Chiang Rai at Night

 So after we'd been in Chiang Rai a few days, we decided to visit some places at night.

Not just any places, either. There are some places you need to see at night to really appreciate them.

We used the help of Tony, with Discovery Tours, who made sure we were at each place in just the right time to get the most out of the site. Our first stop was Wat Huay Pla Kang. This is outside of Chiang Rai and has three main parts: the 9-story gold chedi, the white temple (which is not THE white temple), and a massive statue of the goddess of mercy. 

It is NOT a statue of Buddha. Despite what anyone may tell you. It's Quan Yin, a Chinese goddess. She is 25 stories tall. You can take an elevator to the top and look out when it is open.

 

There is also the chedi, which is built in a combination of Chinese and Lanna architecture. The statues inside are all made of wood, and each floor has statues on it. We found the second and third floors ideal for watching the sunset behind the mountains. In the light, it's a beautiful gold, with long dragons flanking either side of the stairs leading to the entrance. At night, it's lit to really glow!

 

In between the chedi and the statue is a small white temple. This really glows white as it gets dark! This temple is Thai style with a lot of ornate decorations all in white. The interior is decorated with carved scenes of Buddha's life.

 

One thing to understand, is that the entire complex is being built with the idea of everything being free for those who need it: an orphanage, a cafeteria for the orphans and for the elderly with free food, and the current construction of a hospital with the idea of it being free health care.

 

Our next stop was Wat Rong Suea Ten, commonly known as the Blue Temple for reasons you are about to see! It's real name means the Temple of the Dancing Tiger because near here was a place where tigers crossed the river and the original village was Rong Suea Ten. Fortunately for this little bear and my bulldog companion, the tigers are only part of the decor. The lighting and decor really show up well at night.

 

As our guide Tony definitely knew, timing is everything! It's important to arrive at the Chiang Rai Clock Tower with time to get into a good viewing point before 7, 8, or 9pm.

Which we did. We were there about 6:50, and had a great spot on one side of the tower.

 This tower was designed by Thai artist Chalermachai Khositpipat, who is from Chiang Rai and felt there needed to be something unique for the city. The "show" has music and lights.

 

 

Finally, you can only visit the Night Bazaar at night! Live entertainment, inexpensive food, souvenirs, and handicrafts as well as more expensive items can be found there! 

Unfortunately it wasn't crowded.

If you're wondering why I agree that it wasn't a good thing, it's because it was really empty due to the pandemic. Hopefully for the entertainers, sellers, and restaurant vendors it will improve soon.