While in Thailand, I took a trip up north to Chiang Rai to see a temple that has a lot of controversy surrounding it. Wat Rong Khun, also known as The White Temple, is still under construction and when completed, will have 9 buildings total (as of now there is only 1 completed).
The controversy that surrounds this temple is that:
- The temple was a donation from a rich Thai businessman but Chalermchai Kositpipat was the artist who built it. He changed the original plans and added his own thoughts on how the temple should look.
- Unlike any wat or temple you will find in Thailand, this one had a unique theme running through it. The pit with all the hands is a representation of hell. The murals inside the temple are very modern and contemporary, which shows things like McDonald’s, satellites, and human sperm. The message is what people in life are consumed by, and what they need to do to let go of this consummation and be happy.
Traditional Buddhists don’t agree with the artist, but it’s hard to argue as it has put Chiang Rai on the map for both Thais and tourists. It’s a must see temple, and for me I like to call it the “Taj Mahal of Thailand.” If you are near Chiang Mai, make the 2-hour trip further North/East and spend a day there. Even if you have been temple’d out while in Asia, you won’t regret seeing this place, and the photo opportunities are endless.
- Open Daily : 8:00 am- 6:00 pm
- Tel: 0 5367 3579
- Fax: 0 5367 3539
- Brochure can be downloaded here
Passing the pit of hell into the temple.
The bridge from hell to heaven
Would you believe this isn't another temple...it's the bathrooms!
Statues from the pit of hell
Everything was in plain concrete except for the middle finger that was painted red. Now you know why their is so much controversy over this temple.
This is the best anti-smoking statue I have ever seen.
At first I thought this was an offering to the Gods
...but no it wasn't. Just telling you that you can't smoke here and that smoking is for the devil.
About the Author:
T-roy is the author of 45 posts on Go Backpacking.
T-roy is taking an extended holiday from being responsible. Quitting his 6-figure salary job that was killing him with 12hr work days, he decided that this wasn't the life. He moved to Thailand and spent 3 months living a humble backpackers life and loved the experience so much he kept going. He now resides in Medellin, Colombia doing photography work while running his own travel blog: www.foggodyssey.com
The Travel Blog Success community offers practical resources and personal support to help you build a better travel blog.
Whether you treat blogging as a hobby, or dream of building a location independent business, you'll learn what's required to create a name for yourself in the online travel world.
Benefits of Joining:
- Personal support from Dave, including site critiques and tips on negotiating advertising deals.
- Ability to learn from others' mistakes, and save yourself time, energy and money.
- Chance to network with other travel bloggers of all levels, from around the world.
Categories: Features, Photos, Thailand
Post tags: Asia, blogsherpa, Chiang Rai, Photos, temples, Thailand
17 Comments
Wow that is gorgeous. Just added it to the list of spots to see.
One of the coolest set of photos I've ever seen.
I know, I wish I'd known about this fancy temple in Chiang Rai. The bathroom building is awesome!
That's how I felt when i saw it. T-roy's commentary was the perfect companion to my thoughts too.
Chang Rai was on my itinerary's copping block until saw this. I was aware of the white temple but never saw it in this light. On a side note, those hands coming up from hell are seriously freaky.
Matt: It's worth a day trip to Chang Rai if your in Chang Mai. It was one of the best temples I seen while in Thailand and is very different in many ways. If you go I can't wait to read about your thoughts on the place.
Anil: Thanks! I could have spent 3 days easily there just shooting that one temple. I can't wait until they finally get the whole thing done, as i hear each temple will be in different colors. The artiest is awesome and found him so fascinating in so many ways.
Stephanie: Do it! :) And let us know what you think of it, plus we want to see your pictures from there, as I only got a few.
Wow. This is truly breathtaking.
Absolutely mind-blowing.
Simply, whoa. Beautiful and fascinating. It actually surprises me that temples are still being built these days. But it's nice to see a modern interpretation of old themes. Religion, even Buddhism, should take into consideration the modern age and represented in a modern way if not only for the huge numbers of people who have disregarded it.
Thanks for letting us in on this amazing place. I'll definitely be recommending it.
Simply, whoa. Beautiful and fascinating. It actually surprises me that temples are still being built these days. But it's nice to see a modern interpretation of old themes. Religion, even Buddhism, should take into consideration the modern age and represented in a modern way if not only for the huge numbers of people who have disregarded it.
Thanks for letting us in on this amazing place. I'll definitely be recommending it.
“Taj Mahal of Thailand†is an apt name for it. I was very impressed when I visited it during my stay at resort Chiang Rai.
Wow! These photos are incredible! What a neat looking temple
WOW…..I am speechless, but all praises and appreciations!!!!
Mayan Temples
Luckily a friend told us about this temple so we made sure to head up to Chiang Rai while we were staying in Chiang Mai. It was so worth it! So very different from the other temples we saw, and the artist was still working on the paintings on the interior! Truly one of my favorite sites in South East Asia!
Your art work is like haven! I would think the same way too. Love it!!!
Hello! I want to go to chiang rai and chiang mai…is it possible to take a boat from chiang rai to chiang mai? Is it safe?
17 Comments