Muang Boran, translated "Ancient City", is a museum park in Thailand located in Samut Prakan, just outside of Bangkok. This is not an amusement park, but instead is a real-life open-air museum where the most famous monuments of the country are replicated.
Thailand: Chiang Rai – The White Temple
Wat Rong Khun, better known as “the White Temple”, is one of the most recognizable temples in Thailand. It was designed by Chalermchai Kositpipat, a famous Thai visual artist. To date the temple is not finished. Eventually there will be nine buildings.
The first stop on our tour was Wat Rong Khun, better known as “the White Temple”, which is one of the most recognizable temples in Thailand. The temple looks stunning as you approach it, it is bright white with pieces of white glass stuck into the plaster that glisten in the sun. The white colour signifies the purity of the Buddha, while the glass symbolizes the Buddha’s wisdom and the Dhamma, the Buddhist teachings. It looks somewhat unreal and straight out of a Disney theme park.
The Wat Rong Khun was designed by Chalermchai Kositpipat, a famous Thai visual artist. The temple remains unfinished, and 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 it and further expand Wat Rong Khun.
To reach the ubosot, or ordination hall, you must cross a bridge over a small lake. In front of the bridge is a circular area with hundreds of reaching hands that symbolize desire. This area represents human suffering and hell. The bridge towards the ubosot, called the bridge of “the cycle of rebirth” signifies the crossing over from the cycle of death and rebirth into a state free of suffering. It represents the way to happiness by overcoming worldly things such as temptation, greed and desire.
After crossing the bridge, you arrive at the “Gate of Heaven” guarded by two huge creatures that represent Death and Rahu, who decide men’s fate. At the end of the bridge in front of the ubosot are several Buddha images in meditation.
Inside the temple, the murals on the walls are not typical of those you find in old temples, which usually depict scenes from Buddha’s story. The walls of this ordination hall have modern images of good and evil, with contemporary figures like Batman, Spiderman and Elvis, villains and superheroes from movies and comics and even spaceships.
On the back wall of the ubosot is a golden mural of the Buddha, with a few images of the Buddha in front of it.
Leaving the ordination hall, we set off to explore more of the buildings and features of the temple complex. At the rear of the complex is a golden building called the Ganesha Worship Hall. This is one of the more recent buildings which is set on an island in a mini lake. A bridge leads to a gilded structure with a central open tower with minor roofed pavilions around it. In Thailand, Ganesha is called Phra Phikanet. This Hindu god has an elephant head and multiple arms. People worship him as the god of fortune and success. He paves the way by removing obstacles to success. Moreover, people associate Ganesha with art, education, and trade, which all are good things. The Ganesha Worship Hall contains Chalermchai Kositpipats’ sculptures and paintings of Phra Phikanet.
There are many other things around the grounds, including decorative collections of Bodhi leaves, sculptures, and an interesting water feature.
It was an interesting place to visit and is stunningly beautiful but it did not feel very authentic, especially with the hordes of tourists milling around. That said I would not have missed going there.
Planning your visit to Wat Rong Khun, The White Temple
Travel along Phahonyothin roadside at Kilometers 816, approximately 12 kilometres. from the city.
From Chiang Rai, the easiest way is by motorbike, taxi or tuk tuk, and the best way to explore all the landmarks around is to hire a guide to drive you and give you valuable information.
We joined a group tour organised through our hotel which visited most of the main tourist sites around Chiang Rai.
Dress Code: Although the quirky decor includes Batman, Kung Fu Panda, and other characters from Hollywood, the White Temple is still considered a religious site. Shoulders and knees should be covered; sarongs are available for rent. Shirts with religious or offensive themes shouldn’t be worn.
Other places to visit while in Chiang Rai
1. THE BLUE TEMPLE – WAT RONG SUEA TEN
The Blue Temple is immediately recognizable for its brilliant shade of rich sapphire. The temple walls, roof, and surrounding statues are all covered in this gorgeous hue, an unusual decorative choice in a country where most temples are made of gold.
