Tourism

Three of Chiang Rai’s Most Memorable Temples of Colour

Published

6 years ago

June 23, 2019

Bchcomber

Three of Chiang Rai’s most memorable temples are not traditional religious sites, but rather, they are long-term projects of contemporary artists.

You might think that once you’ve seen a handful of Thailand’s 40,000 Buddhist temples, you’ve seen them all. But three of Thailand’s most memorable, awe-inspiring sites are far different than the traditional monastic centers that characterize Thailand’s peaceful landscape.

Unlike most temples in Southeast Asia, monks don’t live and practice in the colored temples (the White Temple, Blue Temple, and Black House) because they aren’t actually religious structures–at least in a conventional sense. Rather, these temples more closely resemble art museums, as they represent decades of work from three artists native to Chiang Rai Province in Northern Thailand.

If you’re not primed on what to expect, you’ll be in for a surprise to encounter a mosaic Transformers statue, grotesque floating heads, and even a separate “golden temple” (which is actually just a really nice bathroom).

When Wat Rong Khun (later, the White Temple) was abandoned, the popular Thai painter Chalermchai Kositpipat bought the old temple, reconstructed it as an enormous art piece, and opened it to the public in 1997. However, Chalermchai intends to continue expanding the temple for the rest of his life. Years later, artist Thawan Duchanee opened his mysterious, gothic Ban Daam Museum (Black House), where he resided before his death in 2014. Then, in 2016, the Blue Temple opened, rich with kaleidoscopic paintings, statues, and crystal balls.

The colored temples are separate projects, but it’s no coincidence that they all happen to exist on the outskirts of Chiang Rai within miles of each other. These three artists take clear inspiration from one another, borrowing from their country’s Buddhist heritage to reconceive what a temple can be.

As soon as you lay eyes on the White Temple, it’s obvious that it’s a masterpiece. In the midst of unassuming suburban sprawl, the White Temple stands in its otherworldly, ornate glory, glittering as the sun hits the reflective mirror tiles that cover the structure. But if you’re not primed on what to expect when you visit the White Temple, you’ll be in for a surprise when you encounter a mosaic Transformers statue, grotesque floating heads, and even a separate “golden temple” (which is actually just a really nice bathroom).

The pathway into the prayer room is more hellish than heavenly, which the temple’s white motif wouldn’t lead you to expect. Even more shocking is Chalermchai’s fantastical mural inside of the temple, dotted with cartoonish paintings of Spiderman, Angry Birds, Minions, and other pop culture symbols scattered across a fiery backdrop. Controversially, he also paints the attack on the Twin Towers, which is jarring to encounter in Thailand, though it is thought to remind visitors of the capacity for human destruction.

Traditional Buddhist temples are decorated with paintings that allude to tales from Buddhist lore, so at first glance, Chalermchai’s conflation of cartoon characters, terrorist attacks, and Buddhist imagery may seem confusing or disrespectful. But, the artist is actually a devout Buddhist, and his interpretation of the close relationship among culture, nationalism, and religion has been disputed for his entire career. In the 1980s, Chalermchai was enlisted to paint murals for Wat Buddhapadipa, the first Thai Buddhist temple in the United Kingdom. In these murals, though, Chalermchai sneakily included portraits of contemporary politicians like Margaret Thatcher and Ronald Reagan, which enraged Thai officials.

Knowing Chalermchai’s background as an artist, you’ll get more out of your visit to the White Temple–for example, it may be a bit easier to conceive of what the motivation might be behind painting Michael Jackson and Harry Potter opposite a Buddha statue. Zany as Chalermchai’s sensibilities might be, the White Temple certainly offers an immersive, artistic experience unlike any other. Although it tackles intimidating subject matter like the afterlife and man-made terror, the White Temple’s atmosphere manages to retain a sense of whimsy.

INSIDER TIP: When you enter the main hall of the White Temple, take a few moments to get a good look at Chalermchai’s mural. Photography isn’t allowed inside of the prayer room, so this is your chance to see what makes this painting so provocative.

