Concrete heads hang from trees sprouting moss and grass.
A demon towers above you wielding a sword.
Hands reach up from the depths below.
This is the magical temple of Wat Rong Khun
A severe contrast to the traditional Thai temples you have seen before.
Painted white to symbolise the purity of Buddha, with shards of mirrors embedded to reflect light as a representation of how the wisdom of Buddha is shone out across the earth, each and every detail of Wat Rong Khun has been thoroughly thought out and carries immense symbolism.
That however, is where the similarities amongst Thai temples, ends.
Once you get inside, intricate paintings of traditional Thai art and murals are broken up with pop culture, sci fi, cartoons and superheros all weaving through the patterns and incorporating themselves against tradition.
Whilst it’s admittedly different, it’s a beautiful collaboration between old and new, modern and traditional.
Wat Rong Khun, otherwise known as “The White Temple” is one of the most unique and exquisite works of cultural art in Thailand. Designed by Chalermchai Kositpipat, the journey of this beautiful temple began in 1997, and whilst it is stunning and a total hit with camera bearing explorers such as myself, its said that the actual site won’t be complete for another 30 years.
Most of the temple’s messages symbolise escaping passion and desire, and moving towards tranquil and sublime through Buddhist teachings, but there’s also so many other ways it can be interpreted.
Old world tradition being incorporated into a new modern world. The balance between heaven and hell, of darkness and light, of death and birth, of new beginnings.
And that’s what I love about it.
It’s a work of art so open to interpretation.
A beauty I never would have known about if I hadn’t stumbled across its picture on Pinterest all those years ago!
Wat Rong Khun
September 2, 2014 16 Comments
Such a beautiful piece of art! Simply stunning! xxx
Amazing isn’t it?
I walked around with the biggest smile on my face!
Wow that place is amazing! Def going to write it down so I can visit it one day 🙂 beautiful pics!
You definitely should Michaele – it’s even more amazing in person xo
This is incredible!!!
Tell me about it Kaleigh – such a picturesque place!
Beautiful pictures! This looks so magical!
There’s so much more to it too but there are certain places where you aren’t allowed to take photos! xo
This was my favourite temple in Thailand by far!it’s so beautiful 🙂
One of mine too Christine! What was your favourite part? xo
Gorgeous images!
Alexandra
Thanks @ale_giurgi:disqus it’s an absolutely incredible place to visit so glad I was able to do it even the tiniest bit of justice! xo
Amazing clear images and loved the explanations also great layout for blog 🙂
Thanks Kayleigh – designed it myself so glad you like it 🙂 xo
Wow, this is definitely looking like a must!!! Very unique looking temple indeed. Thanks for the photos.
It’s such a unique place, definitely worth a visit!