The White Temple
Wat Rong Khun, the White Temple of Chiang Rai Thailand
I've lived in Thailand for over a year now, and I am lucky enough to have a career in travel which gives me the ability to get out and see and discover new places. I'm still really new here, and I've recently came back from the North, although it was my fourth trip there since I've moved to Thailand, it still resulted in quite a few new corners uncovered. The term "the north" to someone living in Thailand means Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai provinces. While my time was action packed - with work, I was delighted to finally get to the White Temple, it's been something I've wanted to see, but never actually had the time to do.
The White Temple or Wat Rong Khun stands out in a Kingdom full of temples for it's very unique styling. With over 40,000 temples in the country (actual number is 40,717 according to Wikipedia as of 2008) it's nice and refreshing to see something new. To start Wat Rong Khun is of a contemporary design, fairly newly built, and it is still a work in progress. There are many unique aspects, such as the many freaky heads hanging from trees, monsters and dragons around the entrance, as well as hands that are reaching up out at you as you cross a bridge over a protective moat area to get in. They definitely set the stage with a creepy vibe, when I was there was a storm rolling in and the clouds help set the theme.
The scary guardians of the temple, welcomed us with a foreboding sky to compliment their faces. At Wat Rong Khun, White Temple, Chiang Rai.
My Thai colleague acting as my informal "guide" said that it represents going through hell, to reach enlightenment. An interesting way to start of an experience in a place of worship.
Once your inside the main temple section everything is pretty much more Thai temple style, except until you look on the walls. What's missing from this post are my pictures of Superheros, and the Twin Towers (with a plane crashing into them of course) as photography inside the temple is forbidden. When you head out the back area, it is there you discover a more elaborate grounds. Relaxing benches, a zodiac wishing fountain, golden themed public toilets.
A visit to this temple is a fun (and quick!) endeavor. I was there for about 20 minutes. If you find yourself in Chiang Rai, it's worth a stop...and being a temple the entrance is free (so far)
Here is a link to a video I made at the fountain and some more photos below.
realfootprints's video on Instagram