Like the White Temple, the Blue Temple was once a traditional monastery. But now, Wat Rong Seua Ten–which translates to “house of the dancing tiger”–is undergoing a long-term renovation into another “art temple” in Chiang Rai. Still, the Blue Temple has a distinctly sacred, religious aura, which is probably because there’s a truly massive Buddha staring at you across the hall.

Regardless, there’s something special about the daring vibrancy of its magnificent colors. As you walk up to the temple, you might recognize the sculptures of mythical water serpents (nagas), which often adorn temples in Southeast Asia. But even though the Blue Temple replicates many of the motifs that characterize Thai Buddhist architecture, the psychedelic murals inside of the main hall remind you that this isn’t your typical temple visit.

This abstract yet precise and realistic style of painting makes it clear that this isn’t a historic site, but rather, a contemporary beauty. Of course, there’s enormous value in visiting ancient religious mammoths like Angkor Wat, in Thailand’s neighboring Cambodia–but, it’s inspiring to see that there’s room for new landmarks to dazzle travelers, too.

Since the temple only opened in 2016–and is still visibly under construction–the site isn’t as heavily-laden with moral messaging as the White Temple. But because Chalermchai’s artwork is a clear inspiration for the Blue Temple project, it will be interesting to see how Wat Rong Seua Ten develops over the years.

INSIDER TIP: Even though these temples are unconventional, visitors should still wear clothes that cover their knees and shoulders.

It is a bit of a misnomer to designate the Ban Daam Museum a “colored temple,” because the Black House is not a temple, and never was religious in any right. In fact, even calling it the Black House isn’t exactly accurate, because the museum is made up of about 40 uniquely bizarre houses situated across a large lawn. But because of its geographic proximity and influences from Buddhist architecture, this equally impressive museum gets thrown into the mix.

Though it’s tempting to call the Black House the “opposite” of the White Temple, these sites are similarly eerie. Like Chalermchai, Thawan Duchanee was one of Thailand’s most distinguished artists, and the Ban Daam Museum proves that the mind of the artist is a wacky place.

Supposedly, no animals were harmed in the making of Duchanee’s spooky home, but animal lovers may balk at the sheer amount of taxidermy and bones across the museum. Of the three colored temples, the Ban Daam Museum is easiest to get lost in (both literally and metaphorically)–it’s huge. Especially if you’re the kind of person whose favorite holiday is Halloween, it would be too easy to spend hours pouring over the paintings, sculptures, and designs of one of Thailand’s most remarkable artists.

By Amanda Silberling

Tourism

Interior Ministry Introduces New 180 Day Destination Thailand Visa

Published

7 months ago

July 13, 2024

Bchcomber

People from more nations will be now able to enter Thailand without a visa beginning Monday. This is part of an effort to increase tourism and encourage visitors to stay longer, Interior Ministry spokeswoman Traisuree Taisaranakul said on Friday.

According to Ms. Traisuree, Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has signed four documents that will make it easier for foreigners to travel. These modifications will all take effect on Monday, provided they are published in the Royal Gazette.

The instructions include 93 more nations on the list of individuals who can visit Thailand without a visa, up from 57 previously. People from these countries can stay for a maximum of 60 days. Additionally, from 19 to 31, nearly twice as many nations will be able to obtain visas on arrival in Thailand.

To attract digital nomads, artists, and tourists interested in learning or practicing skills such as cooking and Muay Thai, the country will also introduce the Destination Thailand Visa service.

The new form of visa, which is valid for five years, allows travelers to stay for up to 180 days.

According to Ms. Traisuree, students holding visas for master’s degrees or higher will not be required to leave Thailand immediately upon graduation. They will be able to stay for an additional year to hunt for work or vacation.

In order to enhance the economy and tourism, the cabinet took a general decision on these additional measures in May. The statement was meant to be released in June, but it was pushed back.

Ms. Traisuree believes that this is the greatest sort of visa for persons who want to work from home in the Land of Smiles and explore the nation without the various restrictions and complications that come with conventional tourist visas.

Getting a DTV will give you a 5-year multiple-entry visa that lets you stay in Thailand for a total of 180 days a year, with the opportunity to stay for another 180 days.

Ms. Traisuree said that the Destination Thailand Visa is great if you want to work from home in the Land of Smiles and see the sights without the many restrictions and problems that come with a regular tourist visa. The Destination Thailand Visa will cost 10,000 THB.

