One of the most distinctive attractions in Chiang Rai, the White Temple is a truly mesmerising creation that combines diverse artistic elements including those from modern culture. Read on to see what awaits at this extraordinary site!
Planning Your Visit
This attraction is only around 12 km from Chiang Rai city and is easy to reach from organised excursions from properties like Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort. Alternatively, you can opt to catch a public bus from the bus station close to the town’s night bazaar. The temple is usually open from 8:00am to 5:00pm and it’s best to visit in the morning to see the sun reflecting off the dazzling white sculptures! Photos are not permitted inside the main building and remember to wear conservative attire.
How it All Began
Interestingly, the White Temple or Wat Rong Khun is not really a “temple” but rather a creative expression of religion and art. Its creator is the Thai artist, Chalermchai Khositpipat, who slowly transformed a once dilapidated temple into an attraction that combines traditional Thai architecture with modern elements. The predominant use of white and glass symbolise the Buddha’s purity and wisdom respectively. Opened in the late 1990s, this site has today reached global fame and visiting it is one of the top things to do in Chiang Rai for tourists.
Plenty to Discover
On your visit, you will come across a fascinating array of statues and motifs linked to Buddhism as well as concepts of heaven, Nirvana, and hell. To reach the main ubosot or ordination hall, you will have to walk across a bridge surrounded by numerous outstretched hands. Once inside, you will not only find more statues, symbols and imagery linked to the Buddha and his teachings but modern worldly elements and pop culture references too; these include everything from Neo from The Matrix to Iron Man and Hello Kitty!
Other Highlights
The is plenty more to see at the White Temple so ensure you spend more time wandering around the complex. One of the highlights here is the Ganesha Worship Hall, honouring the Hindu god with an elephant head and where one can view paintings and sculptures of this deity. Not to be missed is the Hall of Masterwork where one can take in more creations by the temple’s founder, Chalermchai Khositpipat, and the Tankhun Gallery showcasing creative works by his children as well.
