An enormous dragon scales the walls of this 17story temple wat pa maha chedi. Apr 05, 2007 an eclectic buddhist temple near chiang rai that is the creation of chalermchai kositpipat, thailands gaudi. In this lesson, explore the wat rong khun in chiang rai, thailand. Wat rong khun, the white temple of chiang rai, is one of the modern temples in thailand. It is privately owned by the artist creator, first opened in 1997.
Jul 22, 2014 wat rong khun, or the white temple, is one of over 33,000 buddhist temples in thailand. Every detail of the white temple carries meaning and encourages the visitor to reflect on the buddhist teachings that show the way to escape from the worldly temptations, desires and greed and focus on the mind instead. In the earlier days, the renovation of the temple was forced to stopped due to not enough of funds and chalermchai kositpipat has decided to continue. Known as the white temple, wat rong khun is located in northern thailand near chiang rai. It is a beautiful structure on the edge of the northern city of chiang rai and is made in white with mirrored tiles to reflect the sun. Book your tickets online for wat rong seur ten blue temple, chiang rai. Whereas most temples visited by tourists have a history going back many centuries, this magnificent place of worship was built only recently. This temple jewel was created by the thai artist chalermchai kositpipat, who had financed the construction of the white temple from his own hand and with the help of donations. The history of wat rong khun wat rong khun white temple was built by chalermchai kositpipat, a well known thai painter and even till present the renovation for the temple is still ongoing. It is just part of a complex of buildings the artist designed that he estimates will. The wat rong khun located in the south of chiang rai, is known as the temple of heaven.
Work of the thai artist chalermchai kositpipat, started in 1997, teh temple continues to expand. Chalermchai kositpipat, a artist born in chiang rai, decided to completely rebuild the temple and fund the project with his own money. Wat rong khun tambon pa o don chai, thailand atlas obscura. Photographs of the white temple before the earthquake.
Wat rong khuns construction began in 1997 by noted thai painter turned architect chalermchai kositpipat. Wat rong khun chiang rai 2020 all you need to know. It is the most visited monument in chiang rai province. This buddhist temple features murals that have contemporary bearings such as a mural depicting a plane hitting the twin towers as spiderman and an angry bird look on. Six of thailands most magnificent temples it should come as no surprise that thailand is a country of temples, given the significant role that buddhism plays in its culture. To get an impression of the tremendous amount of work done to build the white temple take a look in the large building behind the temple. Enter local architect and temple savior chalermchai kositpipat who decided that leading the restoration was his.
About wat rong khun also known as the white temple, wat rong khun is one of the most famous tourist attractions in thailand and undoubtedly a landmark destination in chiang rai. Wat rong khun isnt an actual temple its more of an elaborate art. Presentation located km from chiang rai, wat rong khun is a very recent temple. Although considered to be bit odd, the wat rong khun, or the white temple, is considered to be one of the main attractions of not just chiang rai but the whole of thailand. The wat rong khun, or better known among most tourists as the white temple in chiang rai, is an eccentric, contemporary, and privately owned art exhibit that is displayed in the form of a buddhist temple that can be located in the beautiful and alluring province of chiang rai. The white color signifies the purity of the buddha, while the glass symbolizes the buddhas wisdom and the dhamma, the buddhist teachings. This unique temple uses glass and plaster, so it sparkles in daylight as well as in evenings colorful lighting. Towards the end of the 20 th century, the original wat rong khun was in a very poor state of preservation. Wat rong khun, chiang rai, thailand tourist information. Oct, 2011 this temple is the work of well known artist ajarn chalermchai kositpipat who has been working on this project for 12 years. Jan 14, 2014 wat rong khun, known outside of thailand simply as the white temple, is a strangely beautiful place.
Wat rong khun, chiang rai ticket price timings address. Spectacular, spectacularly kitsch or just simply kitsch this highly ornate, all white, icing sugar temple cert. By the end of the 20th century, the original wat rong khun was in a bad state of repair. Learn about the history of this outstanding religious building and also explore the main architectural and artistic. Wat rong khun white temple in chiang rai placesofjuma. About wat rong khun often referred by foreigners as the white temple, wat rong khun is a private temple that is owned by chalermchai kositpipat. Within thailands wat rong khun popularly known as the white. The old adage you cant judge a book by its cover apparently also applies to a temple. Aug 02, 2019 six of thailands most magnificent temples it should come as no surprise that thailand is a country of temples, given the significant role that buddhism plays in its culture. Rome2rio is a doortodoor travel information and booking engine, helping you get to and from any location in the world. An architectural wonder in its own right, this temple is filled with a lot of buddhist elements in its architecture, mirror decorations, and ornate reliefs. What used to be a huge and popular tourist destination can literally be wiped off the planet overnight. Wat rong khun, the white temple chiang rai renown travel.
