Thai Cave Rescue (ถ้ำหลวง: ภารกิจแห่งความหวัง) by Netflix provides viewers with new angles of the story about 12 boys and their coach trapped in Tham Luang in 2018 by using the children’s own experiences as the focal point of a series that describes this rescue mission through their voices.
Once again, Chiang Rai is back on the screen, allowing the world to enjoy the natural beauty and unique culture of a province that is regarded as a refined art hub of Thailand.
Known for its outstanding landscapes and natural beauty, Chiang Rai has so much more to offer visitors, including its burgeoning art scene. This province is the home of Chalermchai Kositpipat and the late Thawan Duchanee, two of Thailand’s National Artists. Their eye-catching art installations have become major tourist destinations that attract huge numbers of both local and foreign visitors every year.
Chalermchai Kositpipat designed and oversaw construction of this distinctive temple by himself. “I wanted to build a unique Buddhist art piece that is globally monumental to show our pride as a nation and offer it as King Rama IX’s royal temple,” he explained.
Inspired by Thailand’s traditional trinity of nation, religion, and monarchy, Wat Rong Khun is architecturally different from other temples. Representing a stunning combination of art and local culture, its main attraction is the all-white Ubosot (ordination hall), a construction masterpiece that inspired foreign visitors to nickname this architectural wonder “The White Temple.” Delicately styled with sculpted stucco patterns, mirror mosaics, and large mural paintings, this principal building is also full of exquisitely detailed depictions of Buddha Dharma (Buddhist teachings). For anyone with an interest in one-of-a-kind works of Buddhist art, this temple is undoubtedly a must-visit.
It is no surprise that Baan Dam Museum is widely regarded as a true embodiment of Lanna architecture and art as its creator, Thawan Duchanee, was a real Lanna artist himself. Covering an area of over 100 rai, the museum is home to more than 40 buildings scattered across the sprawling site along with exquisite stupas designed by Duchanee himself. Designed and built in the style of Ruen Galae, an authentic Lanna (Northern Thailand) style, the structures are decorated with more than 10,000 pieces of priceless artwork, some of which were made by “Sala Nuea”, a Lanna term for local artisans skilled in such crafts and materials as wood carving, antique lacquerware, silverware, valuable foreign artifacts, skins and horns of animals, and many more. From architecture connoisseurs to day trippers, this museum is an art-edutainment heaven that should be a highlight of every visitor’s trip to Northern Thailand.
Wat Rong Khun (White Temple) is located at 60, M.1, Phahonyothin Road, Pa O Don Chai Sub-district, Mueang District, Chiang Rai Province. It is open to visitors every day from 6.30 am-6.00 pm. Its gallery is open from 8.00 am-5.30 pm on Monday-Friday and 8.00 am-6.00 pm on weekends and public holidays. Tel. 0 5367 3579.
Baan Dam Museum is located at 333, M.13, Nang Lae Sub-District, Mueang District, Chiang Rai Province. It is open from 9.00 am-5.00 pm every day except Monday and public holidays. For group visits, please make advance bookings at Tel. 0 5377 6333, 08 3336 5333, or 08 4414 0333.
