Chiang Rai, Thailand, Jan 2017

Chiang Rai (Thai: เมืองเชียงราย) is the northernmost large city in Thailand. It was established as a capital city in the reign of King Mangrai, in 1262 CE. The city was founded by King Mangrai in 1262 and became the capital of the Mangrai Dynasty. Subsequently, Chiang Rai was conquered by Burma and remained under Burmese rule for several hundred years. They city is near the borders of Laos and Myanmar (formerly Burma). Wat Phra Kaew is a royal temple that once housed the jade Emerald Buddha and now displays a replica. Nearby, the Navel City Pillar is a monument made of more than 100 Khmer-style pillars. Mae Fah Luang Art and Cultural Park is a museum showcasing Lanna artifacts.

Wat Rong Khun White Temple (วัดร่องขุ่น) Contemporary Buddhist temple drawing massive crowds with its unique, intricate white exterior. Wat Rong Khun, also known as the White Temple, is a contemporary, unconventional, privately-owned art exhibit in the style of a Buddhist temple in Chiang Rai Province, Thailand.

Panoramic view of Wat Rong Khun White Temple (วัดร่องขุ่น) Contemporary Buddhist temple drawing massive crowds with its unique, intricate white exterior. Wat Rong Khun, also known as the White Temple, is a contemporary, unconventional, privately-owned art exhibit in the style of a Buddhist temple in Chiang Rai Province, Thailand.

Wat Rong Khun White Temple (วัดร่องขุ่น) Contemporary Buddhist temple drawing massive crowds with its unique, intricate white exterior. Wat Rong Khun, also known as the White Temple, is a contemporary, unconventional, privately-owned art exhibit in the style of a Buddhist temple in Chiang Rai Province, Thailand.

Very large crowds visit Wat Rong Khun White Temple (วัดร่องขุ่น) Contemporary Buddhist temple drawing massive crowds with its unique, intricate white exterior. Wat Rong Khun, also known as the White Temple, is a contemporary, unconventional, privately-owned art exhibit in the style of a Buddhist temple in Chiang Rai Province, Thailand.

Wat Rong Khun White Temple (วัดร่องขุ่น) Contemporary Buddhist temple drawing massive crowds with its unique, intricate white exterior. Wat Rong Khun, also known as the White Temple, is a contemporary, unconventional, privately-owned art exhibit in the style of a Buddhist temple in Chiang Rai Province, Thailand.

Wat Rong Khun White Temple (วัดร่องขุ่น) Contemporary Buddhist temple drawing massive crowds with its unique, intricate white exterior. Wat Rong Khun, also known as the White Temple, is a contemporary, unconventional, privately-owned art exhibit in the style of a Buddhist temple in Chiang Rai Province, Thailand.

Wat Rong Khun White Temple (วัดร่องขุ่น) panoramic view Contemporary Buddhist temple drawing massive crowds with its unique, intricate white exterior. Wat Rong Khun, also known as the White Temple, is a contemporary, unconventional, privately-owned art exhibit in the style of a Buddhist temple in Chiang Rai Province, Thailand.

Wat Rong Khun White Temple (วัดร่องขุ่น) Contemporary Buddhist temple drawing massive crowds with its unique, intricate white exterior. Wat Rong Khun, also known as the White Temple, is a contemporary, unconventional, privately-owned art exhibit in the style of a Buddhist temple in Chiang Rai Province, Thailand.

Large crowds at Wat Rong Khun White Temple (วัดร่องขุ่น) Contemporary Buddhist temple drawing massive crowds with its unique, intricate white exterior. Wat Rong Khun, also known as the White Temple, is a contemporary, unconventional, privately-owned art exhibit in the style of a Buddhist temple in Chiang Rai Province, Thailand.

Various depictions of Buddhist teaching at Wat Rong Khun White Temple (วัดร่องขุ่น) The hands in the foreground represent miseries in human life and how we have to take the path of Dharma. Contemporary Buddhist temple drawing massive crowds with its unique, intricate white exterior. Wat Rong Khun, also known as the White Temple, is a contemporary, unconventional, privately-owned art exhibit in the style of a Buddhist temple in Chiang Rai Province, Thailand.

