Main Attractions in Chiang Rai
The main attractions in the resort town of Chiang Rai are the temples. They carry great architectural, religious, and historical value, causing astonishment among tourists. Let's take a closer look at them.
General Information for Tourists
The main temples of Chiang Rai can be reached by walking. The shrines are located in the northwestern and northern part of the city, close to the night market and the Old Bus Station. All the complexes can be explored on foot in a quick 2-4 hours.
Sightseeing is best done independently, without the help of travel agents, as a sightseeing tour typically includes only a few shrines or one White Temple.
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Entry: Admission to the temples is free.
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Opening Hours: Temples are open from 7:00 am to 6:00 pm.
Chiang Rai's Main Attractions
White Temple
Wat Rong Khun isn't called that for nothing. Chalemchai Kositpipat, its chief architect, conceived his structure specifically for tourists, choosing to make it exclusively white. It was started in 1998 and completed 10 years later. It does not carry any religious value; the temple is interesting for its unusual appearance. The details of the structure are characterized by gloominess:
- evil dwarfs;
- scary creatures;
- skulls;
- unpleasant pictures.
Only the image of a meditating Buddha on the altar dilutes the atmosphere a little. There are signs hanging around the place prohibiting photography and videography.
Where it's located
The White Temple is located in the southern side, 10-12 kilometers away from the city. Therefore, you can reach the destination by your own vehicle or tuk-tuk.
Wat Pra Kaew
The famous statue of The Emerald Buddha was found here at the Chiang Raya temple and was transported to Bangkok some time later. Today there is a replica of it in Wat Pra Kaew. It stands in the very center of the building, and the only source of light is the walls, illuminated with green light.
Wat Pra Keo attracts the attention of tourists with the following peculiarities:
- The temple was built 600-700 years ago.
- It has a museum in a wooden old building.
- Besides the Buddha statues, it houses a bright yellow chedi (stupa), which is attractive in coloring and scale.
Where located
The shrine is located near the city center, northwest of the old bus station.
Wat Jed Yot
Wat Chet Yot (another name for the temple) is another landmark of Chiang Rai. Its specialty is the seven chedi (stupas) that are located here. The main one was restored in 1944.
The Chiang Rai temple is famous for such peculiarities:
- The temple was built in 1844.
- There are small statues of the Lying, Sitting, and Standing Buddha inside the complex.
- Through a narrow passageway, you can get to the roof and admire the whole temple area.
Where located
Wat Jed Yod is a short walk from the old bus station.
So, Chiang Rai is a real find for lovers of architecture, and even more so when combined with historical value. Therefore, the city should definitely be included in the tourist's sightseeing list.
