Wat Rong Khun, Chiang Rai

Wat Rong Khun, more widely known as the White Temple, is a contemporary architectural marvel and a major landmark in the city of Chiang Rai, Thailand. Unlike traditional Thai temples that are centuries old, Wat Rong Khun was conceived by Thai artist Chalermchai Kositpipat and began construction in 1997. This extraordinary structure is renowned for its dazzling white color, symbolizing the purity of the Buddha, and the use of glass in the plaster that sparkles in the sunlight.

The temple is a unique fusion of traditional Thai architecture and surreal, imaginative elements. The main building, or ubosot, is reached by crossing a bridge over a small lake. Below the bridge, hundreds of outreaching hands symbolize unrestrained desire and are a striking feature that visitors are unlikely to forget. The main statue is not of a traditional Buddha but rather a representation of Buddha's purity in a sea of chaos and samsara, the cycle of death and rebirth.

Inside the main building, the decor swiftly transitions from pristine white to fiery and bewildering murals that include contemporary figures and scenarios, blending traditional Buddhist iconography with modern-day symbols. The unexpected inclusion of images such as spaceships, superheroes, and movie characters might surprise visitors and provoke thought about the nature of human life and cultural influences.

Wat Rong Khun is not only a place of worship but also an art exhibition in its own right. Each structure within the complex, from the golden building representing the body to the ornate gates and the surrounding sculptures, is laden with symbolism and metaphors. The temple is a work in progress, with new buildings and features continually being added to the landscape.