Chiang Rai Hot Spring+White Temple+Black House+Blue Temple

The White Temple

               The White Temple is one of the most recognizable temples in Thailand. It is a unique temple that stands out through the white color and the use pieces of glass in the plaster, sparking in the sun. The white color signifies the purity of the Buddha, while the glass symbolizes the Buddha’s wisdom and the Dhamma, the Buddhist teachings. The white temple  was designed by Chalermchai Kositpipat, a famous Thai visual artist. To date the temple is not finished. Eventually there will be nine buildings including an ubosot, a hall to enshrine Buddhist relics, a mediation hall, the monks living quarter and an art gallery.   

The Black House

               Baan Dam (Black House) is the unique creation of national artist, Thawan Duchanee. Part art studio, Part museum, part home. Baan Dam is an electric mix of traditional northern  Thai buildings interspersed with some outlandish modern design. The combination of honey-coloured teak timbers and imposing doors are a work of art in their own right, but it’s what’s inside that surprises. A table of epic proportions that wouldn’t look out-of-place in the Lord of the Rings draws the eye. Snake skins ran the length of it to create the most unusual table runner. You’re ever like to see. The cavernous interior of the hall s interspersed with animal skulls and buffalo horns and this theme is continued elsewhere at the Black House.