Visit White Temple or Wat Rong Khun (Chiang Rai)

Located 13 km from Chiang Rai, Wat Rong Khun is a very recent temple. It is the most visited monument in Chiang Rai Province. Work of the Thai artist Chalermchai Kositpipat, started in 1997, teh temple continues to expand. Its creator himself announces that he will only be completed 60 to 90 years after his death. Its particularity, itis white. Completly white ! A very unique. Chalermchai Kositpipat took the traditional codes of buddhist temples and added contemporary elements. The main building is accessible by a path beginning with two forests of hands rising to the sky symbolizing desire. Some hold skulls, another a microphone, another a bowl... Inside the ordination hall stands in a fairly traditional Buddha statue but walls are decorated with a fresco mixing Buddhist codes with Matrix, Star Wars, september 11 and even King Fu Panda images which is not very common in such monuments.
The White Temple is primarily a work of art that you can visit, nothing here is intended to let you stay and pray, no incense, no trunk for donations, no support for candles. You can only visit it by following the one way visit direction, a speaker at the beginning of the elevated walkway scold people blocking the traffic to take pictures, another one at the entrance of the Wihaan you repeats "no photo". This organization spoils the fun a little, forcing you to take the visit a second time if you want to enjoy a bit more of the place, but it is really necessary as visitors are very very numerous.
Around the main building, there are some other creations of the artist like heads hanging in trees where you will recognize superheroes, souvenir shops or food stalls and a gallery of Chalermchai Kositpipat work. Toilets are in very stylish golden building!