The city of Chiang Rai in northernmost Thailand is one amongst the remaining areas where ancient Thai art and culture flourish.  Located close to the town of Chiang Rai, lying five kilometers to the south, is that the stunning Wat Rong Khun or White Temple.

The White Temple of Northern Thailand has quickly become a national landmark and is one of the most recognizable temples within the country, regularly attracting a sizable number of holiday makers from all over the world.

Wat Rong Khun is exclusively from different from other temples in that it's been created entirely in a radiant white color with sparkling reflections from mirrored glass mosaics embedded within the white plaster. The temple is design of Mr. Chalermchai Kositpipat, one of Thailand’s most famous artists, who wished to make a temple all in white to indicate the purity of the Lord Buddha. The artist continues to put his non secular beliefs into his work to counterpoint Buddhism in Thailand and his modern artistic style. The development of the White Temple is Chalemchai’s master work that he refers to as an offering to Lord Buddha and his beloved country. Chalermchai desires Wat Rong Khun to become a learning and meditation centre for people to follow dharma and gain take pleasure in the teachings of Lord Buddha.

Inside the temple there are several sculptures of Buddha meditating and sitting in the lotus position encircled by spirits of the planet.  The outer-decoration of the temple hall is totally white in color representing the purity and knowledge of Lord Buddha. There is, however, a dramatic distinction of color to be found when arriving at the innermost hall with the Buddha altars set within a golden flame. Opposite the altars what is surprising is how the walls are painted with a colourful larger than life story consisting of Buddhist imagery along with up to date images and icons from modern culture. Ships, super man, and even Neo from the Matrix movie are used to tell the story of Buddha in this terribly distinctive display.

On the left of the temple’s compound may be a golden bathroom that Chalermchai appears to additionally use to transfer some hidden message to guests. Perhaps it is signifying the potential beauty in all things.

Wat Rong Khun continues to be a work in progress and is therefore worth a return visit. The plan is that it comprises of 9 buildings as well as the ubosot (chapel), pagoda, hermitage, crematorium, monastery hall, preaching hall, museum, pavilion, and toilet facilities which cover, in the vicinity of, seven rai (about 3 acres).