Last weekend some of our boarders enjoyed the opportunity to explore the local Chiang Rai scene. The students visited the famous Golden Triangle, a unique “economic no-man’s land” connecting Burma, Laos, and Thailand. Enjoying all three countries simultaneously was made possible by soaring through the water on a traditional Thai longtail boat. The group stopped at a local Laos market to see what it had to offer and enjoy the natural surroundings.

The boarders learned about the tumultuous history of the opium industry at The Opium Museum nestled in The Golden Triangle. This is a unique museum dedicated to educating visitors about the history of the opium trade and the dangers of addiction.

The trip concluded at Wat Rong Khun, more colloquially known as “The White Temple.” Born in the mind of the Thai artist Kositpipat, this non-traditional temple combines contemporary pop-culture and Buddhist teachings in both sculptures and murals. Wat Rong Khun is still a work in progress but it was definitely the visual highlight of this trip.