The Architectural Wonders of Thailand’s White Temple

There are 33,000 traditional temples in Thailand. But with its majestic, otherworldly exterior, Wat Rong Khun is unlike any other site of worship. From the ghoulish heads that hang from surrounding trees, to the hands that reach for you as you cross the bridge to the main temple, every part of this site is unique. While Wat Rong Khun attracts thousands of tourists from around the world, it received negative attention when it first opened because critics said it wasn’t traditional Thai art. Yet the temple continues to stand defiantly as a symbol of Thai art for a modern world.
SUBSCRIBE: goo.gl/vR6Acb
This story is a part of our Planet Earth series. From mammals to insects and birds to reptiles, we share this great big world with all manner of creatures, large and small. Come with us to faraway places as we explore our great big planet and meet some of its wildest inhabitants.
Got a story idea for us? Shoot us an email at hey [at] GreatBigStory [dot] com
Follow us behind the scenes on Instagram: goo.gl/2KABeX
Make our acquaintance on Facebook: goo.gl/Vn0XIZ
Give us a shout on Twitter: goo.gl/sY1GLY
Come hang with us on Vimeo: goo.gl/T0OzjV
Visit our world directly: www.greatbigsto...

[@rohanjgeorge]

looks like the final level in a video game....cool video btw

[@vichetca101]

rohanjgeorge I'd love a heavily culture based game with this temple as the final boss stage.

[@rohanjgeorge]

vichetca oh yeah... it'd be cool...the game set in Thailand...with thai people, culture and traditions integrated into the game...with free roam....would feel like touring Thailand digitally..lol

[@sazinthezeldafan1708]

rohanjgeorge omg so true

[@jujumouche]

Uncharted 2 right here

[@bras7855]

It would be in a Tomb raider game

[@rectalpunchfromhell7868]

Thailand should be on everyone's bucket list. Seriously, it's the best place in the world. Crazy night life, the city is pretty much operated 24/7, amazing food and also very sanitized, breath-taking temples, shrines, beautiful blue beaches, beautiful people and the best of all, ridiculously cheap

[@randomrandomrandommm3637]

ZeckDoesStuff war? plus isnt this also in almost all countries, even the ones that u reside in

[@aus-li]

Rectal Punch Arts & Illustrations And those special girls ;)

[@thailandyouthfootball226]

@ZeckDoesStuff Every country in this world have Rape even Vatican City :) Human = Sex

[@profile1172]

Rectal Punch Arts & Illustrations a lot of transgenders

[@adrianelias2365]

Only Europe is on my bucket list to visit.

[@SittiwatParnwipa]

This temple is amazing made by Thai artists guy who was teaching in the art technical. And the one temple in Pataya is so impressive it made all woods that I require to visiting there soonest.

[@formealyour]

Wow! Even though I have not yet finished the video, They look so interesting and intricate. But imagine the sun shining under it and you looking at it...

[@alsiagurvonik262]

Aethyr Stonite i keep on seeing you in this channel

[@formealyour]

Alsia Gurvonik 😂

[@chrisogrady28]

Holy shit, this would last 5 minutes in England before being ruined and vandalised. So beautiful

[@sh3n3ng]

Christopher O'Grady it is vandalized by douchebag visitors but the staffs frequently fix it.

[@chrisogrady28]

KW so sad

[@n1filmsTH]

I'm from Thailand and I'm happy that you guys like it. It's the most amazing temple I ever seen too 😀

[@hanifali2566]

i love you

[@josiesaimon1188]

hi starnawarat |=0")

[@namankasliwal1725]

me too

[@penny6280]

I’m Thai, too! This was really cool!

[@texdiddyable]

Love your country from Italy

[@ChannleTonyGuin10]

imagine this made on the computer. The detail and graphics needed holy shit (or more simply, see it in a video game/graphic test demo)

[@greenalien5509]

With a few tricks it can easily be done with good performance. If you look closely at the temple the base shape is still simple. They have flat ornaments with lots of curves to decorate and make it look complex. These can be a single polygon each with transparency and a bump map. Most of the other details on the temple can be simplified with materials as well and lets not forget LODs.

[@lordmurphy4344]

Ok, this wins the prize for being the most rad place of worship.

[@sk5940]

this the reason why they are most visited country on the planet.

[@erabyithongg]

Only Bangkok the most visited in the world but most visited Country it’s not

[@gominuke]

interesting fact: inside the temple the walls are painted full of pop icons: minions, harry potter, pirates of the caribbean, pikachu, transformers...

[@CharlesJoseph_MSc]

@@yds78 no

[@maniswil2]

Oh good lord... That's embarrassing, why the hell would they do that.

