Last Updated on April 15, 2014 by Nancie
Welcome to the 170th edition of Travel Photo Thursday. I just posted my first spring flower shot to Facebook. The magnolia trees are starting to blossom here in Daejeon. Spring is on the loose…YIPEEE…!! On that note I am taking you to Chiang Rai’s famed White Temple, Wat Rong Khun.
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Billed as the most visited temple in Thailand, Wat Rong Khun (or The White Temple), a contemporary Buddhist and Hindu temple, is the brain child of Thai artist Chalermchai Kositpipat, who started the temple complex in 1997. Work continues today, with no immediate signs of completion. We arrived just before lunch, and believe me getting a shot without hordes of people in view was a feat! Notice that the pond in front is home to a large number of gorgeous koi. An added bonus are the awesome temple reflections.
To reach the main temple you traverse a bridge representing the cycle of rebirth with the pits of hell lurking below. Hand begging to escape from hell…(a little disturbing, eh?)
I call these the “White Temple Gremlins”…
At the end of the bridge you reach the Gate of Heaven, guarded by Death.
No photos inside the temple, but what you will see depicted on the walls will probably surprise you. You’ll be surrounded by a mural depicting a horrific ending to the end or the world. The mural includes such popular culture icons as Michael Jackson, the Matrix, Spiderman, and even the Twin Towers with billowing smoke. The first time I saw this mural I think I had to pick my jaw up from the floor on the way out! I was not at all prepared.
This beautiful Buddha statue restores the calm….
Posing with the Naga…
Framed by the trees…
There is also a gothic influence around the site…(A little strange don’t you think?)
You can roam around the workshop and discover what the artists are up to! That’s one big Ganesha!
You can also wander through galleries displaying many of the artist’s paintings; all for sale/no photos You can also purchase postcards and prints.
Before you leave be sure to use what are probably the poshest washroom facilities in all of Thailand…
Have you been to the White Temple? What did you think?
Travelers Tip
The White Temple is about a 3 hour drive north of Chiang Mai, 13km south of Chiang Rai. As far as getting there you have a lot of choices. You can take the public bus or a mini bus, or as I did, a day tour. If you go on you own, you’ll have to overnight in Chiang Rai. I opted for a day tour, which left Chiang Mai at 7:30 am and returned at 5:30pm. The cost was an affordable 1000 Baht ($30.ooUS) and that included lunch. We also visited another attraction, which will get its own post. A tour can be booked at any of the tour agencies in the old city.
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This is the 170th edition of Travel Photo Thursday. You can browse the archives here.
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37 responses to “Travel Photo Thursday — Mar.27/14–Chiang Rai’s White Temple”
Wow this is insane looking. Especially the hands grasping above wow!
Hi Brittany! Yeah, those hands do make people stand up an notice!
It looks like an amazing place – a little bit like a meringue, but amazing nonetheless! Not something I would have expected from Thailand….:) Just discovered Travel Photo Thursdays, looking forward to linking up!
Hi Molly, and welcome! I’ll look forward to seeing you here on Thursdays. If you’re in Northern Thailand, definitely a place to visit.
How unusual Nancie. Thanks for the giving us the thumbs up on this one. I love the circular Buddha Photo 🙂
Hi Jan! The Buddha is one of my favorite shots, too!
spring might be in the air for most of the world, but for some reason, we are freezing in the Americas! It’s supposed to be SUPER HOT by now in Florida. Yet, we are having temperatures of 40° F (about 4°C) this week! freaking polar vortex…
Anyway! 😛 I have seen photos of the White Temple before: absolutely stunning. It’s so different from most wats I have seen around Thailand.
-Maria Alexandra
Hi Maria, I hope it warms up for you soon. I spoke to my Dad in Nova Scotia yesterday, and they are shoveling out from the huge storm that hit them this week. You won’t find another temple similar to the White Temple in Thailand, or maybe anywhere!
Hi Maria, Tried to leave a comment on your blog, but the comment box would not cooperate. I did share your post 🙂
Oh My Gawd, Nancie!
