Wat Phra Kaew
Date: Sunday 5th February 2012Wat Phra Kaew, Chiang Rai. According to legend, the Emerald Buddha statue was (re)discovered when a bolt of lightning hit a chedi (stupa) on the grounds, cracking it open and revealing the Buddha inside.
The temple grounds also include a compact but excellent two-story museum.
A building a the rear of the Wat houses a near-exact replica (1mm shorter!) of the Emerald Buddha. The original is now housed in Bangkok in the temple of the same name, within the grounds of the Royal Palace.
Located 10 kms south of Chiang Rai, Wat Rong Khun - the White Temple, by renowned Thai artist Chalermchai Kositpipat - is a visual symphony in white, a striking architectural masterpiece in a land of beautiful temples! Prints of Chalermchai's paintings are available at a shop within the temple grounds. 
The Karen elephant camp at Baan Ruammit on the bank of the Mae Nam Kok (Kok River) is located 19 kilometres from Chiang Rai. Well worth a visit, its easily reached by either long-tail boat (recommended), car or motorcycle. There are a few souvenir shops, hot coffee, and its a nice trip, however you get there. 
