Welcome to the Cave of Art at the beautiful Wat Rong Khun, the ‘White Temple’, in Chiang Rai, Thailand.
Set just within the back entrance to Wat Rong Khun, close to the parking area, the Cave of Art is an artificial cave that takes you on a short journey as you pass through its narrow passages. For a separate entry fee of 50 baht, you will be able to explore the narrow passages as you make your way from hell to heaven and back into the beautiful Chiang Rai sunshine.
Entering the cave, you are greeted immediately by scary, devil-like statues with hands seeming to reach out for you from all walls. Devil-like faces made of concrete tempt you to keep walking as you make your way through the cave. The Grim Reaper with his scary looking friends vie for your attention amongst the colorful lights and intertwining concrete structures designed to confuse yet delight you at the same time. It feels almost as if you are in an aquarium with blue light guiding your way through the cave as you avoid the walls that feel like they are closing in on you. There is even a jellyfish etched onto the wall, highlighted by some rather ominous blue and green light.
Moving from hell to heaven, soon you will reach a sanctuary with a beautiful Buddha statue set in the back, ideal for a few moments of reflection and many photos. Take some time to admire the intricacy with which the cave has been constructed and pay attention to magical elements that are hidden in plain sight throughout the cave.
Stepping out of the main Buddha sanctuary you will find another Buddha statue within the stalactites and stalagmites of the artificial cave. Look for the monk in a yoga pose, contemplating his existence as he collects coins from visitors as they pass through the cave.
Soon you will have reached the final part of the cave, exiting through the Heaven chamber and the very small gift shop on the inside of the cave. For just 50 baht, a visit to the Cave of Art is certainly worth adding to your visit to The White Temple.
The Cave of Art may be found on Google Maps here. Our blog post on Wat Rong Khun, the White Temple, may be found here.
During my visit to Chiang Rai I stayed at Le Méridien Chiang Rai, my review here. You are welcome to start your reservation at Le Méridien Chiang Rai with booking.com by clicking here or, elsewhere, in the box below or with Agoda by clicking here.
Booking.comAnother option for day tours is GetYourGuide. Start your planning by considering one of the options below.
Our other posts on Thailand may be found here.
(Visited June 2024)