Part temple and part private art experiment, the temple was opened in 1997 by Chiang Rai artist Chalermchai Kositpipat who dedicated his work to the Thai king and Thai people in order to encourage and promote Buddhism. Although he has been working on the White Temple for decades, Chalermchai sees the construction of Wat Rong Kuhun as his life’s work and magnum opus, and estimates that it won’t be complete until the 2070’s.
From afar the beautiful temple looks like something out of a fairy tale, but up close, the intricate patterns take on a creepy and grotesque look. Walking across a narrow bridge over a pond to the temple simulates crossing from Hell into Heaven. The path is narrow – this represents that one must make the journey alone.
The Blue Temple – Wat Rong Suea Ten วัดร่องเสือเต้น
The brand-new Wat Rong Suea Ten, the Blue Temple, just opened in 2016, and is still a hidden gem in Chiang Rai. It’s not nearly as well-known as its older sibling, the White Temple, which is a shame, because the Blue Temple is absolutely beautiful and unique as well.
Most temples in Thailand are gold, red, or white. Blue is a really unusual color, but it makes the temple very special and memorable. The color blue, according to the artist, represents the Dharma, the teachings of the Buddha.
If you have the chance to visit Chiang Rai, visit the Blue Temple now while it’s still relatively unknown. It’s a brand-new attraction, and something unlike anything else in Thailand.
It’s admittedly quite creepy. The buildings are all painted black and constructed out of dark wood, and the interiors are all decorated with bones and animal skins. The entire complex has a feeling of death, but not in a scary way. It’s meant to be peaceful and reflective.
Yes, it’s a little creepy, but it’s also very beautiful and definitely unique. Visit it for yourself and see what you think.
Admission is 80 baht per person, and goes towards the upkeep of the museum.
LB convert 