Chiang Raian outdoor adventure escape
Karen Long-Neck Girl
the journey not the arrival mattersT. S. EliotCome and escape to the splendor of Chiang Rai in Thailand's northern province. It's only 182 kilometers or 113 miles from the main tourist town of Chiang Mai. The town borders the countries of *Burma to the north and Laos to the east.This far north western town was the first capital city of the Lanna Thai Kingdom and one of the oldest towns founded in 1262 by King Mengrai who also built Chiang Mai in 1296. Chiang Rai was occupied by Burma from 1558 until 1774. Thereafter it became part of Siam once again and now known as Thailand today. With only a population of around 60,000, this is the perfect place to be should you want to get away from the crowds and be in a more relaxing atmosphere. Apart from the milder climate and the wonderfully friendly locals, there are a variety of attractions as well as beautiful surroundings to indulge yourself. From the city you can venture out on any number of day trips that are on offer. For the record, there are some 12 national parks and 26 waterfalls, dozens of interesting temples including one that has some very unusual art and then some. There is wonderful night bazaar with many handicraft stalls and a variety of restaurants serving fabulous local Thai cuisine. An excellent time for shopping. *Burma is the name previously used for the country now re-named as Myanmar. I shall always refer to the country as Burma due to my political views and my heartfelt sincerity for a country ruled by a small minority of vicious military juntas who continually reign terror on it's many peace loving inhabitants. The military for whom I shall never support, are the ones responsible for the new name change.
Chiang Rai Market Stall
Chiang Rai AttractionsHill TribesA tour of North Thailand's surrounding thick forests and mountainous terrain will uncover some fascinating insights to the Hill Tribe people who live here. For it is certainly one of the highlights when visiting this neck of the woods. There are many hill tribes in the north who maintain their traditions by using their own individual identities through their distinct language, culture and a variety of colourful costumes. Their handicrafts include some very intricate embroideries and weavings which you will find on sale at many of the markets in their villages.Hill Tribe is a term used in Thailand to describe the numerous tribal people who originally migrated from China and Tibet over the past few centuries and who now inhabit the remote northern borders of Thailand. There are several major hill tribes living within the northern borders between Laos and Burma. These tribes are known as Akha, Lahu, Karen, Hmong, Mien, Yao and Lisu. There are also a few smaller tribes living in the area, namely the Khamu, Thins, Palong, and Mlabri.
Wat Rong Khun Temple
Chiang Rai AttractionsWat Rong Khun TempleWat Rong Khun Temple is so vastly different from all the other temples that I came across in Thailand. One of the first things you notice about this particular temple is that of it's unusual colour. It's completely white. Apparently the white colour of the buildings signifies the Lord Buddha's purity while the same colour white used in some of the glass windows, signifies the Lord Buddha's wisdom.Inside the temple you will see many murals and paintings depicting images of the lord Buddha while outside the temple you will see lots of strange white limestone sculptures. Some are adorned with tiny pieces of mirror permitting the building to shine and sparkle in the sunlight. It may be necessary during this period to wear a good pair of sunglasses as the glare can often be quite intense at times. Best of all, the temple of Wat Rong Khun is surprisingly close to Chiang Rai. You would only need to travel south from the city for about 15 kilometers or 9 miles. Once you get here you will experience the peaceful atmosphere that prevails.
Wat Rong Khun Temple
Both the temple and artworks are designed and constructed by one of Thailand's most renowned artists and architects. His name is Chalermchai Kosipipat and he tells me that the entire complex is only expected to be completed about 90 years from now. The reason for this he says is that a total of nine buildings will be built altogether and this will take some time to finish. You can bet on that! Chalermchai seems to have his entire lifetime career all mapped out which will The artist can be seen here every day giving instructions at the site, so there is a good chance that you might even be able to have a chat with him. He is also busy training many other artists, architects, designers and painters to continue his work long after he's gone. I was wondering if I should apply for a position.
Artworks at Wat Rong Khun Temple
The only other building that I have had the pleasure of visiting during my many travels abroad which is still under daily construction since it's inception in 1881, is the beautiful Sagrada Familia, a Roman Catholic Church in Barcelona, Spain. It is said to be another 100 years in the making. The Spanish architect, Antoni Gaudi was largely responsible for it's design and construction. It was Gaudi who inspired Chalermchai Kosipipat. The recent photo of the Sagrada Familia below, clearly shows you that the building is still under immense construction.
Wat Jet Yoi Temple
Chiang Rai AttractionsWat Jet Yot TempleWat Jet Yot Temple is a site which houses a large gilded seated Buddha as well as an impressive astrological fresco on the wooden ceiling of the main building.Sagrada Familia in Barcelona Spain
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