Kunal Vijaykar Mesmerized By Chiang Rai’s Contrasting Temple Wonders In Thailand
Food connoisseur explores spiritual beauty where art meets faith in northern Thai architectural gems
Jehangir Irroni is a filmmaker and creative director with over 18 years of experience in directing ad films, corporate videos, web series, and television shows. As assistant vice president - Videos at IncNut Digital, Jehangir is involved in producing and directing videos and infomercials.
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Renowned food critic and television personality Kunal Vijaykar recently took a detour from his culinary adventures to immerse himself in the spiritual wonders of Chiang Rai, Thailand, describing the experience as “stepping into a dream.”
The Instagram post shows an awe-inspiring image of what appears to be one of Chiang Rai’s famous temples, characterized by its striking blue color and ornate architectural details.
In his recent Instagram post, Vijaykar shared his profound experience visiting two of Chiang Rai’s most iconic temples that stand in stark contrast to each other yet share a common spiritual purpose. “Two temples—worlds apart in color, style, and spirit—yet united in purpose,” wrote Vijaykar, capturing the essence of his visit.
He specifically highlighted the White Temple (Wat Rong Khun) and the Blue Temple (Wat Rong Suea Ten), two architectural marvels that have become must-visit destinations in northern Thailand.
Vijaykar described the White Temple as a place that “challenges you to reflect, to journey from ignorance to enlightenment.” Wat Rong Khun is known for its unconventional design—a gleaming white structure adorned with mirrored glass mosaics that sparkle in the sunlight, creating an otherworldly appearance.
Unlike traditional Thai temples, the White Temple was designed by renowned Thai visual artist Chalermchai Kositpipat and opened to the public in 1997. Its stark white color symbolizes the purity of the Buddha, while its elaborate design elements incorporate both traditional Buddhist symbolism and contemporary references.
In contrast to the White Temple’s reflective journey, Vijaykar found that the Blue Temple (Wat Rong Suea Ten) “wraps you in peace, its calming hues whispering ancient stories in a modern form.” The temple, whose name translates to “Temple of the Dancing Tiger,” is a newer addition to Chiang Rai’s spiritual landscape, completed in 2016.
The vibrant sapphire blue exterior and interior are complemented by golden accents, creating a serene atmosphere that indeed seems to envelop visitors in tranquility. The central Buddha image, painted in gold against the blue backdrop, creates a striking visual focal point within the main hall.
Vijaykar aptly summarized the temples as “a stunning blend of art, faith, and imagination,” highlighting how these sacred spaces transcend mere religious significance to become extraordinary works of art that speak to visitors of all backgrounds.
The food critic’s exploration of these temples represents a departure from his usual content, which typically focuses on culinary experiences. However, this spiritual sojourn aligns with his broader interest in cultural exploration, as evidenced by his other recent travels.
Vijaykar’s enthusiasm for both temples echoes a growing trend of travelers seeking spiritual experiences alongside traditional tourism. Thailand, with its rich Buddhist heritage and stunning temple architecture, has long been a destination for spiritual tourism.
As Vijaykar concluded in his post: “Trust me, you need to see both.” His recommendation carries the weight of someone who has traversed the globe in search of exceptional experiences, suggesting that these temples offer something truly special even to the well-traveled visitor.
Whether you are a food enthusiast following Vijaykar for his culinary recommendations or a travel lover seeking your next destination, his Chiang Rai temple experience serves as a compelling reminder that some of life’s most meaningful journeys involve feeding the soul as well as the body.
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