 5pm-9.30pm, Sat-Sun 11am-9.30pm💰 Price Range: 400-600 baht/ person Image credit: Sushi Umai Google page You may also like this article: A Day Trip to Chiang Rai - 5 Beautiful Destinations to See WESTERN COMFORT Why Not Italian Restaurant & Wine Bar As much as I love Asian food, I’ll never say no to a good bowl of bolognese pasta. This is my go-to whenever I’m craving Italian comfort food - the pasta always tastes fresh and homemade, while the bolognese sauce is rich and full of flavour. Their pizzas are just as good, with a thin crust and a good amount of cheese. Add to that the warm, welcoming atmosphere and cosy family-dining vibe. 📍Google Map: Why Not? Italian Restaurant & Wine Bar⏰ Opening Hour: Tue-Sun 12pm-11pm, Mon 4pm-11pm 💰 Price Range: 400-600 baht/ person Beast Burger This is another one of my go-to spots when I’m after an easy, satisfying bite, especially as a little weekend indulgence. It’s just a few metres from my favourite massage place, Giving Tree, making it the perfect combo for a relaxing weekend treat. The service is always quick, and the burger is always good, but I have to give the chips a special shoutout because they’re consistently cooked to perfection. Yum! 📍Google Map: Beast Burger⏰ Opening Hour: Mon-Sun, 11am-10pm💰 Price Range: 200-400 baht/ person Smash Daddy Another burger joint serving an American-style fast food menu. I especially like that they have a smaller burger called the Baby Daddy, because regular burgers are usually way too big for me. I also liek their cheese dip to go with my chips. Their hot dogs are worth trying too, if you’re in the mood for something other than a burger. 📍Google Map: Smash Daddy⏰ Opening Hour: Mon-Sun, 11am-12am💰 Price Range: 200-400 baht/ person Little Pasta Box I first discovered this place when it was literally just...a little pasta box. So it’s been lovely to see how much it has grown and moved into a bigger space! This is the place to go when you’re craving a rich, creamy bowl of pasta that feels a little naughty, hehe. You can also upgrade to their homemade pasta, freshly made by the lady owner herself, which I highly recommend! 📍Google Map: Little Pasta Box ⏰ Opening Hour: Every day, except Wed and Sat, 12pm-8pm💰 Price Range: 100-200 baht/ person Image credit: Little Pasta Box Google page Ok, these are my current go-to spots where to Eat in Chiang Mai, but I'm always on the lookout for new places to try. As I keep exploring the city, I'll continue adding more restaurants that I think are worth sharing. Thanks so much for reading, and I hope this little guide helps you find somewhere delicious to eat on your trip. Happy holidays, and enjoy the food!