Top 5 Awe-Inspiring Temples in Chaing Rai w/ Photos
I’m currently typing this blog post from Mercy Hostel in Chiang Rai, Thailand. I just got back from riding my rental scooter with a fellow photographer friend to Mae Sai, about 20km outside the city. You can read my previous blog post about Crossing the Border into Myanmar.
Did you know there’s a mind-boggling 30,000 Buddhist temples throughout Thailand? More than you could ever see in a lifetime. And honestly, why would you want to… To each their own! I enjoy visiting these myriad temples to admire the ornate beautiful display and practice mindfulness meditation for 5-15 minutes at each temple.
Here’s my official list of the Top 5 Buddhist temples to see in the cultural city of Chiang Rai, which is arguably home to the most fascinating and beautiful temples in Thailand. I would also encourage travelers to check out some of the less touristy destinations, which you can find with a simple Google search. I’m planning to rent a scooter and ride the Mae Hong Son Loop, which is about 600km and follows the route between Chiang Mai-Mae Sariang-Mae Hong Son-Pai-Chiang Mai. You can read more about this epic adventure on WikiTravel.
There are a few rules to know and follow before entering sacred temples:
Dress properly (knees and shoulders should be covered)
Take off your shoes when entering the building.
Be quiet.
Don’t hug or kiss.
Don’t point your feet towards Buddha’s image.
Don’t smoke.
#1: Wat Rong Khun - "The White Temple”
Otherwise known as The White Temple, was designed, constructed, and opened to visitors in 1997. The main building (“the ubosot”) is reached by crossing a bridge over a small lake. In front of the bridge are hundreds of outreaching hands that symbolize unrestrained desire. The bridge proclaims that the way to happiness is by foregoing temptation, greed, and desire. The structure is open year-round. Admission for Thai nationals is free, foreigners are required to pay 100 baht. Donations are accepted, but are not to exceed THB10,000, as the temple owner Chalermchai refuses to be influenced by big donors.
Location: 60 หมู่ที่ 1 Phahonyothin Rd, Pa O Don Chai, Mueang Chiang Rai District, Chiang Rai 57000
#2: Wat Rong Suea Ten - The Blue Temple
This lesser-known “Blue Temple” is still not widely promoted, so there are less tourists compared to the White Temple and Black House Museum. Unlike at the White Temple, visitors are allowed to take photographs of the viharn’s interior. Full of surprises and named for the tigers that once roamed there, Wat Rong Suea Ten is a six-acre property located in Rim Kok, a subdistrict of Chiang Rai. More commonly referred to as the Blue Temple, its monastery and pagoda were built upon the ruins of an ancient temple, abandoned 80 to 100 years prior. The celestial themes and twilight blue create a mystical feel to the temple’s interior.
Location: หมู่ที่ 2 306 Maekok Rd, Mueang Chiang Rai District, Chiang Rai 57100
#3: Wat Phra Kaew
This is one of Chiang Rai’s oldest and most revered temples. It is believed that in 1434 the pagoda was broken by a lightning bolt which revealed the sacred Emerald Buddha hidden inside, which is now located in a temple with the same name in the Royal Palace grounds in Bangkok. An Emerald Buddha replica made of green jade is on display in Wat Phra Kaew in Chiang Rai. Also of particular interest is the 700-year-old bronze statue of Phra Chao Lan Thong and the two-story museum in the temple grounds.
Location: 19 หมู่ที่ 1 Trairat Rd, Wiang, Mueang Chiang Rai District, Chiang Rai 57000
#4: Wat Klang Wiang
The Wat Klang Wiang is one of the most ornate temples in Chiang Rai. Every structure in the temple complex is richly decorated. Although the temple is much older and probably dates back to at least the 15th century, most structures were built during the 20th century. In 1903 a violent storm severely damaged much of the temple, after which many of its structures were rebuilt. The main structures are the ubosot, the viharn, a scripture library, the chedi and the city pillar shrine. Free admission.
Location: Uttarakit, Wiang, Mueang Chiang Rai District, Chiang Rai 57000
#5: Wat Huay Pla Kang
This temple is mistakenly referred to as the Chiang Rai Big Buddha because it is actually a representation of Guan Yin, the Goddess of Mercy. Guan Yin is a female Bodhisattva in Thai Buddhism, which means someone that reached enlightenment during their lifetime and continued to help others. Guan Yin is a compassionate being who responds to people who cry out for help. The scale of this statue is absolutely massive,standing over 23 stories high, and can easily be spotted from the highway! You really have the see this temple in person since the photos don’t do it justice! No admission fee. Entrance fee for going inside the statue is 40 THB.
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