The White Temple, Chiang Rai Provence

Wat Rong Khum, Chiang Rai, Thailand

After Parr had driven us through some tedious construction sites up the main road and we had heard him sing the shortest Thai song, we arrived at the lauded White Temple to wait for our ride to the mountain.

The white Temple or Wat Rong Khum is an artist's vision of a Buddhist temple in Chiang Rai province.   It replaced an old crumbling temple found on this site.  It is owned and operated by the artist Chalermchai Kositpipat who opened it in 1997 at the cost of 1,080 million Thai Baht. 

The artist considers the temple to be an offering to Buddha and believes the effort will give him immortal life. 

Dave and I are not so sure.

He seems to have created a Selfie Palace,  more than a temple. 

There were crowds of mostly young people posing in every possible position around the temple making the experience far from reverent.  

  Still as an artist myself, I was impressed.  It is quite delectable in it's own wedding cake fashion and it was a splendid day to see it. 
He will continue his project to build a learning and meditation center and perhaps attract some practicing Buddhists.  Good Luck Chal.  Bravo. 

The White Temple, Chiang Rai, Thailand

The White temple, Chiang Rai

Wat Rong Khun, Chiang Rai

But after a few minutes of crowds and photos, Dave and I went to have a coffee with Parr.  Perhaps we had had enough of temples for a while.   Sorry,  I feel I should have been more enthusiastic.   It really was quite stunning. 

Green tea at Chiang Rai