Chiang Rai: Art & Secret Landscapes

Chiang Rai, located in the far north of Thailand, is a peaceful city renowned for its natural landscapes and rich cultural heritage . Among its main attractions are the famous Wat Rong Khun (White Temple), with its white architecture and surreal sculptures, and Wat Rong Suea Ten (Blue Temple), a modern sanctuary with bluish hues and golden ornaments.

The region is also famous for the Golden Triangle , where Thailand, Laos and Myanmar meet, with its Mekong River views and opium museum.

The city is also home to many ethnic villages, including those of the Karen " Long Neck ", the Akha, Lahu or Yao, which are visited to discover their traditions, crafts and way of life.

During my visit to Chiang Rai, I was deeply moved by my encounter with the "Long Neck" women—the giraffe women—whose tradition is to wear brass neck rings from childhood. Fleeing armed conflict and military repression in their country, these families found refuge in Thailand in the 1980s. Their story, one of painful migration but also of a determination to preserve their identity, touched me deeply.

Their presence testifies to both a difficult past and their resilience, illustrating a precious and fragile cultural heritage

• Explore Wat Rong Suea Ten (Blue Temple) and Wat Rong Khun (White Temple) in the morning to avoid the crowds

• Discover the Golden Triangle at sunset .

• Meet the local ethnic groups