The 10 best hotels near wat rong khun the white temple in. An old temple stood there but it was dilapidated and rundown. Wat rong khun, or the white temple, is one of over 33,000 buddhist temples in thailand. If you book with tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. The white temple, also renowned as wat rong khun is the brainchild of oneofakind artist chalermchai kostipitat. Within thailands wat rong khun popularly known as the white temple you will encounter a somewhat nontraditional interior. This temple is the work of well known artist ajarn chalermchai kositpipat who has been working on this project for 12 years. If youd visited wat rong khun, or the white temple, in the early 1990s then you would have seen a very different sight. Though a little taxing as a day trip, if you have limited time and wont make it to neighbouring chiang rai province or its capital chiang rai as part of your travels in thailand, it is possible to see two of the regions most beloved sites wat rong khun and baan dam in one day from chiang mai.
Every detail of the white temple carries meaning and encourages the visitor to reflect on the buddhist teachings that show the way to escape from the worldly temptations, desires and. Book your tickets online for wat rong khun, chiang rai. We recommend booking wat rong khun tours ahead of time to secure your spot. Wat rong khun the white temple in thailand brain berries. Rome2rio makes travelling from chiang mai to wat rong khun easy. You can purchase highquality reproductions, books, tshirts and. Heres 15 facts about wat rong khun that you will find intriguing, facts that will enhance your knowledge before you visit this amazing temple.
Yes, that might sound like a bold statement, but honestly, a visit to the wat rong khun white temple in chiang rai will leave you speechless. Wat rong khun is the work of thai artist chalermchai kositpipat and signifies a new vision of buddhist architecture and worship. Its a striking structure that, from a distance, seems. Wat rong khun chiang rai 2020 all you need to know before. Learn about the history of this outstanding religious building and also explore. Jan 17, 2015 the old adage you cant judge a book by its cover apparently also applies to a temple. Wat rong khun chiang rai, thailand buddhist temple.
Built by the famous thai buddhist painterturnedarchitecht and millionaire chalermchai kositpipat, the temple is completely funded by kositpipats own money in order to bring his vision to life. It is owned by chalermchai kositpipat, who designed, constructed, and opened it to visitors in 1997. Wat rong khun is a unique temple that stands out through the white color and the use of pieces of glass in the plaster, sparkling in the sun. Located near the city of chiang rai, about 5 kilometers to the south, is the beautiful rong khun temple or white temple.
The city of chiang rai in northernmost thailand is one of the remaining areas where traditional thai art and culture flourish. The temple has undergone major renovation work as of today, thanks to eminent visual artist, chalermchai kositpipat and construction work is still on going here. Jul 30, 2018 the wat rong khun located in the south of chiang rai, is known as the temple of heaven. Aug 12, 2019 wat rong khun the white temple of chiang rai the history. Wat rong khun, or the white temple, in chiang rai, thailand. Chiang mai to wat rong khun 4 ways to travel via bus, taxi. Wat rong khun, chiang rais white temple the not so. Wat rong khun chiang rai 2020 what to know before you.
Wat rong khun, known outside of thailand simply as the white temple, is a strangely beautiful place. Chalermchai kositpipat, a very popular thai artist, is the person who owns this property and. An eclectic buddhist temple near chiang rai that is the creation of chalermchai kositpipat, thailands gaudi. This is what has happened at the site of wat rong khun, now the white temple, thailand. Wat rong khun the white temple of chiang rai the history. Chiang rai wat rong khun the white temple thailand discovery. One such temple is wat rong khun which stands out the most in thailand. Wat rong khun, better known as the white temple is one of the most.
Find all the transport options for your trip from chiang mai to wat rong khun right here. Whether you find it deliciously kitsch or exuding a holy beauty, its certainly unique. A tour of wat rong khun, the oddest temple in thailand. May, 2015 heres 15 facts about wat rong khun that you will find intriguing, facts that will enhance your knowledge before you visit this amazing temple. Wat rong khun chiang rai all you need to know before you. Wat rong seur ten blue temple chiang rai all you need. Bright white and covered in thousands of tiny mirrors, wat rong khun is a glittering tribute to buddhas purity, designed by one of thailands most popular artists.
Restoration works on the temple started, but had to be halted due to a lack of funds. But its the only one that features a mural depicting a plane hitting the twin towers as spiderman and an. Wat rong khun known as white temple is located near chiang rai, in northern thailand. Wat rong khun white temple in chiang rai everything you. Wat rong khun was created in the image of purity,hence the white colour and pieces of glass were embedded into the sculptures to catch the light and make the whole monument gleam in the sunlight. In a way, wat rong khun is similar to antoni gaudis sagrada familia in barcolona. Wat rong khun is popularised as the white temple among foreigners and it is located in northern thailand near chiang rai. When chalermchai first conceived the idea of building the wat, he laid out a great grand plan for its design and construction but, like gaudis work, it will never be completed. In the hall staff apply hand made pieces of mosaic mirror to various parts before they get assembled onto a building. In a nation of temples, thailands wat rong khun stands out. Chalermchai kositpipat, a local artist from chiang rai, decided to completely rebuild the temple and fund the project with his own money. Buy a visit to wat rong khun the white temple in chiang rain, northern of thailand.
Rong khun temple or white temple my chiang mai tour. Wat rong khun highlights, history, tips, how to reach. It is the realization of a dream for thailands noted artist, mr. A four story, football fieldsized, ninegrotto creation made of shells, minerals, and rare stones. He is financing it and has committed to continue to build this complex.
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