Must-see temples in Chiang Rai, Thailand: White, Black, and Blue
Chiang Rai province of Thailand is well known for its collection of quirky Buddhist temples with awe-inspiring architecture. Chiang Rai is a perfect destination for architecture enthusiasts and curious travelers who like to explore religious wonders. Here are the three most stunning temples to visit in Chiang Rai.
1. Wat Rong Khun (The White temple)
Wat Rong Khun Temple in Chiang Rai is renowned for its unearthly beauty. It is also known to tourists as the White Temple because of its distinctive white color. Thanks to its absolute whiteness and unusual design, the temple looks like it was transported from Heaven.
The unique combination of modern art and elements from traditional Thai and Hindu architecture makes the temple look surreal. The architecture, art, sculptures, and murals inside and outside the temple mainly symbolize the "good and evil" and the path from evil towards enlightenment. For example, in order to enter the complex, the visitors must cross the bridge over a creepy pit of reaching hands that represent greed, desire, and temptation. If visitors don't "fall" into this "sea of desire" (hell), they can continue their path to heaven (enlightenment).
This architectural wonder was opened to visitors in 1997 by Chalermchai Kositpipat who designed and constructed it.
Location: about 13 km south of the Chiang Rai city center ( about 25 minutes by car)
2. Baan Dam Museum (The Black House)
The White Temple represents heaven and shows the path to enlightenment, while The Black House represents hell, showing suffering and death. This surreal architectural wonder was created by national artist, Thawan Duchanee. The Black House Museum consists of 40 black and deep brown buildings of different shapes. The sculptures, paintings, installations, and even the furniture inside these buildings are mostly made from animal remains. The Black House Museum artfully illustrates the existence of death and suffering in the world.
Location: about 12 km out north of the Chiang Rai city center
3. Wat Rong Suea Ten (The Blue Temple)
The Blue Temple or Wat Rong Suea Ten is a modern Buddhist temple that was designed by Putha Kabkaew, a student of the artist who designed the White Temple. The Blue Temple is smaller than the White and Black Temples, but it is much more vibrant and colorful. It is said that wild tigers used to roam through this area. That's why the Thai name of the temple, Wat Rong Suea Ten, means "Temple of Dancing Tiger".
The interior and exterior walls of the temple are covered in gorgeous blue color that in Buddhism represents the infinity, wisdom, and purity. This sapphire blue color combined with gleaming gold gives the place a magical atmosphere. Inside the temple visitors marvel at the extraordinary artwork painted directly on the walls and ceiling. These murals show stories of the Buddha's life. At the center of the hall sits a huge shiny Buddha Statue that shows the moment when Buddha achieved enlightenment.
Although the temple's interior is mesmerizing, don't forget to check out the exterior of the temple and the surrounding sculptures that are also undeniably beautiful.
Location: the district of Rimkok that is just a few kilometers away from Chiang Rai city
Opening hours: 07:00 am - 08:00 pm
Entrance fee: free
Things you need to know before visiting these temples:
1. Don't wear revealing clothes ( shoulders and legs below the knees should be covered) 2. Take off your shoes when entering the buildings.
3. No hugging or kissing - respect the local culture.
4. Locals come to these temples to pray or meditate. So, please keep your voice down and be respectful when taking photos.
Comments