This is no regular temple. This is a piece of art.
This temple is more like an architectural interpretation to showcase the chief designer/artist’s religious belief, rather than a place for religious worship.
Most who travel to Chiang Mai make the 1 day trip to the Golden Triangle. While passing Chiang Rai to the Golden Triangle, it’s customary to visit Wat Rong Khun. This is a popular spot for both local and foreign tourists.
As you walk towards the entrance, you’ll see hell with arms reaching up, followed by earth with a path leading to heaven inside the temple.
The entire building is painted white lined with reflective pieces of glass tiles.
His gallery, which faces the temple, is a display of his paintings and sculptures, some of which are worth millions of dollars, American Dollars! As with most galleries, cameras are prohibited.
It’s interesting to see that Superman, Batman, the space shuttle, Coke, Pepsi, and even George Bush junior are featured in the paintings. You can do your own interpretation on that.
The drive from Chiang Mai to Wat Rong Khun is about 1.5 hours before the town of Chiang Rai. Wat Rong Khun is, in my opinion, the highlight of the trip to the Golden Triangle.
After more than 10 years since work commenced, this is a piece of art still in progress.
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