Chang Rai to Laos
Until recently is was in quite a state of disrepair, but Luckily a local artist, Chalermchai Kostitpipatdecided to rebuild the temple himself, with his own money.
To date, he has spent 1080 million THB creating his vision as he believes that doing so will give him immortal life. 🤞
His art, displayed in a gallery on-site is extraordinary and prolific.
The temple features many contemporary frescos, such as Michael Jackson, Keane Reeves as Neo in the matrix, Kung Fu Panda and many more, but sadly no photos and no stopping as the crowds are hustled through with loud speaker directions in multiple languages.
Lots of folk dressed up to visit this temple.
You enter through hell with demonic statues vilifying alcohol and cigarettes to then walk along a path through hands grasping upwards for redemption.
The demon of smoking.
The temple is gorgeous, startling and weirdly fascinating at the same time.
The last building, “heaven”, ornately built and decorated in gold is…the public toilets!!!
We continued to the border at Chiang Khong for a few first glimpse of the 12th longest river and eagerly rushed down to dip our toes in the water and watch the locals enjoy their Sunday leisure
activities.
A first glimpse of our next destination from the hotel.
Boats lined up to ferry people and good across to Laos.
A fisherman returning from Laos back to Thailand after a da’s fishing
Not sure of the rules for this game but the teenagers loved it.
Kids off school cooling off in the river.
Women washing clothes and the bean shoots growing in the blue tubs.
The border crossing to Hue Xai was calm and trouble free and half the group purchased on the spot visas for just USD $40 the others having paid exorbitant prices through third party entrepreneurs.
Our 40mt long boat and crew of 3 were waiting and the much anticipated 2 day cruise to Luang Prabang began.
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