Freely go to Chiang Mai in Thailand.
Chiang Mai is a foreign city that is particularly suitable for independent travel. The travel services on Ctrip are comprehensive, with airport pick-up and drop-off services for only 10-30 RMB, half-day tours to "Doi Suthep Temple" and "Bhubing Palace", family-friendly activities such as "Mae Wang Elephant Camp" and "Night Safari", and the most recommended one-day tour to the White Temple and Black Temple in Chiang Rai. On the day of departure, there will be a special car to pick up and drop off at the hotel. Even if your English is poor, there will be a Chinese tour guide accompanying you throughout the journey. I chose to depart on Friday because as a foodie, I didn't want to miss the most famous Saturday and Sunday night markets in Chiang Mai, where there are various cheap and delicious snacks and exquisite handmade products for sale. Chiang Mai is the second largest city in Thailand. It not only has a leisurely pace, but also is full of ancient and profound cultural heritage. You can walk around in slippers on the streets and alleys, and if you get tired, you only need to take a tuk-tuk or songthaew for 20 baht (5 RMB) as transportation.
Strolling through any street or alley in the ancient city of Chiang Mai, you can encounter magnificent or peaceful Buddhist temples. This small city with a population of 500,000 surprisingly has over 300 temples of all sizes, and you may get confused. However, there are several particularly famous temples that you must visit.
The first "Wat Phra Singh". It is the largest Buddhist temple in Chiang Mai, built in the 14th century, and is a perfect example of Lanna-style architecture. The first thing that catches your eye when entering the temple is the glittering golden Buddha statue, and the murals in the hall depict the ancient local costumes and customs. In the center of the temple is a 20-meter golden white tower, which is a strong representative style of Thai temples.
The second "Qidilong Temple", also known as the Big Buddha Temple, is decorated with snakes and peacocks at the temple gate. There is a huge Buddha statue in the main hall, and the sense of space and the golden decorations inside the temple are very magnificent and exquisite. Along the path to the back square, there is a big Buddha pagoda. Although the ancient pagoda has been weathered by time and earthquakes, it appears majestic and magnificent under the reflection of the golden lotus flowers, with a simple and rustic charm.
The third "Wat Chiang Man", the first temple in Chiang Mai, was built in 1300 and is the oldest temple in Chiang Mai. The best building in the temple is the stupa of the main temple, which is surrounded by 15 elephants at the base, giving it a simple and vicissitudinous appearance that contrasts sharply with the dazzling golden elephant spire.
Not far from the city, the "Double Dragon Temple" on the Suthep Mountain, also known as the Suthep Temple, is named after two long dragons sitting and lying on both sides of the steps. It is a famous Buddhist summer resort in Thailand. The Thai royal summer palace is also built on Suthep Mountain. The Phuping Palace can be opened to the public when the royal family is not there from April to December. The palace has beautiful white walls and yellow tiles, and is located in the green mountains and trees, with its own beauty of coolness and peace.
The two breathtaking temples in Chiang Rai, the White Temple and the Black Temple, are the highlights of a trip to Chiang Mai. The White Temple was built by designer Cheler Mchai at his own expense and was first established in 1997. The entire complex is pure white and lustrous, with only small pieces of polished glass as borders or decorations, which is quite different from the usual temples. The details, such as the flying birds on the eaves, the standing statues on the roof, the reclining turtles on the pillars, and the flowing clouds on the flags, all reflect the exquisite and delicate design, which is a masterpiece of art. The White Temple tells the story of how one can reach the Buddhist paradise by crossing the Naihe Bridge and avoiding the temptation of hell with a single-minded focus. Next to the White Temple is a "glittering" golden building, which is actually a toilet and is probably the most beautiful toilet in the world.
The Black Temple is located in a forest of lush grass, consisting of many intricately constructed Thai temples made of original logs. The theme of the Black Temple is hell and death, with water buffalo skulls lined up on the ground, animal skins and large shells on the table, and a complete elephant skeleton and dried snake specimens on display. The creator, Mr. Thawan Duchanee, spent 36 years gradually designing and building this huge open-air, garden-style private art museum. His disciple and friend, a Buddhist artist, was inspired by him to create the still unfinished White Temple.
In Chiang Mai, magnificent temples can be seen everywhere, filled with the mysterious charm of Eastern Buddhist culture. With cheap prices and convenient transportation, it is definitely a perfect place for you to temporarily escape from the hustle and bustle of the city and people you see with your eyes open or closed, and let yourself fly. Take some beautiful photos that will make you want to cry and savor them slowly.
The temple lived up to its picturesque portrayal, though I recommend timing your visit to avoid the crowds. The site was overwhelmingly packed, detracting from its potential tranquility and giving it a heavily touristic feel. Fortunately, my photography skills—and evidently those of others sharing their experiences online—managed to capture its essence, presenting a serene facade that contrasted sharply with the bustling atmosphere I encountered.
Touristy but nice, can roaming around and take picture for free. Only pay if we want to go inside the temple. Easy to reach every hour (morning-afternoon) by public bus from Chiang rai bus terminal.
grand is the word. glares under the sun. a must go in Chiang Rai to appreciate the art work. also must visit the gallery
A beautiful temple. Most of the temples in Thai come with golden color but this one is really white and when you take a closer look it was so detailed. once it catches the sunlight it becomes more beautiful and shiny
Chiang Rai's White Temple, Wat Rong Khun, stands as an architectural marvel amidst serene landscapes. Nestled in northern Thailand, this ethereal structure captivates with its gleaming white facade and intricate design. Reflecting in a nearby pond, the temple creates a tranquil ambiance. Surrounded by lush greenery and against the backdrop of the Thai sky, the White Temple embodies both cultural richness and natural beauty, making it a must-visit destination for those seeking a serene escape in a breathtaking setting.
[View] The building is very local, [Fun] A family of young and old come here, can also learn some knowledge, harvest is quite good [Cost-effective] Very good, the eyes are bright, good