Mar 9, 2010 | The Chiangs

Crossing the border to Laos tomorrow, so here's a quick look back at the Chiangs of northern Thailand: Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, and Chiang Khong. The white temple located outside Chiang Rai was astonishing, even for someone who was starting to feel templed out. The artist's name is Chalermchai Kositpipat, and he's spent 12 years and millions of his own bahts to create a Buddhist temple like no other—one that channels H.R. Giger as well as R. Crumb. Completion is scheduled for 2050.