Wat Rong Khun - Ode to white

The works of human hands can be practical, prosaic and painfully devoid of poetry. They can also delight, provoke a sharp dilation of the pupils and the opening of the mouth. If a product of the human mind was sent into space to delight representatives of other civilizations, these would probably be the most famous compositions of classical music. Perhaps these collections would also include paintings by the master of da Vinci - who knows, maybe "they" would solve the mystery of the mysterious smile of Mona Lisa?

The architecture of various epochs, ranging from lofty Gothic and ending with the delicious Baroque, also deserves a mission to immortality. Magnificent, monumental temples designed in various styles once delighted and delight today. The list of monuments worth memorizing in the memory of people (and aliens) is very long, and it certainly includes the stunning Wat Rong Khun , a miracle of Thailand's religious architecture. It is located 860 km north of Bangkok and 62 km south of the border with Burma.

Wat Rong Khun - The White Temple

Wat Rong Khun ( White Temple ) is located in the northern part of the country, just a few kilometers from the center of the famous Chiang Rai. It is not as famous as the palace complex which is the showcase of Bangkok, but it delights everyone who looks at it - importantly, it delights in a completely different way than typical Thai temples, full of splendor, ornaments and gilding. For this reason, it is considered by many to be the most remarkable Thai temple.

It is impossible not to pay attention to her. The blinding white gives the impression that it flooded the building and all the figures around it. It covers absolutely everything - it is as if the life full of colors had solidified beneath it, and you only need to remove the layer of paint to set it free. Wat Rong Khun is a child and a life work of an architect who is also the founder of the temple. Chalermchai Kositpipat has devoted many years to give the building its present shape, and very importantly, it is still not finished. Since 1997, the artist has been pampering the temple all the time, often acting as its guardian and instructing tourists who behave too loudly. It is a place of prayers and contemplation, by no means the prosaic "snapping photos".

The sharp finishes of the façade and the ornaments of the figures (including the tails of the dragon princesses, which we can admire in the gardens surrounding the temple) give both the statues and the building an impression of fragility and, paradoxically, ferocity. It is indeed difficult to describe this in order to reflect the nature of Kositpipat's work. Before entering the temple, we encounter a very evocatively depicted human striving for enlightenment - through a long and suffering path. It is worth remembering that you are not allowed to photograph the interior of the building.

White, gold and red

If our eyes desire colors, right next to the temple, on the left, we will find a beautiful building, richly decorated and saturated with colors. It catches the eyes of all tourists with the glow of gold, and brings many of them to… tears. Not everyone can be serious when they realize that this delicious, dripping building is a toilet.

At the entrance to the temple grounds, there are somewhat amusing, moderately beautiful figures with an intense red color. At the sight of them, every lover of stimulants should rethink their actions - threatening expressions combined with packets of cigarettes in the hands of the creatures show that the road to enlightenment is difficult and full of temptations. The image is completed with a whiskey bottle, which is clearly remorseful.

Chiang Rai attractions

Chiang Rai attracts tourists mainly with the White Temple, but it is not the only local attraction. At night, visitors to the city can go to the Night Bazaar , located in the very center - Chiangrai. Free theater performances are held here, and those who want to buy original souvenirs and local products will be able to feel like in paradise. There are over forty restaurants in the area, so everyone will find the right cuisine and a dish that will delight their taste buds.

During the day you can relax among the greenery of Saun Mai Ngam Park - a park with many beautiful flowers and trees. Some of them are over 100 years old. Every year, the Chiang Rai Flower Festival is held here, a loud and colorful party. On the other hand, those who would like to visit the local animals can go 25 km south of the city. There is the Doi Tung Zoo, which boasts a large section on birds, including flightless birds.

The big attraction of the city that cannot be missed is Wat Phra Kaew , formerly known as the Temple in the Bamboo Grove (Wat Pa Yeah). Since the 1960s, it has been home to Phra Jao Lan Thong - the famous bronze Buddha statue. He is considered to be one of the oldest and largest prophet figures in Thailand.

Chiang Rai with its monuments is a real tourist pearl of the country. It is worth coming here and seeing the dazzling White Temple and other attractions of the city with your own eyes. Nobody will forget this trip.