White Temple, Chiang Rai
Last updated 2008-02-28
Wat Rong Khun is more commonly known as 'The White Temple' to foreigners. It's 10 or 15 kilometres outside Chiang Rai in the direction of Chiang Mai. Heading away from town, it will appear on the right and you should take the exit for the Khun Kon Waterfall. At this point, if you can't spot the temple, perhaps you should have your eyes tested.
The architecture used in this temple is highly unusual and quite unique in Thailand. It was designed and built by one of the county's most well known artists, Chaloemchai Khositphiphat.
The entire building is white and adorned with highly detailed carvings and sculptures. It's designed to be viewed in moonlight and if you can make it there when there is a full moon on a clear night, it's well worth the effort. To enter the temple, you must cross a bridge, beneath which are statues of people apparently trying to escape from hell, which doesn't really fit well with Buddhism and it's difficult to understand what the artist is attempting here.
A remarkable structure that's well worth a couple of hours to visit if you're in the area. There is also a small gallery on the same grounds where some of the artist's work is displayed and for sale.
See also: Wat Phra Kaew | Wat Doi Thong | Wat Ngam Muang | Wat Ming Muang
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