Aproposh
by Yvonne Farrell
Travel

Thailand – Chiang Rai

I find Bangkok exciting and always looked forward to going there. This time I was so disappointed because of the air pollution. It was the worst ever. It was difficult to find face masks so I had to wear a regular surgical mask as all N95 masks ( protects from the smaller particles) were sold out. In fact, it was suggested that I wear three at once but I decided to wear two which caused difficulty breathing. I probably would have passed out if I used three. Schools were closed due to toxic air pollution. Imagine that! I have never seen a place where so many people wore masks because of smog. Seriously!

I must admit retail therapy did help me forget all about the pollution for a while. My favourite mall is Paragon where you can find top international brands and local designers alike.

Chiang Mai is north of Bangkok, about an hour and ten minutes flight away and surrounded by mountains. Believe me… I was happy to get away from the hustle and bustle and most of all, pollution in Bangkok. It is much more relaxed and has a large expat community. There are many restaurants and bars along the riverside, some with live music which is frequented by expats and local residents.

About halfway to Chiang Rai, we stopped off at Love Spoon Coffee House. It’s beautiful and quaint and serves delicious coffee and cakes. So yummy! At the back, you can enjoy the view of the rice fields.

About 190 km away from Chiang Mai is Chiang Rai. A few kilometers away from Chiang Rai is the Golden Triangle where Thailand, Laos and Myanmar meet.

The most beautiful temples can be found in Chiang Rai – one of them – probably the best known is, The White Temple – designed, created and privately owned by Chalermchai Kositpipat, a local artist.

Not to be missed is The Blue Temple. This is relatively new. Construction started in 2005 and was completed in 2016. It is a lot smaller than the white temple and well worth a visit. The colour is predominantly blue with gold embellishments. The intricate details and statures are beautiful.

Entrance is free. You should dress modestly. Knees should be covered and you must remove shoes.

Blouse H&M // Trousers Zara // Hat not available // Sandals not available

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46 Comments

    • yvonne
      Author
      23/02/2019 / 17:01

      Thanks a lot Jessi! Imagine wearing three masks!
      xo

  7. Naya
    21/02/2019 / 10:14

    Yvonne, you always look so stylish! Even in Thailand, where the weather can be so humid. I remember being there in March, a few years back, looking like a tired tourist and sweating like a pig hah. Such a beautiful country! xx

    Naya
    http://www.nayatilly.com

    • yvonne
      Author
      22/02/2019 / 10:10

      It depends on the season! Yes, it was hot but not humid! Sweating like a pig…funny! This happened a lot when I lived in Dubai! xx

    • yvonne
      Author
      22/02/2019 / 10:45

      You are so kind, Vanessa! I’m sure you would love Thailand! Have a nice day! xo

  10. Nancy
    17/02/2019 / 06:58

    Bangkok looks like an interesting place to visit! I haven’t been before but hear a lot of great things. Glad you enjoyed your time at the temple!

    Nancy ♥ exquisitely.me

  12. Mica
    15/02/2019 / 05:51

    It looks like such a lovely place to visit, what a shame about the pollution! I’m glad you managed to still get some nice photos and explore a few sights 🙂

    Hope that you are having a good week 🙂 We finally got a break in the heatwave last night and it was so welcome!

    Away From The Blue

    • yvonne
      Author
      18/02/2019 / 05:18

      Yes Mica! It’s very beautiful and although there were many visitors – as you can imagine, which constantly blocked my view,I got some photos.
      I heard about the heatwave there and know what it’s like as I lived a few years in Dubai! Good to know that it’s now better. xo

    • yvonne
      Author
      13/02/2019 / 16:29

      I hope that this problem will be sorted out rather quickly! Such a pity! Thanks Nina! xo

  14. Mercy
    13/02/2019 / 02:28

    I wanted to know more about this white temple and it’s good you wrote a post about it and how to get there. Your outfit is just right with the location though I was wondering at first why were you barefoot. What else can you do in Chiang Mai, are there hotels to stay? Smog is bad, I hope it doesn’t happen often as I’d like to visit Bangkok one day.

    http://www.busyandfab.com

    • yvonne
      Author
      14/02/2019 / 07:48

      Yes, there are hotels in Chiang Mai. There is an old city which is very interesting and there is a night market plus lots of restaurants and massage places. Just check before you go to Bangkok about air pollution!

  16. jade bevan
    12/02/2019 / 11:16

    wow amazing post! loved this 🙂

    jadieegosh

  17. Biki
    12/02/2019 / 06:35

    Sad to hear about the pollution and the impact it’s making on peoples’ (and animals) lives, but on to more happier topics: how stunning is the White Temple, wow!
    Also j’adore your chic black and white outfit here – perfect when you want to look stylish but be comfortable as you nip back n forth.
    Would love to go to Thailand for their food and massages, ha! Xx

    • yvonne
      Author
      12/02/2019 / 07:40

      Hi Biki, Yes the pollution was very bad but I loved shopping in Bangkok. You should visit as I’m sure you would love it especially, the massages haha! xo

  18. jade bevan
    11/02/2019 / 18:34

    omg looks amazing!!! great blog post 🙂

    jadieegosh

  19. Sara
    11/02/2019 / 16:03

    I like so much your pants and blouse… So amazing! Kisses.

    • yvonne
      Author
      12/02/2019 / 07:21

      Thank you, Jade! Have a wonderful day! xo

    • yvonne
      Author
      12/02/2019 / 07:22

      You are very welcome, Gemma! xo

    • yvonne
      Author
      11/02/2019 / 11:36

      Thanks, Babita! Got the pants on sale from Zara. Not sure if they are still available¨
      xo

    • yvonne
      Author
      09/02/2019 / 07:08

      Grazie bella!

  24. MissBoucleNoire
    08/02/2019 / 08:51

    Wonderfull place 🙂
    And nice outfit, love the trousers and white shirt !
    Carolina

    • yvonne
      Author
      09/02/2019 / 06:53

      Indeed it is a wonderful place! Glad you like the outfit! xo

  25. Nancy
    07/02/2019 / 16:03

    I’m thrilled about the white temple! Wow, how fantastic is that. But to bad about the air pollution, how frightening is that!

    • yvonne
      Author
      09/02/2019 / 06:57

      The white temple is absolutely beautiful! Bangkok would not be a good place for you at the moment because of air pollution,

  26. MP Allegaert
    07/02/2019 / 13:56

    The pollution sounds awful but everything else looks amazing! Sharing this with my son who is headed to Thailand in a few weeks.

    • yvonne
      Author
      09/02/2019 / 06:59

      I’m sure your son will have a wonderful time. The people are very friendly and so much to see!

  27. Dessy
    07/02/2019 / 11:32

    Those pictures are so romantic and fabulous. I really hope you are enjoying your stay in Thailand.

    Dessy | http://www.satinoflux.com | Fashion blog

    • yvonne
      Author
      09/02/2019 / 07:01

      Thank you so much, Dessy!

    • yvonne
      Author
      07/02/2019 / 09:34

      Yes indeed, the temples are very beautiful and shouldn’t be missed if you are in the area! Glad you like the outfit! Thank you! xo

    • yvonne
      Author
      07/02/2019 / 09:35

      Oh absolutely, Jennifer!


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