I spent 7am to 7:30pm on a tour from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai to see some of the items on my list. The ride was about 3 1/2 hours each way so it was a very long day, and a bus ride down the curving highways that would leave anyone with motion sickness in bad shape.
Along the way we stopped at the Long Neck Karen tribe, escaping Myanmar conflict, they settled in the mountains of northern Thailand. What distinguishes these villages are the adorned women. With slender necks embellished by golden brass rings, they symbolize cultural identity. Beyond adornment, the women showcase artistry through intricate weaved goods, reflecting unique stories. It was interesting but felt more like a tourist stop. They sold wares, but were also gracious in allowing photos to be taken. Loved the artwork that graced the entrance to the village…
WHITE TEMPLE – From the village we went to the White Temple, Wat Rong Khun. The build started 27 years ago and is not expected to be completed until 2070. It is absolutely beautiful!
By the end of the 20th century, the original temple was as in a bad state of repair. Funds were not available for renovation. Chalermchai Kositpipat, a local artist from Chiang Rai, decided to completely rebuild the temple and fund the project with his own money. To date, Chalermchai has spent over 40 million THB of his own money on the project The artist intends for the area adjacent to the temple to be a center of learning and meditation and for people to gain benefit from the Buddhist teachings. Kositpipat considers the temple to be an offering to Lord Buddha and believes the project will give him immortal life.
The primary structure of the temple is made of a basic concrete frame and a wooden roof. Viewed from a distance, it appears to be crafted from sparkling porcelain, but on closer inspection it becomes evident that the dazzling effect is achieved through a blend of whitewash and transparent mirrored chips. The outer surfaces are adorned with white plaster and incorporated glass inserts.
BLUE TEMPLE – Known for its striking modern artistic design, the temple’s construction was initiated by the local community in 1996 to replace an old abandoned temple which previously stood on the site, though construction did not start until 2005. Its final design was realized by local artist Phuttha Kabkaew, who learned from Chalermchai Kositpipat while working on his famous Wat Rong Khun, just outside the city. Wat Rong Suea Ten’s main building was completed in 2016, and follows in the unconventional “neo-traditional” style of Buddhist art pioneered by Chalermchai, employing lavishly ornamented sculptures and psychedelic visual imagery.
Travel on January 22, 2025