[@chocolatestarfish7053]

I’m from Thailand and this idiots right there a bunch of Pokémon’s you can catch and release

[@sheepketchup9059]

@@maniswil2 because we embrace pop culture. Let go of the past conservatism and traditions to embrace new architecture and art. And that includes pop culture.

[@mbkbenz]

@@CharlesJoseph_MSc Yes, she said the truth. I'm a 100% Thai and I visitted there a few times. There's a lot of pop cultures in there. There are just like Star Wars, Alien, The Matrix, Jigsaw from Saw, Batman etc.

[@nuthapot]

Just saying, the hands and people reaching out to you from the bridge symbolizes hell, where the wrongful are banished to after their death. Basically a reminder not to sin, and that Karma is a bish. I'm not rlly a religious person but I'm Thai so y not share some info.

[@inurihettiarachchi9780]

Yep,even I noticed that and was wondering if someone commented about that. Thanks 👍

[@tobylemus5971]

I want to visit Thailand now!

[@sunstacial2185]

Chloe Lemus welcome to Thailand 😁

[@tobylemus5971]

孙伟亮 Hooray! we can be tour buddies!!!! thank you 😇

[@ДинаЦмиева]

Chloe Lemus оаладвдвдаьалвлвдыдцдвлввлввлвддвддв

[@Sirch100precent]

I'm going in May !

[@mickbotcast]

The creators of White Temple Chalermchai Kositpipat once said in his interviews that he want to create outstanding Modern Art worthy enough to represent the age of King Rama 9 and he totally DID IT with his own passion and power A man worthy of National Artist title

[@sparklefarter]

This was the most impressive temple I saw while in Thailand! It's intricacy was amazing.

[@chanapolpimsen2647]

There are sooo many amzing things in Thailand. I wish you guys make more vdo about us. Love, thai fan

[@hellogooddayhere4801]

Thailand and India has many beautiful temples including this one

[@सज्जनपुरुष]

Thailand architecture came from ancient indian architecture

[@tinchanel3319]

@@सज्जनपुरुष yes, I from thailand

[@joymoti173]

@@tinchanel3319 no bro Thai architecture is Kadai architecture. It's not came from India. Just the culture and traditions got influenced. There is no temple or buildings in India whoch resembles Thai architecture. Be proud that Thai architecture is one of the unique architecture. Love from Assam, India. I am Tai Ahom.

[@kicksomeup6998]

@@joymoti173 Absolutely right. Just because the mythology and the culture is Indian doesn't mean the temple design is not completely Thai. It is a Thai monument, my pet peeve is when some Indians lay claim to stuff we never did, forgetting our key tenet of humility and acceptance. Yes, we influenced the culture tremendously, no shit, but they came up with their own stuff and moved the ball forward, which is the whole point of culture. Buddhism and the Buddha as well as Sanatan is not bounded by borders , its message of peace, love and acceptance must be echoed throughout the world, that is the whole point. Just because Europeans came up with foundational concepts in Physics doesn't mean that Physics is European. Neither science nor culture works like that. Like science, culture belongs to people who contribute to it, the Ramayana belongs as much to Thailand as it does to India. They've build temples and Buddhist statues that we are in awe of and respect. We built a lot of great stuff too, but we need to learn from our Thai bretheren on how to properly take care of our precious ancient heritage. The Thai people helped us maintain many important pieces of our heritage when we were struggling financially due to colonialism and I am forever indebted to these amazing folks for that.

[@付龙-e2d]

Thallind is beautiful

[@martinchow1381]

This temple is so cool 😎

[@brianlinville439]

I agree

[@kannikathongha8673]

I'm from Thailand!!!!!!!!!! Thanks for this vid!!!'nnn

[@Onawhimexplorer]

I can't wait to vlog my way through Thailand! I'm mostly excited for the food, but this temple is the most fascinating thing I've seen on KZbin today.

[@thayneshook7828]

It is f*cking beautiful 😭

[@josiesaimon1188]

this music is awesome and look beautiful white temple in Thailand wow...! |="0D

[@CC.R0Y]

Being honest i don't like the pop culture stuff either. Its kinda tacky

[@kicksomeup6998]

Namaste from India. Absolutely breathtaking and beautiful. We build our temples a bit differently here in India, but we wish we had a couple temples that looked like this as well in India. Buddham sharanam gacchami!

[@nileshdarunde]

Welcome to the final level of Doom.

[@saiabhishek5228]

Nilesh Darunde Haha

[@yeshuaislord3058]

this looks extremily demonic

[@xshathra4743]

exactly

[@ssg3legssan]

think it may be

[@seanp8220]

No it doesn't.

