Located in the northernmost province of Thailand, Chiang Rai is a charming and culturally rich city boasting an array of spectacular temples, each with a unique and distinctive character. On a Chiang Rai Temple Tour, visitors can explore some of the most striking temples in the city, including the White Temple, Blue Temple, and Black House. The tour also includes visiting the Mae Khachan hot springs, a refreshing and rejuvenating natural wonder.
The White Temple, also known as Wat Rong Khun, is a modern art temple built by the legendary Thai artist Chalermchai Kositpipat. Kositpipat began work on the temple in 1997 and it has been under construction ever since. The temple is entirely white, with intricate carvings and elaborate ornamentation that make it look like it has been carved from ice. Visitors are greeted by a striking white bridge that leads to the temple, with two giant white hands reaching up from the ground to grasp the sides of the bridge. Inside the temple, the walls are adorned with stunning murals depicting traditional Buddhist stories and modern pop cultures icons like Spiderman and Superman. The White Temple is a true masterpiece of contemporary art and an absolute must-see for anyone visiting Chiang Rai.
The Blue Temple, also known as Wat Rong Suea Ten, is another stunning temple that should be noticed on a Chiang Rai Temple Tour. This temple is relatively new; having only been completed in 2016, it has become a popular tourist attraction. The temple is a dazzling blue, with intricate gold and white detailing that gives it an ethereal and otherworldly feel. The temple’s centrepiece is a beautiful white Buddha statue that sits atop a pedestal, surrounded by hundreds of smaller blue Buddha statues that line the walls. The Blue Temple is a peaceful and serene oasis in the middle of the bustling city, and it is the perfect place to meditate and reflect.
The Black House, also known as Baan Dam Museum, is a bizarre and unsettling attraction that will leave a lasting impression on visitors. The Black House is not a temple in the traditional sense but rather a collection of buildings and sculptures created by the Thai artist Thawan Duchanee. The facilities are constructed from dark materials like teak wood and blackened metal. They are filled with strange and disturbing artefacts, including animal skulls, taxidermied animals, and macabre artwork. The Black House is a haunting and unsettling experience, but it is also a fascinating look into the mind of one of Thailand’s most celebrated artists.
Finally, no Chiang Rai Temple Tour would be complete without a visit to the Mae Khachan hot springs. These natural hot springs are located in the heart of the Chiang Rai countryside, offering a tranquil and rejuvenating escape from the city. Visitors can relax in the warm waters, surrounded by lush greenery and towering trees. The hot springs are believed to have therapeutic properties and are especially beneficial for skin conditions and respiratory ailments.
In conclusion, a Chiang Rai Temple Tour is a fantastic way to explore the cultural gems of this charming city. From the modern art masterpiece of the White Temple to the serene beauty of the Blue Temple and the bizarre and unsettling Black House, there is something for everyone on this tour. And after a day of temple-hopping, there’s no better way to relax and rejuvenate than a dip in the Mae Khachan hot springs. Whether you’re a seasoned traveller or a first-time visitor to Thailand, a Chiang Rai Temple Tour is an experience that should be noticed.