The first shot made me think of the Winter Palace but goodness gracious, I wasn’t prepared for your description of the inside. Michael Jackson, the billowing Twin Towers, Spiderman, the Matrix? What the heck? Then I remembered you said it was the brainchild of an artist. That made me think of the quote, there’s a fine line between genius (creativity) and madness. IMO, he’s sitting on the line!
Hi Marcia! You really do have to see the inside to appreciate it. You’re right about that fine line. I agree,this artist sits right on it!
I’d never heard a description of the inside of the temple before. It is so blindingly white that it looks unreal. What a great lot of photos and nice to finally see one of you too Nancie.
Hi Leigh! Sometimes its good to see the person behind the lens. I’m bad at remembering to have my photo taken!
Simply gorgeous, Nancie!! We are starting to plan our visit to Australia that will include Thailand!!
Hi Jackie! What fun to be planning a major trip. If you make it to Northern Thailand, be sure to have the White Temple on your list.
This place is incredible, so ornate and OTT. But what I find really amazing is that it’s so modern and still being built. Not many places build such big religious structures any more. I also find it amazing that despite being relatively remote it’s Thailand’s most visited temple, more than Wat Pho and others in Bangkok! I hadn’t heard of it before as although I’ve been to Thailand many times I haven’t been in years (in fact not since this was started! Last time was 1996) It’s time I went back.
Hi Phoebe! OTT describes the White Temple perfectly. The artist has a vision, and he has made it a commercial success!
Such beautiful and gorgeous detail!
Hi Kathy! Every little detail seems to have been well thought out!
The temple and the statues are magnificent, but I must admit that I think I like that sea of hands the best.
Hi Bob! Those hands are mesmerizing!
So cool! I just posted and linked up about Thailand! But I didnt make it this far north! We started in Bangkok and went south to Phuket and Krabi. Now I wish we had gone north to see this!
Hi Jaymi! Next time you’ll have explore the north. That’s a great reason to return!
That’s one fancy washroom, i love the heads with the nature beards…that is one elaborate temple indeed, would they kick me out if i wore something colorful?
Hi Noel! Haha, you would stand out in the crowd and against the white!
I have ALWAYS wanted to see this temple. The white against the water makes the most incredible images. Could you imagine if they got snow!? Stunning photos as always lady!
Hi Keryn! I’m thinking all that white would have us going blind!
The temple looks as if it’s moulded from thin ice. So delicate and intricate though. I love the white against the blue sky, absolutely arresting. I’ve read two tales of Chiang Mai this morning, and it just keeps getting more interesting!
Hi Johanna! Northern Thailand is a great destination. Lots of interesting things to see, do, and experience. Without the blue sky, it would be a real challenge to get much of a photo!
What a great collection of photos of such a beautiful temple. It’s got that calming quality but I would have really liked to see the inside photos. It sounds interesting. I see Batman hanging on the tree. Love your reflection shots. Glad Spring is in the air for you, Nancie.
Hi Mary! My finger was itching when I was inside, but watch people very closely. I’m sure my camera card would have been removed, had I even come close to pressing the shutter button!
I think I should just go ahead and book my flight back to Thailand! Obviously, I missed a few things. This is beyond words!
Hi Tam! There are so many things to see in Thailand. One trip is never enough. Even after 10 years, I am still discovering!
I always think of temples (and cathedrals) as being old and historical, so visiting one that started in 1997 would be interesting. I really like those hands reaching up and the fanciest No Smoking sign I’ve ever seen. I wonder what visitors 100 years from now will think of all the references to our current events. Will Michael Jackson and the Matrix stand the test of time? I think the Twin Towers attack will be remembered.
Hi Michele…It would be interesting to come back and see what “endures” 🙂
wow the carving on these temples is so intricate and amazing. What a fabulous place to visit.
[…] Weekly Link ups: These snaps are also this week’s contribution for Travel Photo Thursday (#TPThursday on twitter) hosted by Nancie on her website, Budget Travelers Sandbox. The direct link this week is here. […]