Qualifications for the Thailand Destination Visa (DTV)

According to Thai Embassy, to be eligible for the visa, you must fulfill the following conditions (which could change):

You have to be 20 years of age or older
You have to be able to afford the cost of the visa
To sustain your stay in the nation, you must demonstrate that you have at least 500,000 THB in your bank account
Proof of your employment with a recognized company is required.

For digital nomads or remote workers who want to make the most of their travels and yet have the opportunity to work while they’re there, the Destination Thailand Visa is designed just for you. Additionally, it is ideal if you are traveling to Thailand in order to partake in any of the following activities:

Thai food prepared with Muay Thai
Instruction and conferences
Sports medicine therapy
International talent International music and art events

Thailand DTV Visa Benefits

Additionally, there is uncertainty about these details and they could change:

In comparison to other Southeast Asian nations that provide comparable visas, Thailand has less stringent income requirements and charges for the visa. For another 10,000 THB, you can extend the visa once, for a maximum of 180 days.
There are ninety-three foreign nations that qualify for the Thailand DTV Visa.
With this visa, you can lawfully operate remotely for foreign clients and companies while in Thailand.
Your spouse and any children under the age of twenty may accompany you.
You are exempt from paying taxes on your foreign income because the visa allows you to stay in Thailand for up to 180 days.

Drawbacks of a Thailand DTV Visa

You are unable to work for a Thai company that needs a Thai work visa, even though you are still able to engage in some activities and make money. Your DTV will end if you decide to change the kind of visa you are currently on.

Additional information on the visa’s release date and application process will be available in late June or early July of 2024. You will most likely be able to apply for it via the Thai immigration office, a Thai embassy, or a Royal Thai Consulate.

Tourism

Hotels in Thailand Fret as German Itravel Group Files for Bankruptcy

Published

7 months ago

June 25, 2024

Bchcomber

Thailand’s Hotels Association (THA) reports that another German tour operator has gone bankrupt, but that this will have a far less effect than the recent bankruptcy of FTI Touristik.

Following notification from the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), the Thai Hotels Association has now confirmed that the Cologne-based luxury tour operator Itravel Group has formally filed for bankruptcy.

Southern Thailand is home to numerous high-end resorts, which Itravel aims to attract, according to Thai Hotels Association president Thienprasit Chaiyapatranun.

As a result of Itravel’s bankruptcy, he said, the hotels association is currently collecting data from its members.

On Monday, the organization wrote to the TAT and the Foreign Ministry, requesting that they assist hotel operators in keeping up with legal developments surrounding the bankruptcy of the German tour operator FTI, which resulted in a loss of almost 111 million baht for hotels around the country.

Hotels having issues with Itravel

On Monday, during the THA monthly meeting, Mr. Thienprasit noted that they also emphasized the case’s urgency to Minister Sermsak Pongpanit of Tourism and Sports.

In response to allegations that hotel operators with business partnerships with Itravel were experiencing issues with financial transactions, the agency issued an alert to the industry, according to Siripakorn Cheawsamoot, TAT deputy governor for Europe, Africa, the Middle East and the Americas.

He speculated that the losses might be lower with Itravel, an online travel agency that focuses on the niche luxury market, than with FTI, the third operator.

According to the Bangkok Post, at Monday’s THA meeting, Mr. Sermsak stated that the ministry will look into measures to assist hotels, especially since the goal of 3.5 trillion baht in tourism earnings for this year is still very ambitious.

According to Mr. Thienprasit, the organization is opposed to the government’s plans to increase the legal foreign ownership of condominiums from 49% to 75%. This, he added, might lead to an increase in unlawful accommodations and make other condo residents feel uneasy about having more guests around the clock.

Unscrupulous investors

He said that some international investors are already breaking the law by renting out their rooms to day guests, even though the Hotel Act only permits rentals of at least 30 days.

An increase in the foreign ownership quota for condos, according to Mr. Thienprasit, could entice unscrupulous investors and lead to the construction of even more unlawful rooms, which now exceed the number of registered hotel rooms by a factor of two.

