This post is rated NSFW for very graphic violence and copious amounts of nudity. PLEASE put the kids and the squeamish away for this one.
Welcome to a special Halloween-themed post. I had no idea this place would turn out to be as WTF weird as it did, but the timing couldn’t have been better. If you enjoy the crazy, f***ed up sort of places, it’ll be hard to find one that tops this one.
To be sure, there are plenty of ‘hell temples’ around Asia. I’ve been to a few of them — one in Suphanburi (Thailand), in Bugok (South Korea), and Songnim temple near Daegu (South Korea). Where this one takes the cake is coming soon — I’m just trying to give the more squeamish readers a chance to click away if necessary…
The overall nature of the temple has the look of a decades old temple that’s in need of some restorations. It contributes to the creepy factor, even before you reach the hell temple part.
Today’s random ‘how the hell did these get there?’ — AMF bowling chairs.
This is your chance to click away if you’re squeamish.
Things start off rather tame, comparatively speaking. Most of the displays offer some lights and animation for a 10 baht coin. The machines don’t accept anything else, so bring plenty.
Oh myy… so it is a kickstand of sorts. The missing upper half, though? You got me there.
As at most hell temples, the punishments fit the sins — sexual sins are punished in a sexual way.
At first glance, this doesn’t look quite like hell… I do wish I understood more Thai in order to figure out what’s happening here.
Somehow I doubt the writers of the Buddhist text pictured a chain-driven, saw-like tool to make two halves out of poor souls…
Once again, I got nothing. Nearby, but not pictured, are a dozen or so more peaceful looking students with the same uniforms…
Yep, the face, throat, and other internal organs, just hanging from the trees…
The sins of drinking too much alcohol…?
Oh myy, yet again. I’m not sure what’s happening, but this would seem much more a curse than a blessing…
What happens after your hands are cut off? Apparently, they stay in place…
Insert caption here — yet again, I got nothing.
How about a creepy baby to finish things off?
If you’re of the squeamish nature, this isn’t for you. If you’re of the adventurous nature, there’s no reason not to go.
Name: Wat Mae Kaet Noi AKA Wat Si Don Chai Pa Tung Ngam
Address: along route 1001, Tambon Pa Phai, Ban Mae Kaet, Chang Wat, Chiang Mai 50210 (GPS: 18.877943,99.03681)
Directions: This requires your own transportation, though a songthaew may take you if you can give good directions. From the northern part of the Chiang Mai-Lamphang superhighway, head north onto route 1001. This is about 800 meters from where you cross the Ping River. Once on 1001, go 9.3 kilometers to an intersection (Maejo University is across the street). Take the sharp right, go 3.3 kilometers, and look left for the temple.
I’ll note that 1001 makes a funny ‘h’ shape, with both points at the bottom of the ‘letter’ connecting to the superhighway. If you took the other 1001, head north on it (away from town), go a little over 7 kilometers and look right.
Hours: 8am-6pm
Admission: free
Phone: unknown
Website: none
