chiang rai in 3 days, 2 nights

The Blue Temple and the night bazaar on arrival, a day for the White Temple and the Black House, and a morning at the Golden Triangle on the way to the airport.

1. Day 1

   Arrive and the Blue Temple

   Morning

   Fly via Bangkok into Chiang Rai, or fly to Chiang Mai, about 3 hours, and take the bus about 3 hours north. Thailand is an hour behind Malaysia.

   Lunch

   Khao soi near the hotel: curry noodle soup with crispy noodles on top, the north's signature bowl.

   Afternoon

   Check in, then take a short ride to Wat Rong Suea Ten, the Blue Temple, painted deep blue and gold on the edge of town.

   Evening

   Wander the night bazaar in the town centre and snack on sai oua, the herby northern sausage. On the way, pass the golden clock tower, designed by the White Temple's creator, Chalermchai Kositpipat.

2. Day 2

   White Temple and Black House

   Morning

   Go early to Wat Rong Khun, the White Temple, about 20 minutes' drive south of town, before the tour buses from Chiang Mai arrive.

   Lunch

   Back in town for khanom jeen nam ngiao, rice noodles in a tomato and pork broth.

   Afternoon

   Drive about 20 minutes north of town to Baan Dam, the Black House: a dark, strange collection of buildings and art by the late Thawan Duchanee.

   Evening

   Another bowl of khao soi, or whatever the night bazaar is grilling, then an early night.

3. Day 3

   Golden Triangle and home

   Morning

   Check out and drive a little over an hour north to the Golden Triangle, the viewpoint over the Mekong where Thailand, Laos and Myanmar meet. Longtail boats run short trips on the river if you want to get on the water.

   Lunch

   Lunch by the river before heading back.

   Afternoon

   Drive back south to the airport, which sits north of town, so there's no need to go back in. Fly home via Bangkok.