2011- Chaingrai

We flew from Bangkok to Chiang Rai, Thailand’s northernmost province. The highlight here was visiting the legendary Golden Triangle — the viewpoint where Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos meet. From there, we even had the chance to cross the border into Myanmar, adding an extra layer of adventure to the trip.

For our stay, we wanted something authentic, so we chose Numchong Homestay. It was such a memorable experience — spending the night in a cozy local home, lighting traditional lanterns under the clear, cool night sky, and sharing a few sips of red wine. Simple moments like these are what make traveling so special.

Our time in Chiang Rai was full of unforgettable highlights. We visited the Long Neck Karen village, where we learned about the unique culture and traditions of this ethnic community. Another must-see was the stunning Wat Rong Khun — the world-famous White Temple. Its intricate, dreamlike architecture truly makes it one of the most iconic landmarks in Thailand.

To end our stay, we spent a night at a local camp on Phu Chi Fa, a mountaintop area near the Laos border. Waking up before dawn and hiking to the viewpoint was absolutely worth it. Watching the sunrise emerge over a sea of mist and endless mountains was one of the most breathtaking moments of our trip — truly one of the best sunrise spots in Thailand.