In Thailand, how many temples have you seen? The extraordinary and interesting Wat Rong Khun in Chiang Rai is unlike anything else you have ever seen. Find out why this peculiar and beautiful temple ought to be the first stop on any vacation plan in Chiang Rai by continuing to read this article.
In addition to its other name, the White Temple, Wat Rong Khun is a Buddhist temple that stands out due to its unique architecture. Chalermchai Kositpipat, an eclectic Thai artist, was commissioned to design and build an extraordinary contemporary temple that serves as an art show. The temple was built on the site of an earlier temple that had been abandoned and was in ruins. The contrast of traditional Buddhist motifs with modern influences, such as paintings of Mickey Mouse, Superman, Kung Fu Panda, and Michael Jackson, adds to the mystery and unexpectedness of this well-known place of tourist interest. In addition, guests will have the opportunity to witness a hand belonging to Wolverine, aliens, peace signs, weaponry, and a variety of humorous and suggestive references.
The majority of the temples in Thailand are golden, however Wat Rong Khun is white. The artist decided against using gold because he believed it “was ideal for persons who seek ill actions.” Take a stroll and pay a visit to the Rebirth Cycle Bridge on your way to the Gates of Heaven. He will see two guardians, and the hands that are reached out to him will symbolise the temptations and cravings of the world, such as drink, lust, and greed.
Temple scavenging is an activity that may keep you entertained for hours. Only the outside of the primary structure, known as the ubosot, is open to public observation, since visitors are not permitted inside. There is a building located behind the White Temple that is home to the religious art constructions that Chalermchai Kositpipat created. Explore the relic room, and don’t forget to pick up some mementos at the gift store! It is also recommended that you pay a visit to the baths, which are located in a structure covered in gold leaf and have a stunning interior design. After the earthquake in 2014, which caused damage to the White Temple, the artist seriously contemplated taking down the entire structure for safety reasons. Fortunately, however, the structure was determined to be safe and was rebuilt where it was necessary.
Not only was the artist Chalermchai Kositpipat responsible for the design and construction of the White Temple, but he was also the creative mind behind the Black House and the colourful clock tower in Chiang Rai. His body of work consists of whimsical or kitsch pieces with political undertones, such as George W. Bush and Osama bin Laden riding a nuclear missile through space. Other pieces in his oeuvre are extraordinarily beautiful religious works.
The White Temple does not charge visitors for entry, and its hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and Saturday and Sunday, 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM. Even though it is easy to forget, the White Temple is still a holy place, and visitors are expected to dress appropriately and adhere to temple decorum.
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