[@Melaramaa]

I'm thai and proud

[@alpha493]

The temple looks amazing, whats also amazing? That music, anyone got a link to it? :)

[@Heiryuu]

I've only ever been to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. Those steps are killer but they make the temple seem even better when you make it all the way to the top. However they did add in a cable car for the people who aren't interested in the culture or traditions of walking up the mountain. Whenever my family was visiting Chiangmai we made sure to visit the Wat. It's well worth the little bit of exercise.

[@eclipse5393]

I hope this video makes people realize that we can make amazing places but instead society chooses to make boring, ugly houses and buildings. The ancient world knew how to live as a society better than people today. They made their surroundings as magnificent and beautiful as they could. We just go to ikea.

[@lilamazon]

heavenly beautiful. forever be Thai cultural heritage^0^

[@dannyb20vtec28]

Sickest place to shoot a music video!

[@LordOtorai]

What's the name of the song used in the background ?

[@KidtokidsGaming]

Iruk4nj1 471 - Chill Hi Bg

[@Swishasweet2811]

a place that has evil things is not a place of worhsip

[@jimmythezwey9552]

That place is the most beautiful thing ever 🧐🧐🧐😲😲😲😲😲😲

[@jonathannguyen8639]

This is real art right there. Nothing in there is basic.

[@nayzerie]

SOMEONE PLEASE FIND THE NAME OF THE SONG

[@nayzerie]

@greatbigstory what was the song used

[@sunstacial2185]

I'm Thai. I'm so proud. Thank you guys to make special video of Thailand. I love your channel.

[@resetbs1955]

Sawadeekrap 🙏🏽 If any of you ever managed to visit Thailand & go to White Temple also try visit Blue Temple is not to far from this one & just as special in it's own way🙏🏽 I loved it there Thailand is where my heart wants to be... freeland

[@analuisa-nw9pn]

I swear you guys have one of my favourite channels, I have no idea why you don't have more subscribers, you deserve them

[@ruarknewitt2387]

You do learn something new everyday! Thanks GreatBigStory!!

[@jasper2927]

That is amazing.

[@Jody3171]

I miss this channel

[@APerson-ji3ye]

whats the backround music ?

[@mrdompaul]

That's so awesome and beautiful!!!!

[@kranumrm3036]

I love Buddhist temple 🙏🙏🙏 beautiful temple

[@juzzyboxx2185]

It's a diabolical Devils temple is what it is.

[@sae_yn]

It looks like the Impure King Castle form from Blue Exorcist. Like if an anime fan

[@cmak47]

BUDDHAM SARANAM GACCHAMI 🙏🏿 JAY BHIM 💙

[@MrFloodey]

Beautiful.

[@maryjoygaleno9099]

I've been here last month and tho its packed with tourists, it's still majestic! Def a must visit !

[@thomastessier4529]

Been there several times, awesome structure. Detail abounds everywhere.

[@braydenpotts]

thought the thumbnail was minecraft

[@HectorLopez-do3st]

vacks true

[@alphaomegaprime3923]

ikr

[@hindsightpov4218]

Why do I feel like those hand sculptures are actual hands severed from human beings that they just covered with plaster?

[@bounskye]

Fun fact I've been there I'm Thai and laos

[@stopdaviolencewp2022]

Awesome and spectacular

[@mikesmith8656]

That temple is too white and needs diversity

[@XaldinX]

Gauldron Sage when was the last time a minority went into a school or church to shoot up something. You guys are fucking delusional

[@mikesmith8656]

Gauldron Sage "Brother"!? Did you just assume my gender.

[@mikesmith8656]

XaldinX School shootings are literally a meme. They rarely happen. However, they happen all the time in Chicago public schools. Gangbangers shoot each other up near or even inside the school. Always Black I shit you not. So there you go.

[@darktealglasses]

You don't know how to appreciate this art piece

[@enochjimenez]

looks like hell

[@rofyle]

Hey lady, we've got the faces of four presidents plastered to the side of a mountain. Did you hear me? A MOUNTAIN!

[@jonygmx4266]

freeze it at 0:22 ,can you find the Wolferine hand ??

[@debusinha9015]

Found it. what a cool Easter egg

[@jasminekk521]

Gorgeous styles & Majestic architectures & Precious cultures in the world are right here… in Thailand! 🇹🇭🇹🇭🇹🇭

[@aerowindwalker]

What is the soundtrack in this video?

