We Smile - August 2019
The In-Flight Magazine of Thai Smile Airways.
The In-Flight Magazine of Thai Smile Airways.
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TRAVEL<br />
CHIANG RAI : The City of Art<br />
THAILAND’S NORTHERN PROVINCE OF CHIANG RAI HAS BECOME A FAVOURITE DESTINATION AMONG<br />
TRAVELLERS THANKS TO ITS SCENIC MOUNTAIN RANGES AND ENDLESS WATERWAYS. INSPIRED<br />
BY ITS NATURAL BEAUTY AND LANDSCAPE, LOCAL ARTISTS HAVE CREATED DIVERSE WORKS OF ART<br />
AND MASTERPIECES. IT’S NOT AN EXAGGERATION TO CALL CHIANG RAI THE CITY OF ART.<br />
บน-ล่าง :<br />
อาจารย์ทัน ธิจิตตัง<br />
กับผลงาน<br />
เครื่องปั้นดินเผา<br />
เวียงกาหลง<br />
อันมีเอกลักษณ์เฉพาะ<br />
Top-Bottom :<br />
Ajahn Thun<br />
Thichittang<br />
and Wiang Kalong<br />
unique pottery<br />
上 下 方 : 谭 · 提 稽 当<br />
大 师 与 独 特 望 卡 隆 陶 瓷 。<br />
Wat Rong Khun and Baandam Museum are Chiang Rai’s<br />
icons. Wat Rong Khun, or the White Temple, is designed<br />
and owned by Chalermchai Kositpipat, a native of<br />
Chiang Rai and one of Thailand’s national artists. The<br />
ubosot (main chapel) is entirely in white and artistically<br />
decorated to reflect Buddhism.<br />
Baandam Museum or the Black House embraces at<br />
least 25 black houses which were wholly created by late<br />
artist Thawan Duchanee. Like Chalermchai, Thawan was<br />
born in Chiang Rai and also one of the country’s national<br />
artists. Lots of Thawan’s art pieces are on display inside<br />
the museum.<br />
The grandeur of Wat Rong Khun and Baandam<br />
Museum has inspired younger artist like Puttha Kabkaew,<br />
or Sala Nok, to create Wat Rong Suea Ten with its main<br />
chapel in blue shade.<br />
Chiang Rai’s art skills have been handed down from<br />
one generation to another and fortunately well preserved<br />
in many communities. The lost city of Wiang Kalong was<br />
eventually developed thanks to Ajahn Thun Thichittang<br />
who excavated terra cotta pottery in paddy fields and<br />
finally launched a pottery learning centre there.<br />
Embroidery is an age-old field of art by tribes people in<br />
San Kong village. The embroidery group also offers classes<br />
to interested visitors. Meanwhile, the Chiang Rai Artists<br />
Group has set up Kua Silpa (Art Bridge Chiang Rai gallery)<br />
to promote local art and culture. There are permanent<br />
and revolving art exhibitions in the gallery.<br />
Due to its rich soil, Chiang Rai is full of tea and coffee<br />
plantations. Choui Fong Tea Plantation for example,<br />
has produced high quality tea while the scenic Pha Hee<br />
Mountain is a perfect point to visit coffee plantations and<br />
stop for a cup of coffee.<br />
Chiang Rai is definitely a must-visit destination for<br />
travellers who appreciate local art and natural beauty.<br />
TRAVELLERS’ GUIDE<br />
Getting there : THAI <strong>Smile</strong> operates Bangkok-Chiang Rai<br />
flights daily. The flight takes 1 hour and 20 minutes.<br />
Check www.thaismileair.com for reservations<br />
More info : TAT Chiang Rai office, Tel. 0 5371 7433,<br />
Wat Rong Khun www.watrongkhun.org, Wat Rong Suea Ten,<br />
FB : วัดร่องเสือเต้น จังหวัดเชียงราย, Baandam Museum<br />
www.thawan-duchanee.com, Baan Ajahn Thun Thichittang<br />
Wiang Kalong Pottery, Tel. 089 838 5874, Kua Silpa<br />
www.artbridgechiangrai.org, Baan San Kong Embroidery<br />
Group, Tel. 0 5366 7719<br />
76 <strong>August</strong> <strong>2019</strong><br />
77
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