Chiang Rai

2016-03-13 115825 2063

Wat Rong Khun, also known to foreigners as the White Temple, is a contemporary, unconventional, privately owned, art exhibit in the style of a Buddhist temple in Chiang Rai Province, a three hour drive from Chiang Mai. It is owned by Chalermchai Kositpipat, a local artist, who designed, constructed, and opened it to visitors in 1997. Kositpipat considers the temple to be an offering to Lord Buddha and believes the project will give him immortal life.

2016-03-13 113745 2048

2016-03-13 120759 2069

2016-03-13 120833 708

The gold colored building below is not to be confused with a temple. It contains the restrooms for the compound.  It is said to be the most beautiful restroom building  in the world.

2016-03-13 115023 2056

It is remarkable that every element of design and art has been conceived of by one man. While I found much to admire, I will admit to feeling that some of his work was simply over the top for my tastes especially in the context of an essentially religious site.

2016-03-13 113715 2046

What supplement can do in these situations? Almost nothing. cialis generika probe This guide will list some of the most accepted choice would be to take Kamagra free viagra in canada or any sildenafil citrate medicine as and when recommended. If a person is going through heart related problems or kidney related diseases then should kindly stay away from purchase viagra online. My dad and my two cousins conspiracy theorist. https://www.unica-web.com/archive/2011/General-Assembly/regulationscompetion11annex.pdf buy levitra online 2016-03-13 122044 725

Most people know of the Karen people from television documentaries, magazines and encyclopedias as the “long-neck” or “giraffe” tribe. But the women who wear these brass rings on their neck belong to a sub-group of the Karen known as the Padaung. The weight of the rings pushes down the collar bone, as well as the upper ribs, to such an angle that the collar bone actually appears to be a part of the neck. There are many different accounts of why the Padaung practice this bizarre custom but the most common explanation — that an extra-long neck is considered a sign of great beauty and wealth and that it will attract a better husband.

Whatever the origin of the custom, one of the more common reasons it continues today, particularly in Thailand, is tourism. Some have suggested that these women are being exploited by tour operators. Other would argue that the entrance fees to these “villages” provides income that help sustain a cultural heritage.  Having now visited myself, I would say this is not a black or white issue but believe the truth lies closer to the former premise.

2016-03-13 131604 769

2016-03-13 130856 754

2016-03-13 130731 753

Created by Thailand national artist Thawan Duchanee, the grounds of the Baan dam Museum (AKA “The Black Temple”) include nearly 40 small black houses made of wood, glass, concrete, bricks, or terracotta in various unique styles and design scattered around the temple area. The cluster of houses accommodates Thawan’s collections of paintings, sculptures, animal bones, skins, horns, and silver and gold items from around the world. Several of the houses exhibit Balinese and Burmese architecture and art dating back to the Ayutthaya Period. The artist uses bones as a source of inspiration to paint. It is very interesting photographically but not a place for animal lovers.

2016-03-13 144752 2200

2016-03-13 132242 776

2016-03-13 140815 2138

2016-03-13 143128 2183