Various depictions of Buddhist teaching at Wat Rong Khun White Temple (วัดร่องขุ่น) The hands in the foreground represent miseries in human life and how we have to take the path of Dharma. Contemporary Buddhist temple drawing massive crowds with its unique, intricate white exterior. Wat Rong Khun, also known as the White Temple, is a contemporary, unconventional, privately-owned art exhibit in the style of a Buddhist temple in Chiang Rai Province, Thailand.

Wat Rong Khun White Temple (วัดร่องขุ่น) Contemporary Buddhist temple drawing massive crowds with its unique, intricate white exterior. Wat Rong Khun, also known as the White Temple, is a contemporary, unconventional, privately-owned art exhibit in the style of a Buddhist temple in Chiang Rai Province, Thailand.

Wat Rong Khun White Temple (วัดร่องขุ่น) Contemporary Buddhist temple drawing massive crowds with its unique, intricate white exterior. Wat Rong Khun, also known as the White Temple, is a contemporary, unconventional, privately-owned art exhibit in the style of a Buddhist temple in Chiang Rai Province, Thailand.

Wat Rong Khun White Temple (วัดร่องขุ่น) Contemporary Buddhist temple drawing massive crowds with its unique, intricate white exterior. Wat Rong Khun, also known as the White Temple, is a contemporary, unconventional, privately-owned art exhibit in the style of a Buddhist temple in Chiang Rai Province, Thailand.

Wat Rong Khun White Temple (วัดร่องขุ่น) Contemporary Buddhist temple drawing massive crowds with its unique, intricate white exterior. Wat Rong Khun, also known as the White Temple, is a contemporary, unconventional, privately-owned art exhibit in the style of a Buddhist temple in Chiang Rai Province, Thailand.

Wat Rong Khun White Temple (วัดร่องขุ่น) Contemporary Buddhist temple drawing massive crowds with its unique, intricate white exterior. Wat Rong Khun, also known as the White Temple, is a contemporary, unconventional, privately-owned art exhibit in the style of a Buddhist temple in Chiang Rai Province, Thailand.

Wat Rong Khun White Temple (วัดร่องขุ่น) Contemporary Buddhist temple drawing massive crowds with its unique, intricate white exterior. Wat Rong Khun, also known as the White Temple, is a contemporary, unconventional, privately-owned art exhibit in the style of a Buddhist temple in Chiang Rai Province, Thailand.

Wat Rong Khun White Temple (วัดร่องขุ่น) Contemporary Buddhist temple drawing massive crowds with its unique, intricate white exterior. Wat Rong Khun, also known as the White Temple, is a contemporary, unconventional, privately-owned art exhibit in the style of a Buddhist temple in Chiang Rai Province, Thailand.

Wat Rong Khun White Temple (วัดร่องขุ่น) Contemporary Buddhist temple drawing massive crowds with its unique, intricate white exterior. Wat Rong Khun, also known as the White Temple, is a contemporary, unconventional, privately-owned art exhibit in the style of a Buddhist temple in Chiang Rai Province, Thailand.

Wat Rong Khun White Temple (วัดร่องขุ่น) Contemporary Buddhist temple drawing massive crowds with its unique, intricate white exterior. Wat Rong Khun, also known as the White Temple, is a contemporary, unconventional, privately-owned art exhibit in the style of a Buddhist temple in Chiang Rai Province, Thailand.

Wat Rong Khun White Temple (วัดร่องขุ่น) Contemporary Buddhist temple drawing massive crowds with its unique, intricate white exterior. Wat Rong Khun, also known as the White Temple, is a contemporary, unconventional, privately-owned art exhibit in the style of a Buddhist temple in Chiang Rai Province, Thailand.

Wat Rong Khun White Temple (วัดร่องขุ่น) Contemporary Buddhist temple drawing massive crowds with its unique, intricate white exterior. Wat Rong Khun, also known as the White Temple, is a contemporary, unconventional, privately-owned art exhibit in the style of a Buddhist temple in Chiang Rai Province, Thailand.

Wat Rong Khun White Temple (วัดร่องขุ่น) Contemporary Buddhist temple drawing massive crowds with its unique, intricate white exterior. Wat Rong Khun, also known as the White Temple, is a contemporary, unconventional, privately-owned art exhibit in the style of a Buddhist temple in Chiang Rai Province, Thailand.

Wat Rong Khun White Temple (วัดร่องขุ่น) Contemporary Buddhist temple drawing massive crowds with its unique, intricate white exterior. Wat Rong Khun, also known as the White Temple, is a contemporary, unconventional, privately-owned art exhibit in the style of a Buddhist temple in Chiang Rai Province, Thailand.

