Sangklaburi

Just follow the long wooden bridge…(Photo by ICBL)

This town is certainly not on the tourist trail, but it’s on the way to Myanmar, so stop on by. The draw here is to see the exciting sunken temple called Wat Saam Prasob. During the dry season the water levels will drop drastically and even disappear giving you opportunities to wander the ruins. If you are here during the rainy season then you can hire a boat to explore the underwater temple that peaks out of the water.

While here it’s also worth taking a stroll over the bridge called Saphan Mon. Be careful it’s a bit rickety, but happens to be the longest manmade bridge in the country. On the other side you will get to mingle with the Mon people at their village. Stop by their holiest temple while on that side of the river, it’s called Wat Wang Wiwekaram and was built by one of the most revered monks of the country.

Mae Hong Son

Karen long neck family in their colorful garb (Photo by Justin Vidamo)

To get formally introduced to this town, take the climb up to Wat Phra That Doi Kong Mu for some epic views of the town and the nice Burmese mountain range in the background. After getting your views, get some action by trekking the mountains. You will get to gaze upon Thampla waterfalls and meet the hill-tribe people in the area. The most well known tribe is the Pa Dong Karen. The women often wear brass rings around their necks stretching it and dubbing them the nickname ‘long necks.’

Chiang Rai

It doesn’t snow in Thailand, this is just the temples design (Photo by Brian Jeffery Beggerly)

The main things to do and see here are actually just a bit out of Chiang Rai. Head North and you can see three countries at the same time. At the Golden Triangle you can see the land split up by the mighty Mekong River. While you’re in Thailand you can set your sights on Laos to the right which has a casino that you can visit for the day. You don’t need to get a Laos visa to do this trip, but be sure you don’t blow all you’re money. To the left you will see the hills of Myanmar.

After heading back down from the Golden Triangle the main attraction in Chiang Rai is the white temple, or Wat Rong Khun. This spectacular temple is like no other in Thailand. It’s a newly built temple that’s decorated with all the nagas, Buddhas and other Buddhist memorabilia that you often see, however the temple sparkles and shines. It’s completely white and is adorned with tiny mirror pieces that make it extra glam and glittery. A bright and spectacular sight indeed.

Nong Khai

Most certainly not your average park (Photo by cecilia rey)

A measly 20km from Laos is the town of Nong Khai. Here is the jumping off point to Vientiane, Laos and is often passed by tourists on the way to either visit Laos or for a border run to obtain a new Thai visa. Should you be passing by, it would be worth checking this place out just for the day. You can spend the day at the outlandish park of Sala Kaew Ku. There are randomly placed statues and structures of elephants, Buddhas, Nagas and everything else in between. Roam the area and check out this bizarre Hindu and Buddhist fused park before heading off to Laos.

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