I came to Chiang Rai with 3 destinations in mind. The 3 temples, although 2 of them are not temples and the 3rd I would question if Buddhists believe it is one as well. So lets assume the are museums or art showcases in the form of temples. I decided to do 1 a day so that I could take my time and be able to take in what I am seeing. I didn’t want to over load my brain. Chiang Rai is 3 hours from Chiang Mai by bus. Still very city like with everything one would need, a university and hospital as well as all the usual shops, night markets, 7-11s and food spots. Plenty of public transportation and scooter and bike rental places. You will feel like you are in a mini version of Chaing Mai without the mote.
The first place I went to was the Blue Temple also known as
Wat Rong Seur Ten. This was a 45 minute walk from my Hostel and well worth it. Built in 2005, the temple takes on the colors of blue and gold, blue representing Dharma in tribute to Buddha. There are 2 giant statues at the entrance and the entire property is stunning. The most delightful one thus far on my journey for distinctness as most are gold but not blue. By far this one is my favorite of the 3. This is a temple and one is expected to dress accordingly, although I saw female tourists with short shorts and shoulders showing, obviously ignorant to the respect of modesty. There is a gong in the corner and when rubbed the entire temple fills with a wonderful sound. I could have sat there for hours.
The White Temple, known as Wat Rhong Khun is a private building owned by an artist Chalermchai Kositpipat, He bought the dilapidated temple and started work on it. “Only death can stop my dream, but cannot stop my project,” Chalermchai was quoted as saying about the temple, adding that he believes the work will give him “immortal life” He has worked on this with his own money and has spent hundreds of millions in Baht. Started in 1997 and continues to this day. He also has an art gallery on the premise which is free and most people miss it but I felt it was the best of the entire visit as it displays his art best. The outside of the buildings are amazing but I was a bit underwhelmed with the inside of the white temple. I had read that there are all sorts of modern day characters and that is true but It was not as impressive as I hoped. World trade center being bombed, hellraiser to peekachoo. I read that the bridge is “Cycle of birth” The entrance are “the gates of heaven” The murals inside are modern representations of good and evil. Figures like Batman, Elvis, and every villain and superhero from every movie you can imagine.
The final stop is at Baandam Museum also known as The Black House or Black Temple, although this one is surely not a temple at all. A 6 acre property with a lot spread out across it. Created by the late master artist Thawan Duchanee, he died in 2014 but lived at this property until then, not only is he an architect but was a controversial painter, I read,
His artworks are not widely accepted in the first place. A group of student demonstration destroyed his works because they considered them as religious insults. I found his wood work absolutely amazing. He has lots of animal skulls and skins and a lot of stuff displayed and stored in many of the buildings. It is a mix with a little of something for everyone. Over all my favorite part where the buildings themselves and the wood carvings.
The sights around town and of course the food, always the best parts.
Spectacular