Long Neck Karen in Chiang Rai, Chang Wat Chiang Rai, Thailand The Karen are a tribal group who have historically lived in the hills on the Myanmar (formerly Burma) side of the Thai border. Best recognized for their elongated necks, the Karen women wear heavy brass rings around their necks, forearms, and shins. There is a lot of criticism surrounding this. From human-zoo to women earning a honest living and not being prosecuted. Depending on which side of the argument you are. When we first arrived each woman was stationed by her own hut busy working on the knitting looms and it initially felt a little bit like a staged atmosphere but talk and spend time and it feels not very different than other villages. Controversy or not, had mixed feelings on this.

Selfie time. Long Neck Karen in Chiang Rai, Chang Wat Chiang Rai, Thailand The Karen are a tribal group who have historically lived in the hills on the Myanmar (formerly Burma) side of the Thai border. Best recognized for their elongated necks, the Karen women wear heavy brass rings around their necks, forearms, and shins. There is a lot of criticism surrounding this. From human-zoo to women earning a honest living and not being prosecuted. Depending on which side of the argument you are. When we first arrived each woman was stationed by her own hut busy working on the knitting looms and it initially felt a little bit like a staged atmosphere but talk and spend time and it feels not very different than other villages. Controversy or not, had mixed feelings on this.

Wooden and brass works on sale. Long Neck Karen in Chiang Rai, Chang Wat Chiang Rai, Thailand The Karen are a tribal group who have historically lived in the hills on the Myanmar (formerly Burma) side of the Thai border. Best recognized for their elongated necks, the Karen women wear heavy brass rings around their necks, forearms, and shins. There is a lot of criticism surrounding this. From human-zoo to women earning a honest living and not being prosecuted. Depending on which side of the argument you are. When we first arrived each woman was stationed by her own hut busy working on the knitting looms and it initially felt a little bit like a staged atmosphere but talk and spend time and it feels not very different than other villages. Controversy or not, had mixed feelings on this.

Karen Long Neck girl's portrait. Long Neck Karen in Chiang Rai, Chang Wat Chiang Rai, Thailand The Karen are a tribal group who have historically lived in the hills on the Myanmar (formerly Burma) side of the Thai border. Best recognized for their elongated necks, the Karen women wear heavy brass rings around their necks, forearms, and shins. There is a lot of criticism surrounding this. From human-zoo to women earning a honest living and not being prosecuted. Depending on which side of the argument you are. When we first arrived each woman was stationed by her own hut busy working on the knitting looms and it initially felt a little bit like a staged atmosphere but talk and spend time and it feels not very different than other villages. Controversy or not, had mixed feelings on this.

Karen Long Neck girl's portrait. Long Neck Karen in Chiang Rai, Chang Wat Chiang Rai, Thailand The Karen are a tribal group who have historically lived in the hills on the Myanmar (formerly Burma) side of the Thai border. Best recognized for their elongated necks, the Karen women wear heavy brass rings around their necks, forearms, and shins. There is a lot of criticism surrounding this. From human-zoo to women earning a honest living and not being prosecuted. Depending on which side of the argument you are. When we first arrived each woman was stationed by her own hut busy working on the knitting looms and it initially felt a little bit like a staged atmosphere but talk and spend time and it feels not very different than other villages. Controversy or not, had mixed feelings on this.

Karen Long Neck girl's portrait. Long Neck Karen in Chiang Rai, Chang Wat Chiang Rai, Thailand The Karen are a tribal group who have historically lived in the hills on the Myanmar (formerly Burma) side of the Thai border. Best recognized for their elongated necks, the Karen women wear heavy brass rings around their necks, forearms, and shins. There is a lot of criticism surrounding this. From human-zoo to women earning a honest living and not being prosecuted. Depending on which side of the argument you are. When we first arrived each woman was stationed by her own hut busy working on the knitting looms and it initially felt a little bit like a staged atmosphere but talk and spend time and it feels not very different than other villages. Controversy or not, had mixed feelings on this.

