Wat Rong
Khun, perhaps better known to foreigners as the White Temple, is a
contemporary, unconventional, privately
owned art exhibit in the style of a Buddhist temple in Chiang Rai
Province, and is one of the most recognizable temples in Thailand. It is owned
by Chalermchai Kositpipat,
who designed, constructed, and opened it to visitors in 1997. It is open all
year round and admission is free. Although it is without doubt a tourist
magnet, I recommend a visit. Arrive early ahead of the tour buses you'll
enjoy it more.
Here are some photos from the White Temple, and here and there around Chiang Rai.
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| Recognize anyone? |
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| Wishing Well, with crystal clear water. |
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| The Golden Rest Room at the White Temple |
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| Taking pictures of the tourits |
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| The Singha lion |
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Kuan Yin, the Divine Goddess of
Mercy.
Kuan Yin
is a bodhisattva, an enlightened being who has put off liberation from the
world in the Buddhist religion. As Kuan Yin approached enlightenment, she
looked back and saw and heard suffering all over the world. She loved humanity
to the extent that she could not bear to leave the world in such a bad state.
She decided to stay on Earth until every soul attained liberation from pain and
suffering.
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| Anywhere you find a wat you are likely to see some renovation/restoration taking place. |
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| If you can't beat 'em... |
