Wat Rong Khun: White Temple in Chiang Rai

The White Temple in Chiang Rai, also known as Wat Rong Khun, is one of the most famous tourist attractions in Thailand. The history of this temple doesn’t go back too long because it is one of the country’s new temples. Already from afar, the magnificent building shines in its bright white color, and with its extraordinary architecture and many unique details, this temple has quickly become one of the most beautiful temples in the country. Therefore, a trip to the White Temple is almost a must-do on any Northern Thailand tour and should not be missed on a holiday in Chiang Rai. But also from Chiang Mai you have the possibility to do day trips to the White Temple.

In this travel guide, we share all the important information about a visit to the White Temple of Chiang Rai. Additionally, we provide plenty of useful tips about getting there, entrance fee, the best time to visit and opening hours.

White Temple in Chiang Rai (Wat Rong Khun)

General infos about the White Temple in Chiang Rai

Wat Rong Khun, also called the White Temple of Chiang Rai, is one of the most modern temples in Thailand. This temple jewel was created by the Thai artist Chalermchai Kositpipat, who had financed the construction of the white temple from his own hand and thanks to donations. The artist had deliberately renounced large donors. The history of this work of art began with the construction in 1997, and although the temple was not yet 100% completed, it is currently already one of the most famous sights in northern Thailand.

A setback came in 2014, when a magnitude 6.3 earthquake severely damaged the White Temple and its murals. However, with lots of work and effort, this damage was repaired relatively quickly. The plans for the temples are that the whole project will be completed in 2070. Therefore, we are already excited about what will be the final result of this already spectacular work of art.

White Temple Chiang Rai (Wat Rong Khun)

A Visit to the White Temple

The White Temple of Chiang Rai is truly exceptional and in every way. Even the color white is special for a temple in Thailand because it actually symbolizes mourning. In this art project, this white color symbolized Buddha’s purity and wisdom, which it is said “shines over the earth and the universe”. Just the sight of the beautiful, completely white temple is breathtaking. But also the many small details and the artwork inside the complex are fascinating and absolutely worth seeing. Thus, the artist Chalermchai Kositpipat has created an unmistakable work with the famous White Temple.

White Temple Chiang Rai – Wat Rong Khun

Wat Rong Khun

One thing in advance, during a visit to the White Temple you can expect partly plenty of bizarre. Already at the entrance through the turnstile, you follow a fixed route, which is a one-way street. Turning around is not allowed here. The snow-white main building is reached via the bridge of the “rebirth cycle“. Even before this bridge, hundreds of hands from hell will reach out to you: they are the symbol of unbridled desires. Thus, the path to happiness symbolically follows past temptations, greed and the worldly desires.

After crossing the bridge, visitors come directly to the “Gate of Heaven“. This is guarded by two mystical creatures. Death, who decides on life, and Rahu, who determines the fate of the dead. In front of the main building, the Ubosot, there are several Buddha statues in meditative posture.

White Temple Chiang Rai – Wat Rong Khun

Once inside the white temple of Chiang Rai, photography is prohibited. Here, the pure white turns into a really weird, colorful and confusing decoration. Murals shows demons, flames, the burning Twin Towers, Michael Jackson, Batman and Freddy Krueger. But also Harry Potter and Superman have been immortalized in this temple. This mix of religion and chaos, malevolence, heroes of the modern age, art and pop is unique and certainly can’t be found in any other temple in Thailand.

Next to the many white temples, you can’t miss the gold-yellow temple building. While the white main temple represents the spirit or the soul, the golden stands for the worldly body. Incidentally, the toilets for temple visitors are also located here. Decorated entirely in gold both inside and out, they are probably the most amazing washing rooms in the country.

Wat Rong Khun

When visiting the white temple, you should take some time because at every corner you will discover something new and interesting. If you need a break, there are a few nice cafés and restaurants in front of the temple. But also shopping possibilities are provided.

White Temple – Wat Rong Khun

How to get to the White Temple

The White Temple is not located directly in Chaing Rai. It situated a bit outside the city, about 14 kilometers south of the city center. For getting there on your own from Chiang Rai you can either use TukTuks, Songthaew, taxi or your own scooter. TukTuks or taxis cost about 300 baht round trip. With the Songthaew from near Nightbazar the ride costs around 20 baht each way.

We especially recommend you to use the grab app in Chiang Rai, a taxi app that shows you the fare in advance.

Tip: Near the temple is the popular Singha Park, which can be well-connected with a visit to Wat Rong Khun.

Entrance Fee & Opening Hours

Opening hours: Wat Rang Khun opens daily from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. The best time to visit the White Temple is either early in the morning at sunrise, when the temple is kissed by the first rays of sunshine. Or in the late afternoon, when the afternoon sun gives way to beautiful light plays. Numerous visitors can be expected at any time of the day.

Entrance Fee: The Admission to the White Temple is not for free anymore. The entrance fee currently is 100 Baht per person. If you want to admire the temple only from the outside, then you don’t have to pay any entrance fee.

Day Trips from Chiang Mai

If you would like to visit this fantastic temple from Chiang Mai, you can also book a day trip from Chiang Mai to the White Temple. Although the journey takes about 3 hours, many still join a tour to admire this unique temple.

Usually, there are some even more attractions to visit on this kind of guided tour. For example, you have the opportunity to admire the Golden Triangle, tea plantations or explore the Black Temple and the Blue Temple, another art project.

Tours can be booked on-site, or if value good customer reviews, tour can also be booked online. So far, we had good experiences with the online portal GetyourGuide. Here you can browse through a gigantic selection of excursions and most of the tours can be canceled 24 hours in advance.

Where to Stay in Chiang Rai

To explore the White Temple, it is best to book accommodation in the city center of Chiang Rai. No matter what budget, everyone will find their perfect hotel here. If you are looking for accommodation, we can give you these tips on where to stay…It’s worth a look!

• Boutique Hotel with Pool: An ingenious accommodation is the Mora Boutique Hotel. This hotel convinces with a fantastic pool, good location and delicious breakfast.
• 5-Star Hotel: The luxurious Le Meridien is a fabulous choice for a very special stay in Chiang Rai. Guests love the wonderful grounds by the river and with pool.
• Backpacker hostel: The Hostel Baan Mai Kradan is a great and affordable alternative, and is mainly popular with backpackers and long-term travelers.

Find the best accommodation in Chiang Rai:

 Booking.com

More about Northern Thailand:

• Top 20 UNIQUE Things to Do in Chiang Mai

• 25 Amazing Things To Do in Bangkok

• Doi Inthanon National Park: A Perfect Trip from Chiang Mai

• Sukhothai – A Tour to the Historical Park

• 20 Best things to do in Chiang Rai

• Ayutthaya | 10 Best Temples & Attractions

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