Long Neck Karen in Chiang Rai, Chang Wat Chiang Rai, Thailand The Karen are a tribal group who have historically lived in the hills on the Myanmar (formerly Burma) side of the Thai border. Best recognized for their elongated necks, the Karen women wear heavy brass rings around their necks, forearms, and shins. There is a lot of criticism surrounding this. From human-zoo to women earning a honest living and not being prosecuted. Depending on which side of the argument you are. When we first arrived each woman was stationed by her own hut busy working on the knitting looms and it initially felt a little bit like a staged atmosphere but talk and spend time and it feels not very different than other villages. Controversy or not, had mixed feelings on this.

Long Neck Karen in Chiang Rai, Chang Wat Chiang Rai, Thailand The Karen are a tribal group who have historically lived in the hills on the Myanmar (formerly Burma) side of the Thai border. Best recognized for their elongated necks, the Karen women wear heavy brass rings around their necks, forearms, and shins. There is a lot of criticism surrounding this. From human-zoo to women earning a honest living and not being prosecuted. Depending on which side of the argument you are. When we first arrived each woman was stationed by her own hut busy working on the knitting looms and it initially felt a little bit like a staged atmosphere but talk and spend time and it feels not very different than other villages. Controversy or not, had mixed feelings on this.

Long Neck Karen in Chiang Rai, Chang Wat Chiang Rai, Thailand The Karen are a tribal group who have historically lived in the hills on the Myanmar (formerly Burma) side of the Thai border. Best recognized for their elongated necks, the Karen women wear heavy brass rings around their necks, forearms, and shins. There is a lot of criticism surrounding this. From human-zoo to women earning a honest living and not being prosecuted. Depending on which side of the argument you are. When we first arrived each woman was stationed by her own hut busy working on the knitting looms and it initially felt a little bit like a staged atmosphere but talk and spend time and it feels not very different than other villages. Controversy or not, had mixed feelings on this.

Long Neck Karen in Chiang Rai, Chang Wat Chiang Rai, Thailand The Karen are a tribal group who have historically lived in the hills on the Myanmar (formerly Burma) side of the Thai border. Best recognized for their elongated necks, the Karen women wear heavy brass rings around their necks, forearms, and shins. There is a lot of criticism surrounding this. From human-zoo to women earning a honest living and not being prosecuted. Depending on which side of the argument you are. When we first arrived each woman was stationed by her own hut busy working on the knitting looms and it initially felt a little bit like a staged atmosphere but talk and spend time and it feels not very different than other villages. Controversy or not, had mixed feelings on this.

Long Neck Karen in Chiang Rai, Chang Wat Chiang Rai, Thailand The Karen are a tribal group who have historically lived in the hills on the Myanmar (formerly Burma) side of the Thai border. Best recognized for their elongated necks, the Karen women wear heavy brass rings around their necks, forearms, and shins. There is a lot of criticism surrounding this. From human-zoo to women earning a honest living and not being prosecuted. Depending on which side of the argument you are. When we first arrived each woman was stationed by her own hut busy working on the knitting looms and it initially felt a little bit like a staged atmosphere but talk and spend time and it feels not very different than other villages. Controversy or not, had mixed feelings on this.

Long Neck Karen in Chiang Rai, Chang Wat Chiang Rai, Thailand The Karen are a tribal group who have historically lived in the hills on the Myanmar (formerly Burma) side of the Thai border. Best recognized for their elongated necks, the Karen women wear heavy brass rings around their necks, forearms, and shins. There is a lot of criticism surrounding this. From human-zoo to women earning a honest living and not being prosecuted. Depending on which side of the argument you are. When we first arrived each woman was stationed by her own hut busy working on the knitting looms and it initially felt a little bit like a staged atmosphere but talk and spend time and it feels not very different than other villages. Controversy or not, had mixed feelings on this.

Young Karen Lady operating the handloom. Long Neck Karen in Chiang Rai, Chang Wat Chiang Rai, Thailand The Karen are a tribal group who have historically lived in the hills on the Myanmar (formerly Burma) side of the Thai border. Best recognized for their elongated necks, the Karen women wear heavy brass rings around their necks, forearms, and shins. There is a lot of criticism surrounding this. From human-zoo to women earning a honest living and not being prosecuted. Depending on which side of the argument you are. When we first arrived each woman was stationed by her own hut busy working on the knitting looms and it initially felt a little bit like a staged atmosphere but talk and spend time and it feels not very different than other villages. Controversy or not, had mixed feelings on this.

