1. Location and characteristics of the White Temple in Thailand
White Temple - A famous spiritual tourist destination in Thailand. (Photo: Collected)
Where is the White Temple? - Located in Chiang Rai province, Northern Thailand, about 13km from the city center, the White Temple in Thailand stands out with its pure white color, completely different from traditional golden temples.
When the original Wat Rong Khun fell into disrepair, local artist Chalermchai Kositpipat of Chiang Rai rebuilt the temple himself, using his own money. He designed and built the new temple himself, before reopening it to the public in 1997. Kositpipat considered the temple an offering to the Buddha, believing that the project would bring him eternal life.
Since then, the temple has become a symbol of purity, wisdom, and a masterpiece of spiritual architecture in Thailand that every visitor cannot miss.
2. Unique architecture of the White Temple in Thailand
Unlike any other religious building in Southeast Asia, the architecture of the White Temple in Thailand is very different, making a strong impression with strange but metaphorical design elements, clearly showing Chalermchai's creativity when combining traditional Buddhist art with unique contemporary style. In particular, the entire temple is painted white and inlaid with small pieces of sparkling glass, symbolizing purity and wisdom that illuminates the world.
Bridge "Rebirth"
The famous sea of hands at Wat Rong Khun. (Photo: Carlos Adampol Galindo)
The “Rebirth” bridge leading to the main hall is a special architectural feature where hundreds of white hands reach up, symbolizing the desires, greed, anger and ignorance that each person must overcome on the path to enlightenment. This is the symbolic journey that each soul must overcome to reach enlightenment.
Main Hall (Ubosot)
Ubosot is the most sacred prayer room. Before entering, visitors must leave their shoes outside. (Photo: Collected)
The exterior of the main hall is intricately carved, sparkling with light from small pieces of glass. Inside the main hall, visitors will be surprised by the murals combining images of Buddha with modern murals combining popular culture images such as Superman, Neo (Matrix), Doraemon... creating a profound message about the conflict between the material, moral and spiritual worlds , between tradition and modernity.
Golden Palace
The Golden Temple - A unique highlight of the White Temple. (Photo: Collected)
What is more curious is the bright yellow building opposite, which is used as a utility area but has a symbolic meaning for the material world – a highlight that makes the White Temple in Thailand even more unique and attractive. This is actually a public toilet – a metaphorical detail about the contrast between spirit (white) and matter (gold).
3. Experience visiting the White Temple in Thailand
The Gates of Heaven are guarded by two creatures representing Death and Rahu. (Photo: Pierrick Lemaret|Getty Images/iStockphoto)
When visiting the White Temple in Thailand, you will be immersed in a spiritual space that is both modern and traditional, immersed in unique cultural experiences. Visitors can participate in traditional rituals such as writing wishes on metal leaves and hanging them on the wishing tree, or throwing coins into the lucky well to send good hopes. In addition, walking around the campus to admire surreal sculptures, full of philosophical meanings such as Alien, Hellboy, aliens... reflecting the struggle between good and evil, between truth and falsehood in today's era is also an interesting activity, contributing to helping you understand more deeply about Buddhist philosophy as well as the message of the temple.
Wat Rong Khun is still not completely finished, despite opening in 1997. Artist Chalermchai expects it will take until 2070 for the entire structure to be completed according to his artistic vision.
4. Visiting time and how to get to the White Temple in Thailand
This is the Thai Iron Man welcoming visitors as they enter the temple grounds. (Photo: Collected)
- Address: San Sai, Mueang Chiang Rai District, Chiang Rai 57000, Thailand
- Hours of Operation: 8am - 5pm.
- Daily admission: 50 THB.
For the best experience when visiting the White Temple in Thailand , you should choose the time from November to February, the dry season with cool, pleasant weather, very suitable for sightseeing and taking pictures. In addition, summer in Northern Thailand is also the time when the natural scenery is brilliant, although the temperature is higher, the peaceful space of the temple still brings a sense of relaxation and difference.
From Chiang Rai city center, you can easily travel to the White Temple in Thailand by taxi, bus or book a package tour for convenient sightseeing and nearby famous attractions such as the Golden Triangle, Black Museum (Baan Dam), hot springs. If you go from Bangkok, you should fly to Chiang Rai airport and then continue your journey by local transportation.
Not only a religious building, the White Temple in Chiang Rai is also a symbol of creative art and profound spiritual philosophy. As one of the unique destinations in Thailand, the temple attracts visitors not only by its impressive architecture but also by the harmonious combination of traditional and modern culture. Visiting here, you will experience a space that is both peaceful and magical, helping to relax your soul and find serenity in a busy life.
Source : https://www.vietravel.com/vn/am-thuc-kham-pha/chua-trang-o-thai-lan-kien-truc-tam-linh-tai-chiang-rai-v17316.aspx
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