Thailand Day 10b
Thailand Day
         

 

Trip to Chiang Rai, with a stop at the Wat Rong Kuhn (White Temple) along the way


Wat Rong Khun, known as the White Temple, was designed and construction was started in 1997 by Thai artist Chalermchai Kositpipat. This unusual temple is a strange surrealistic intertpretation of traditional Thai architecture. The main building and most other buildings are painted white to symbolize Buddha’s purity. They are also decoratively enhanced by mosaics of mirrors, which sparkle in the sun. All around the complex are figures of demons, skulls, severed heads handing from trees and other bizarre objects.

To reach the temple you have to walk over a bridge over a moat filled with arms reaching up, which symbolize desire. There are also all sorts of skulls. Apparently this is symbolic of the Thai version of Hell. Inside the temple, the walls are covered with strangely contemporary scenes and images from popular culture. The artist used contemporary images of good and evil and put them into a Buddhist context. There are murals of comic book Superheroes like Batman and Superman, and even a scene from The Matrix. On one unfinished wall is the painting of a plane smashing into the Twin Towers. In another wall there are images of spaceships and a scene showing the destruction of earth. Photography not permitted inside, unfortunately.

Side view of the walkway to the main temple building. For larger view, click here
Beautiful golden edifice. All buildings in the compound are either white or gold colored. Larger view, Click Here
Another view of the temple and grounds. For larger image, click here
Strange sculptured hanging heads on a tree on the grounds. This artist is very strange! Larger view, click here
This building houses the restrooms, and other things.
This lovely image is in such contrast to the many really savage and evil-looking creatures and beings in this compound. For a larger view of this image, click here

Another view of the Wat Rong Khun temple. For a larger image view, click here

Strange animal heads around the round pavilion structure. For a larger view of this image, click here

One more page with images of the White Temple and finally our hotel in Chiang Rai - click here