HOT Magazine HOT Magazine, Issue 12 Volume 4 | Page 58

But there are more temples other
than Wat Phra That Doi Tung in
Chiang Rai, such as the Wat Rong
Khun or the Wat Phra Kaeo. The
former is a temple that was fully
designed and constructed by the
artist Chaloemchai Khositphiphat.
This temple is an attractive prospect
because of the beautiful mirror
mosaic that makes up the interior
of its white ordination hall. Equally
beautiful are the many large murals
of Bhuddha representations which
takes different forms and postures.
Wat Phra Kaeo on the other hand
is one of more classical origins.
It formerly contained one of the
country’s most lauded Buddha
images, the Emerald Buddha.
Discovered in the fifteenth century in
the year 1444, it was the host to this
revered statue when it was moved
around by the different state rulers,
being stationed there before arriving
in Bangkok and finding permanent
shelter. But the most interesting place
to visit in Chiang Rai is undoubtedly
the Hall of Opium Golden Triangle
Park. Without a doubt one of
Thailand’s best museums, it exhibits
vast amalgamates of information
about opium both in the world
and in the area itself, along with
the effects that it has on people,
the process through which it is

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December 15 - January 15 , 2016