Chiang Rai's Temples and Modern Art Trail
Somewhere between a temple and an art installation, Chiang Rai’s biggest sights refuse to sit still in the ancient monastery category most visitors expect from Thailand.
Wat Rong Khun, the White Temple
National Artist Chalermchai Kositpipat designed this all-white, mirror-mosaic temple as a meditation on the purity of the Buddha. Cross the “Bridge of the Cycle of Rebirth,” which spans a sea of sculpted, reaching hands representing human greed, then step into the main chapel to find murals that place traditional enlightenment scenes next to Superman, Neo, and burning towers. Entry is 100 THB for foreign adults, open daily from 08:00 to 17:00.
Wat Rong Suea Ten, the Blue Temple
Built on ground where wild tigers reportedly once roamed, giving the temple its Dancing Tiger name, this indigo and gold structure was designed by Phuttha Kabkaew (Sala Nok), a student of Chalermchai’s. Inside, a 6.5 meter white Buddha statue sits framed by deep blue psychedelic murals. Entry is free, and it stays open later than most temples, from 07:00 to 20:00.
Wat Huay Pla Kang, the Big Buddha
A 79 meter, 23 story white statue of Guan Yin, the Bodhisattva of Compassion, dominates this hillside complex. An interior elevator carries visitors up to the 25th floor, where the statue’s third eye becomes a window over the valley. The nine tier Lanna-Chinese pagoda beside it is guarded by giant white naga serpents.
Wat Phra Kaew
This 14th century monastery is where Thailand’s Emerald Buddha was discovered in 1434, after lightning split open an old stucco chedi. The original relic has long since moved to Bangkok, but a modern jade replica, the Phra Yok Chiang Rai, sits inside, alongside a teakwood museum, the Hong Luang Saengkaew, displaying antique Lanna bronzes.
Baan Dam Museum, the Black House
Thawan Duchanee’s compound of nearly 40 dark teakwood pavilions is the strangest stop on this list: animal skulls, horns, predator skins, and carved totems arranged as a meditation on mortality and the Buddhist concept of impermanence. Entry runs 80 to 100 THB, open daily 09:00 to 17:00.
Cover shoulders and knees at every stop on this list, and expect to remove your shoes before entering any prayer hall. Sarongs are sold or rented at the door for anyone who shows up underdressed.
Verdict: the White Temple and the Black House are the two that justify the entry fee on art alone, while the Blue Temple’s free entry makes it an easy add-on to either. For how to reach all five without a rental car, see the bus tours guide .