Thailand - Chiang Rai - The White Temple

Wat Rong Khun, better known as the White Temple, is the vision of Chalermchai Kositpipat, a famous Thai artist who was born in the nearby town of Chiang Rai. This spectacular modern temple is like no other with its dominant white color, symbolizing the purity of Buddha. 

Begun in 1996, the project is ongoing, with a total of nine buildings envisioned and a projected completion date of 2070, long after the death of its creator. But the artist has, or will have, all his drawings ready for his successors to carry on after him. It’s a bit like Gaudi’s Sagrada Familia in Barcelona in that respect, and also in its architectural uniqueness.

Wat Rong Khun, aka The White Temple


Hell is envisioned as a sea of greedy, grasping hands.


You must pass over hell on a bridge to reach the main hall, which is like heaven.


Bits of mirror are embedded in the plaster to foster self-reflection and add to the overall radiance.


Sadly, no photos are allowed in the main hall, which is covered in beautiful murals that mix traditional Buddhist imagery with (somewhat controversially) pop culture icons like Harry Potter, Michael Jackson and Spiderman.








And it has fountains!


(photo by Deborah)


Not all is white. This building is (I kid you not) the Golden Toilet


Probably the first time I felt compelled to take a photo inside a restroom.






(photo by Deborah)



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