Young Karen Lady operating the handloom. Long Neck Karen in Chiang Rai, Chang Wat Chiang Rai, Thailand The Karen are a tribal group who have historically lived in the hills on the Myanmar (formerly Burma) side of the Thai border. Best recognized for their elongated necks, the Karen women wear heavy brass rings around their necks, forearms, and shins. There is a lot of criticism surrounding this. From human-zoo to women earning a honest living and not being prosecuted. Depending on which side of the argument you are. When we first arrived each woman was stationed by her own hut busy working on the knitting looms and it initially felt a little bit like a staged atmosphere but talk and spend time and it feels not very different than other villages. Controversy or not, had mixed feelings on this.

Long Neck Karen in Chiang Rai, Chang Wat Chiang Rai, Thailand The Karen are a tribal group who have historically lived in the hills on the Myanmar (formerly Burma) side of the Thai border. Best recognized for their elongated necks, the Karen women wear heavy brass rings around their necks, forearms, and shins. There is a lot of criticism surrounding this. From human-zoo to women earning a honest living and not being prosecuted. Depending on which side of the argument you are. When we first arrived each woman was stationed by her own hut busy working on the knitting looms and it initially felt a little bit like a staged atmosphere but talk and spend time and it feels not very different than other villages. Controversy or not, had mixed feelings on this.

Long Neck Karen in Chiang Rai, Chang Wat Chiang Rai, Thailand The Karen are a tribal group who have historically lived in the hills on the Myanmar (formerly Burma) side of the Thai border. Best recognized for their elongated necks, the Karen women wear heavy brass rings around their necks, forearms, and shins. There is a lot of criticism surrounding this. From human-zoo to women earning a honest living and not being prosecuted. Depending on which side of the argument you are. When we first arrived each woman was stationed by her own hut busy working on the knitting looms and it initially felt a little bit like a staged atmosphere but talk and spend time and it feels not very different than other villages. Controversy or not, had mixed feelings on this.

Long Neck Karen in Chiang Rai, Chang Wat Chiang Rai, Thailand The Karen are a tribal group who have historically lived in the hills on the Myanmar (formerly Burma) side of the Thai border. Best recognized for their elongated necks, the Karen women wear heavy brass rings around their necks, forearms, and shins. There is a lot of criticism surrounding this. From human-zoo to women earning a honest living and not being prosecuted. Depending on which side of the argument you are. When we first arrived each woman was stationed by her own hut busy working on the knitting looms and it initially felt a little bit like a staged atmosphere but talk and spend time and it feels not very different than other villages. Controversy or not, had mixed feelings on this.

Long Neck Karen in Chiang Rai, Chang Wat Chiang Rai, Thailand The Karen are a tribal group who have historically lived in the hills on the Myanmar (formerly Burma) side of the Thai border. Best recognized for their elongated necks, the Karen women wear heavy brass rings around their necks, forearms, and shins. There is a lot of criticism surrounding this. From human-zoo to women earning a honest living and not being prosecuted. Depending on which side of the argument you are. When we first arrived each woman was stationed by her own hut busy working on the knitting looms and it initially felt a little bit like a staged atmosphere but talk and spend time and it feels not very different than other villages. Controversy or not, had mixed feelings on this.

Long Neck Karen in Chiang Rai, Chang Wat Chiang Rai, Thailand The Karen are a tribal group who have historically lived in the hills on the Myanmar (formerly Burma) side of the Thai border. Best recognized for their elongated necks, the Karen women wear heavy brass rings around their necks, forearms, and shins. There is a lot of criticism surrounding this. From human-zoo to women earning a honest living and not being prosecuted. Depending on which side of the argument you are. When we first arrived each woman was stationed by her own hut busy working on the knitting looms and it initially felt a little bit like a staged atmosphere but talk and spend time and it feels not very different than other villages. Controversy or not, had mixed feelings on this.

Long Neck Karen in Chiang Rai, Chang Wat Chiang Rai, Thailand The Karen are a tribal group who have historically lived in the hills on the Myanmar (formerly Burma) side of the Thai border. Best recognized for their elongated necks, the Karen women wear heavy brass rings around their necks, forearms, and shins. There is a lot of criticism surrounding this. From human-zoo to women earning a honest living and not being prosecuted. Depending on which side of the argument you are. When we first arrived each woman was stationed by her own hut busy working on the knitting looms and it initially felt a little bit like a staged atmosphere but talk and spend time and it feels not very different than other villages. Controversy or not, had mixed feelings on this.