Thailand is known for its hidden treasures, both natural and man-made.  Just when you think you’ve seen it all, you will walk around a corner and be thrown into shock by something unlike anything you have ever seen in your life.  One thing that did that for me and one of the most beautiful things I’ve ever seen in Thailand, or anywhere else in the world for that matter, is a little-known temple just outside of Chiang Rai called The White Temple. 

Designed by a revered Thai artist named Chaloemchai Khositphiphat, Wat Rhong Khun is a modern spin on the ancient Buddhist temples people flock to Thailand to see.  This one hasn’t even made it into Lonely Planet yet, at least not in my copy.  I’m not big on tourist attractions, but I’ll tell you this, if you make it to Thailand and don’t see this place, you are missing out on an experience of a lifetime.

Chiang Rai is known as the little Chiang Mai.  A quiet, sleepier version, it lies about a three or four hours away from Chiang Mai by car or motorbike and offers a nice break from the city life.  The White Temple lies just under 15 kilometers outside the city limits.  I headed out there with some friends about two months ago just to experience something new, and what I saw is an image that still stands fresh in my mind.

The temple, as the name suggests, is entirely white and encrusted with small glittering mirror fragments that gleam and sparkle in the Southeast Asian sun.  It is almost impossible to describe.  I stood there in awe as I soaked it in, feeling as if I’d walked into a fairytale.  Even the small ponds beneath the bridge that enters are populated with white coy fish.

While the White Temple is a dazzling array in the brilliant summer sun, it was designed to be seen in the moonlight, and the best time to visit is on a full moon to truly get the essence of what the artist hopes to achieve.  But even if that doesn’t fit in your schedule, you will have nothing to complain about.

I have to admit, I arrived too late when I visited and was unable to go inside.  While this was frustrating, just standing outside and gaping at this building was plenty reason for the trip, and I’m planning to go back just to take another look.  It is adorned with statues and sculptures that are a visual treat in themselves, but the real deal is the entire package.  Spend a couple hours here just basking in awe.

The existing temple that stands on the grounds today is really a small part of a much bigger project already underway, and the beginning of what will be an enormous structure spread across the surrounding land.  The artist estimates it will be another ninety years before his masterpiece is completed.

I can honestly say that this is one of those things on this Earth I feel unfortunate I won’t be around to see.  Traveling the world introduces you to the wonders that man creates, and after a while, they can become a blur.  Things just don’t impress you like they used to, but every once in a while something still manages to blow your mind.

Wat Rong Khun is one of those things.

Breathtaking.  Absolutely breathtaking.

To see an awe-inspiring video of this temple, go to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YIGpvPkIeqY.