On the way to Laos, we decided to visit 2 great architectural landmarks in the vicinity of Chiang Rai, the White Temple and the Black House, aka Baan Dam. The city itself Chiang Rai, didn't make a lasting impression on us.
After staying overnight in a guesthouse we rented a scooter (as this is the easiest mode of transportation) and decided to visit the White temple and the Black House.
The only helmet that fit Anna was kid size one :) it suited her very well
The White temple is situated about 13 km south of the city right on the main highway so you can't really miss it. Along the way we passed statues and altars for sale, which made up for a colorful sight.
The Wat Rong Khun (White Temple) is a privately owned, unconventional modern take of a temple in the Buddhist style. It was designed, constructed and is owned by Chalermchai Kositpipat and opened in 97. It has reflecting pools at its entrance, with swimming albino fish in them, which creates a great mirror effect.
Our matching outfits were not intentional :)
Crossing the bridge into the temple.
The interior of the temple is on some level opposite the ferry tale like exterior. It features murals of swirling flames, modern day catastrophic events, and images of pop idols that have shaped our society, Michael Jackson, Neo (from the Matrix), Freddy Crueger etc. The picture above is a miniature version of the full back wall of the temple mural.
A fragment of the mural in the process of reconstruction after being damaged by an earthquake of 2014.
The temple is blinding because of its finish, sun glasses were a must to be able admire the beautiful architectural details.
Donations to the finishing of the construction of the temple were given in exchange for a wish leaf. There were thousands of these hanging from tree like structures.
We wrote our wish...
There was also an enormous canopy filled with these wishes. It's beautiful to believe they will all come true...
What looks like yet another temple right by the main one is the most gorgeous public restroom you'll ever see.
Our next stop was Baan Dam also known as the Black house. It's situated about 13km North of the city and somewhat hard to find on your own. We had to stop and ask and loop a couple of times to get to the right sidestreet off the main highway. Ultimately a tourbus stopped at the side of the road helped us out. Baan Dam is the creation of Thai national artist Thawan Duchanee, part studio, part museum, part home.
The black house isn't just one structure, its a series of buildings of different shapes and sizes situated in a serene garden. Each and every building is unique on its own. An incredible amount of Thai style wood carvings embellished both exterior and interior of the structures. We were amazed by how elaborate each architectural element was, and our exploration of the complex left an unforgettable impression.
Inside of the house you could find buffalo sculls, alligator and anaconda skins that some believe reflect the architect's grotesque view on Buddha's suffering.
We also noticed that the lotus flower is widely used in Buddhist culture. The white lotus symbolizes the purity enlightenment. While the half opened lotus symbolizes enlightenment beyond human sight.
There were also cages with birds and reptiles in the garden.
Some of the buildings were off limits to the tourists.
We were peaking through the window.. black marble floors, shark jaws and alligator skins all over the floor.
This used to be the artist's private bedroom when he stayed on premises.
On our way to the Laos border, the bus with no door.
Cute little girl in a traditional Thai hat.