The success of Thailand’s hotel industry is highly dependent on the business of tour operators. These collaborations bring in a constant flow of visitors, particularly during busy seasons.

It is more convenient for passengers to book comprehensive packages offered by tour operators, which include hotel accommodations and activities. Because of this arrangement, hotels may anticipate a specific amount of bookings without having to spend a lot on advertising.

Additionally, hotels are able to provide more affordable rates, which appeals to guests who are mindful of their budget. But if tour operators go through slumps or start focusing on other places, this dependence might be disastrous.

Source: Bangkok Post, Thai PBS

Tourism

Embracing Paradise: Your Guide to an Unforgettable Vacation in Los Cabos

Published

7 months ago

June 24, 2024

Freelancer

Embracing Paradise: Your Guide to an Unforgettable Vacation in Los Cabos

Nestled at the southern tip of the Baja California Peninsula, Los Cabos emerges as a paradise where the desert meets the sea, offering a unique blend of natural wonders, luxurious accommodations, and vibrant culture. Whether you seek serene relaxation, thrilling adventures, or cultural explorations, Los Cabos promises an idyllic escape that exceeds expectations.

Discovering Pristine Beaches

Los Cabos is renowned for its stunning beaches, each with its own charm and allure. Sink your toes into the soft sands of Medano Beach, a bustling stretch perfect for sunbathing and people-watching. For a more secluded experience, explore the rugged beauty of Santa Maria Beach, ideal for snorkeling amidst vibrant marine life in crystal-clear waters. Enhance your beach experience with guided tours and snorkeling excursions offered by https://boattripsloscabos.com/, where you can explore the coastline and underwater wonders with expert guides.

Embarking on Aquatic Adventures

Venture into the azure waters of the Sea of Cortez and Pacific Ocean for thrilling water activities. Dive into snorkeling or scuba diving expeditions to discover underwater treasures like colorful coral reefs and curious sea creatures. Set sail on a whale-watching tour during the winter months to witness majestic humpback whales breaching against the backdrop of the Pacific horizon.

Exploring the Baja Desert

Beyond its pristine coastline, Los Cabos boasts dramatic desert landscapes waiting to be explored. Take an ATV or jeep tour through the rugged terrain of the Baja desert, where towering cacti and unique rock formations paint a striking contrast against the deep blue sky. Visit the Sierra de la Laguna Biosphere Reserve for hiking trails that lead to hidden oases and panoramic vistas of the surrounding desert.

Indulging in Culinary Delights

Los Cabos is a culinary paradise, offering a fusion of traditional Mexican flavors with international influences. Sample fresh seafood tacos at local taquerías or dine on gourmet cuisine crafted by world-renowned chefs at upscale restaurants overlooking the ocean. Savor authentic Baja cuisine with dishes like fish tacos, ceviche, and grilled octopus paired perfectly with locally produced wines and craft cocktails.

Experiencing Vibrant Nightlife

As the sun sets, Los Cabos transforms into a lively nightlife destination. Explore the vibrant nightlife scene in Cabo San Lucas with its array of beachfront bars, live music venues, and pulsating nightclubs. Dance the night away under the stars or enjoy a sunset cocktail overlooking the marina, where the atmosphere buzzes with energy and excitement.

Relaxing in Luxury Resorts

Los Cabos boasts a plethora of luxurious resorts and boutique hotels that cater to every traveler’s desire for relaxation and indulgence. Unwind in infinity pools with panoramic ocean views, rejuvenate with holistic spa treatments inspired by ancient Mexican traditions, or tee off on world-class golf courses designed by golf legends amidst stunning coastal landscapes.

Immersing in Local Culture

Immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of Los Cabos with visits to historic landmarks like the Mission San Jose del Cabo Church or art galleries showcasing local and international artists. Browse through vibrant markets selling handmade crafts, textiles, and souvenirs, or attend cultural festivals and events celebrating Mexican traditions, music, and dance.

Planning Your Los Cabos Escape

Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or a solo adventure, Los Cabos offers a perfect blend of relaxation, adventure, and cultural immersion. With its breathtaking landscapes, diverse activities, and warm hospitality, Los Cabos ensures a memorable vacation that leaves you rejuvenated and inspired, promising a return to its paradise shores time and again.