[@megatopgameplay6568]

So much beautiful temple I ever seen before 😊🇹🇭 geetings from Cambodia 🇰🇭

[@CampingforCool41]

That is amazing, I wonder what all the sculptural elements are made with and how they keep it from discoloring over time

[@ypttravel8248]

i love video you ......beautiful

[@gulle8536]

Sadly i cant go to thailand it cost money & i only got 10000 gp in my runescape account

[@kvlei5413]

STUNNING!

[@kasperchakma9773]

Proud to be Buddhist 🙏

[@akashkumarakashkumae8128]

Jay Bhim namo💙 buddhay

[@sean-mw8jp]

By looking at the thumbnail, I thought it was Minecraft😅

[@PamelaTaylor]

WOW BEAUTIFUL

[@ez3897]

Most beautifull video i ever seen this year

[@yotams6168]

I was there, it's a amazing place.

[@javiera4547]

this reminds me so much of Perfect World

[@goodguy8362]

非常具有启示意义，尤其那一双双伸向欲望的罪恶之手。

[@nayzerie]

what is the song!!!

[@saiabhishek5228]

nayzerie Chill hi bg

[@misterabroad123]

The dynamic range of the video is low. With over 6 million followers you should buy a better camera and invest to improve the picture quality.

[@mattnobrega6621]

real awsome

[@nork.incz1]

I didn't knew Genji has a cool house :)

[@Kevin_wiIiams]

DO NOT go here while high on acid.

[@yds78]

S.KOREA IS THE BEST! kzbin.info/www/bejne/r3K0apqkrpdkmZo

[@umuahjokuamadi-obi7452]

I want this to be an Overwatch map

[@Jaavv]

was there last year....place is overrated imo

[@physioarmchiangrai6783]

Welcome to Chiangrai & Chiangmai Thailand the old capital city of Lanna kingdom north of Thailand . If you want to see the old palace ancient place , I recommend Chiangrai city & ChiangMai( old capital city of the north kingdom) & Ayudhaya & Sukohthai city( old capital city of center kingdom )

[@neshanwonder]

Why was it so hard not to click this video?

[@leavethecaveenterthelight5221]

way to go pop culture, first you ruin the youth now this??? when will it end?

[@originalname6231]

Felt like the music kinda ruined it

[@nayzerie]

the music was great to me do you happen to know the name of it?

[@nayzerie]

Still trying to figure out the song used

[@fanxxl5862]

I love my culture ! #lovethailand

[@Roguepanda79]

Bro master chief sitting next to you on a bench

[@wearefriend8028]

The artist represent Buddism ways about good - bad that a person do all life. "Hell" for bad guy that got punishment in hell need to get out "Earth" for person hv things to deserve last live activities / pay back to animals /other people. "Heaven" for good person The artist graduate from Silpakorn university. His teacher teach him to adapt more design than normal after basic Thai art. He used his classed once he get job to decorated Thai temple in USA(or western country) then he earned money from painting / Buddha images. His products popular and expensively. He back to hometown to develop his local temple.

[@trillothewisp]

Very interesting subject, the temple looks brilliant! but god, what terrible backing music to this video - makes it feel like a cheap inflight holiday commercial. Come on guys, you're better than this.

[@KunalSingh-gy7bg]

awesome

[@tvb4884]

👉♥️♥️♥️♥️🤩

[@ElleOEl]

Beautiful. The touch of pop culture makes it fun & unique…. Keep the child alive. The white & gold with mirrors to reflect light, AMAZING!!!! because we’re all reflections of one another. But with the obsession of material things & wealth, you forget to return home. Causing a longing for something to return, reaching up chaotically for hope, offering unnecessary sacrifices out of fear to a God that wants you to do the right thing, not the easy thing because the path has been in you all along. Just beautiful. A++++

[@JayLeePoe]

_Listen..._ you might not understand it but, if a Thai artist wants to make something else like Dr. Who or a superhero-- doesn't matter, just let him do it. They will also make some pretty cool other stuff but you have to let them keep the life-size replica they made of Master Chief. That's the way things are done here. Now, do you want a picture with the exotic birds we have over here or not? Okay, how about an incredibly sweet orange beverage?

[@akashkumarakashkumae8128]

Jay Bhim

[@seanp8220]

"Chosen by the artist" Yeah..I suppose it was just built in the 1900s or something wasn't it

[@88chinchin88]

The temple itself could be founded in 1900, but the artist who originally from the area, (recently) decided to build (or rebuild) the temple in his way of art.

[@8bittimetraveler834]

1:04 LOLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL look at that one. She's not the sharpest tool in the shed

[@BJJOORRNN1]

It must be a pain in the balls to keep that place looking pristine.

[@TheArabsolga]

Holy shit right?