The White Temple And Black House Of Chiang Rai, Thailand

Coming from a western world there is plenty of strange and unusual to be found here in Thailand without having to look too hard. There isn’t a day goes by without my head being turned by something or other. I try to learn, though, and can usually figure out some reasoning behind what it is I’m seeing.

Both the White Temple and the Black House in Chiang Rai defied all reasoning.

The gleaming white exterior of the White Temple

Gloomy exterior of the Black House

Although seemingly polar opposites of each other (even being located at opposite ends of the town!) they actually are quite similar.

Hell’s Gate walkway to the White Temple.

Surprisingly white out buildings at the Black House.

Altar (?) within the white domes at the Black House.

Close up of Hell’s Gate at the White Temple

Mostly it’s a weirdness that just defies description. A seemingly macabre bent that sits strangely in these places billed as temples.

Standing guard at the White Temple

Skulls, drums, and skins ‘decorate’ this building at the Black House.

‘Welcome’ to the White Temple

In the main hall of the Black House. Adorned with horns from I don’t know what, long stretches of snake skin, and creepy statues.

But also, a certain beauty.

Peaceful Buddha image at the White Temple.

The sun pokes through a smoky haze at the Black House.