Chiang Rai is Thailand’s most northern province and borders neighboring countries Laos and Myanmar. It’s capital city which is also called Chiang Rai was founded in 1262 by King Mengrai and was the first capital of the Lanna Kingdom which it stayed for 34 years, when the capital was moved south to Chiang Mai.
Chiang Rai province is well known for its many hill tribes in the forested mountains, its hot springs, the infamous Golden Triangle and its many outdoor activities, like rafting, rock climbing and trekking.
The city of Chiang Rai is a small town with a relaxed atmosphere almost 200 kilometers north of Chiang Mai. Through town runs the Mae Kok river. Boat trips can be made to several interesting places like the Ruammit Karen village and several other hill tribe villages, Huai Mak Lium hot spring and eventually as far south as Tha Thorn pier in Chiang Mai.
A few much revered temples like the ancient Wat Phra Kaew and the Wat Phra Singh are found in Chiang Rai town.
Things to do & see in Chiang Rai
Of the many things to see and do in Chiang Rai, a few are listed here.
Wat Rong Khun or the White Temple
The Wat Rong Khun, also called “the White Temple” is a temple just of Chiang Rai. It is a very unique temple because of it’s style which is very different from any other temple in Thailand. This temple was designed by the famous Thai painter Chalermchai Kositpipat. When construction began in 1997, he had managed to raise the money needed to build the main temple complex through the sale of his paintings.
Wat Rong Khun, better known as “the White Temple” is one of the most recognizable temples in Thailand. The temple outside the town of Chiang Rai attracts a large number of visitors, both Thai and foreign, making it one of Chiang Rai’s most visited attractions.
Unique temple
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. The white color signifies the purity of the Buddha, while the glass symbolizes the Buddha’s wisdom and the Dhamma, the Buddhist teachings.
The Wat Rong Khun was designed by Chalermchai Kositpipat, a famous Thai visual artist. To date the temple is not finished. Eventually there will be nine buildings including an ubosot, a hall to enshrine Buddhist relics, a meditation hall, the monks living quarters and an art gallery.
On May 5th 2014 a strong earthquake hit Chiang Rai. Although the white temple was badly damaged, Chalermchai Kositpipat decided to restore and further expand the Wat Rong Khun.
The white temple
Name
Wat Rong Khun, “The White Temple”
Date
Completely rebuild late 20th century onward
Location
Off Highway 1 (Phahonyothin road)
15 kilometers South West of Chiang Rai town
15 kilometers South West of Chiang Rai town