2. BLACK HOUSE (BAAN DAM) MUSEUM
Often referred to as the “Black Temple”, this building is not really a temple at all. It’s actually more like an art museum and studio. Its construction is a blend of traditional Thai architecture with a contemporary and unorthodox flair.
3. GOLDEN TRIANGLE
The Golden Triangle is where the Mekong River, the border between Thailand and Laos, meets the Ruak River, the border between Thailand and Myanmar. In the past, the Golden Triangle was the world’s largest source of drug trafficking.
The best time to visit Chiang Rai
Marked by its geographical position in Northern Thailand, the climate in Chiang Rai resonates with the Koppen climate classification of Aw, also referred to as Tropical Wet and Dry or Savanna. The city experiences altering spells of wet and dry spells with a high temperature difference across the year. Monthly average day temperatures range from 27.2°C (81°F) in December to a peak of 34.8°C (94.6°F) in April.
Sharp fluctuations in precipitation levels can be observed over the course of the year. Substantial rainfall initiates in April, peaks during August with 358mm (14.09″) and finally ends around November. The annual dry period begins from December and extends until March, with significantly lower rainfall ranging from 8mm (0.31″) to 28mm (1.1″). These rainfall patterns hence divide the year into clear wet and dry seasons.
The best time to visit Chiang Rai
With regard to preferred weather conditions for visitor comfort, the best time to visit Chiang Rai may be from November to February. During these months, the city experiences a drier climate with an average rainfall between 14mm (0.55″) and 59mm (2.32″). Coupled with moderate temperatures that vary from a high of 27.2°C (81°F) to 30.5°C (86.9°F) and low of 13.5°C (56.3°F) to 21.1°C (70°F), these conditions are ideal for outdoor activities and exploration. With 7 hours of sunshine each day, visitors may fully experience the attractions and natural beauty this region offers.
The worst time to visit Chiang Rai
June to August proves to be the least desirable period to visit Chiang Rai owing to the high humidity levels, ranging from 80% to 84%, and increased rainfall, with an average monthly precipitation of 284mm (11.18″) to 358mm (14.09″). Moreover, temperatures during these months can rise up to 32.1°C (89.8°F). Clearly, the high likelihood of rainfall combined with the heated environment may deter outdoor activities and sightseeing expeditions.
Where to stay in Chiang Rai
1. MID-RANGE – SLEEPY HOUSE CHIANG RAI
Just a 10-minute walk from Clock Tower Chiang Rai and 0.6 miles from Chiang Rai Saturday Night Walking Street, Sleepy House Chiang Rai features accommodations in Chiang Rai, with a garden. The property is around a 16-minute walk from Statue of King Mengrai, 0.9 miles from Wat Pra Sing, and 2.2 miles from Central Plaza. The bed and breakfast provides rooms with air conditioning, free private parking, and free Wifi.
The bed and breakfast offers a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with a hair dryer, free toiletries, and shower. For added convenience, the property can provide towels and linens for a supplement. The rooms are equipped with heating facilities.
2. LUXURY – MORA BOUTIQUE HOTEL
The Mora Boutique Hotel is a 4-star hotel located right in the center. It’s a very perfect location within walking distance to all the major attractions in Chiang Rai. For example, the famous Saturday Night Walking Street is just 300 meters from the property, the Hill Tribe Museum can be reached within a 5 minutes’ walk and the nightly Bazar is 7 minutes away.
The hotel ambience is completely relaxed and laid-back, and the beautiful Thai-style design, guarantees a feeling of well-being. So, after an exciting day of sightseeing this hotel is the perfect to unwind. If you like, you can treat yourself a massage in the beautiful spa area or enjoy delicious tea and cake at the free afternoon tea on the roof terrace.
3. BUDGET – BAAN JARU
Baan Jaru is located 1640 feet from Clock Tower. It offers air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi and free public parking. The property is equipped with a tour desk and rental bicycles
The property is 2625 feet from Chiang Rai Saturday Night Walking Street.
More to Explore
