How to Visit Chiang Rai's White Temple:
An Essential Guide
Your Essential Guide to Visiting Chiang Rai's White Temple
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Chiang Rai’s White Temple, also known as Wat Rong Khun, is one of Thailand’s most iconic attractions. Designed by the renowned Thai artist Chalermchai Kositpipat, it’s a temple unlike any other you’ll see in Thailand, or for that matter, the world. Witnessing this spectacular, dazzlingly-white structure, with its mirrored mosaics and painstakingly intricate detailing, is something that has to be top of any itinerary for Chiang Rai. Here’s our comprehensive guide on how to visit Chiang Rai’s White Temple, with everything you need to know to make the most of your visit to this incredible site.
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Why visit the White Temple?
Wat Rong Khun is unlike any traditional Thai temple. It was built in 1997 to replace an old dilapidated temple, designed by artist Chalermchai Kositpipat as a direct offering to Buddha and a symbol of his devotion. It’s an enormous, mind-blowing offering if ever there was one. The all-white colour of the temple represents purity, with glass mosaics representing wisdom and clarity of thought. The design is otherworldly, flanked by warriors and roaring dragons. The temple is still a work in progress, with more artwork and structures planned. It’s thought it will take until 2070 for the temple to be fully completed to Kositpipat’s vision.
How to Get to the White Temple?
The White Temple is located about 13km south of Chiang Rai’s city centre.
By Car or Scooter
Renting a car or scooter is a easy option if you’re comfortable navigating Thai roads and riding scooters. The journey only takes about 20 minutes from Chiang Rai city centre and parking is available near the site.
By Songthaew
Local buses, known as “songthaews,” frequently travel between Chiang Rai and the White Temple. You can catch one from the old bus station in Chiang Rai. The fare is relatively cheap, around 20-30 THB per person and takes around 30 minutes. Inform the driver that you want to get off at Wat Rong Khun, and they will stop nearby if they aren’t doing so already.
By Grab Taxi
Grab taxis are available in Chiang Rai. One of our favourite ways to travel in Southeast Asia, they can take you directly to the White Temple and fees are pre-arranged. They are more expensive than songthaews but offer the convenience of door-to-door service.
Best Time to Visit the White Temple
The White Temple is open daily from 8:00am to 5:00pm. To avoid the heaving crowds and the midday heat, we’d recommend visiting late in the afternoon – mornings can still be crowded. Weekdays are generally less crowded than weekends and public holidays. The temple is most photogenic during the early evening when the sun casts a soft golden light on its mirrored surfaces.
What to Expect at the White Temple
The Bridge of the Cycle of Rebirth
Your journey begins as you cross the bridge leading to the main temple building, representing the transition from the cycle of death and rebirth to a state of nirvana. The bridge is flanked by outreaching hands, symbolising unrestrained desire. This imagery serves as a reminder to overcome worldly temptations – a core teaching at the heart of Buddhism.
The Ubosot (Main Hall)
The main hall, or ubosot, is the centrepiece of the temple. Entirely covered with intricate carvings and mirrored glass, the structure is breathtaking. Inside, the walls are decorated with modern murals depicting various elements of popular culture, from movies to contemporary issues, alongside traditional Buddhist imagery. It’s a refreshing change from the traditional imagery seen on most temples, imagining what a modern Buddhist temple should be like.
The Golden Building
Exploring the temple complex, you’ll soon come across a golden building standing on its own. If the white ubosot represents the mind and the journey towards nirvana, the golden ubosot symbolises the physical body and the material world. Specifically, the contrast of the gold against the white symbolises the focus that people have on money and worldly goods – the constant pull between the purity of enlightenment (the white temple) with our attachment to all that glitters (the gold temple).
The Art Gallery and Souvenir Shop
On the temple grounds, you’ll also find an art gallery showcasing Chalermchai Kositpipat’s other works. This is a fascinating area providing insight into his vision and philosophy. Unlike many traditional temples that were built centuries ago, here, you have first hand information from the creator of the temple and everything he wants you to know about his life’s work.
Tips for Visiting The White Temple
It costs 100 THB to enter the temple. The grounds are free to walk around.
It may be a modern temple, but a temple it is. As Wat Rong Khun is a place of worship, please dress modestly as you would at any other temple. Shoulders and knees should be covered; long skirts or trousers are preferable.
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