Chiang Rai, Northern Thailand – The dilapidated Wat Rong Khun on the outskirts of Chiang Rai is being rebuilt by local artist Chalermchai Kositpipat. His murals combine Buddhist themes with contemporary images and so does the new wat. It is also known as the White Temple for obvious reasons. To reach the main building, the ubosot, you cross a bridge, the Gate of Heaven, over a small lake. Every gleaming white part is ornately crafted with mythical Buddhist creatures, many the stuff of nightmares. Think Dante’s inferno in icing sugar.
Before entering the ubosot you must remove your shoes and no photos are allowed inside but that means you’re free to concentrate on the murals modern pictures of good and evil including Elvis, Spiderman, atom bombs and spaceships.
Think Dante’s Inferno in technicolor.
It really is a temple but during the day it’s also an enormous tourist attraction. If you’re in Chiang Rai it is a must-see.