7 Fascinating Reasons to Visit Wat Rong Khun

 Wat Rong Khun: 7 Fascinating Reasons to Visit This Iconic Temple in Chiang Rai

Discover what makes Wat Rong Khun a must-see attraction in Chiang Rai, from its unique architecture to symbolic artistry.

1. A Temple Like No Other

Known internationally as the White Temple, Wat Rong Khun is unlike any other temple in Thailand. The stunning all-white structure, accented with intricate glass mosaics, was designed to represent purity. Visitors are immediately struck by its otherworldly beauty that seems to shimmer in the sunlight. This architectural masterpiece draws tourists from all over the world, making it a prime stop on any Chiang Rai tour.

2. An Artist's Vision

Wat Rong Khun was envisioned and brought to life by the renowned Thai artist Chalermchai Kositpipat. His goal was to create a temple that stands out not only for its design but also for its spiritual message. The entire project is self-funded by the artist, who believes the temple is his life’s work dedicated to Buddha. His dedication has made Wat Rong Khun a globally recognized landmark and an essential stop on Chiang Rai day trips.

3. Symbolism in Every Corner

From the bridge leading to the temple to the murals inside, Wat Rong Khun is filled with symbolic elements. The "Bridge of Rebirth" is the first thing you cross, representing the journey from the world of desire into a state of enlightenment. Beneath the bridge, a sea of grasping hands symbolizes hell and human suffering. Each artistic detail serves as a reminder of the spiritual journey towards Nirvana.

4. Contemporary Meets Tradition

The temple’s exterior may be steeped in traditional Buddhist symbolism, but the interior reveals a unique fusion of classic and contemporary. Chalermchai Kositpipat has integrated pop culture references, such as characters from "The Matrix" and "Star Wars," to depict the battle between good and evil. These unexpected elements make Wat Rong Khun a fascinating fusion of old and new, appealing to visitors of all ages.

5. Easily Accessible on Any Chiang Rai Tour

Just 13 kilometers from the center of Chiang Rai, Wat Rong Khun is easy to reach. Many visitors choose to visit the temple as part of a Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai tour package. Whether you're on a day trip from Chiang Mai or exploring Chiang Rai's other attractions, adding Wat Rong Khun to your itinerary is effortless.

6. Perfect for Photography Lovers

The immaculate white surfaces and intricate designs of Wat Rong Khun make it a photographer’s paradise. Every angle offers a new perspective, with the reflections from the surrounding pools adding to the ethereal effect. Visitors can easily spend hours here, capturing its beauty from dawn to dusk.

7. A Never-Ending Work of Art

Wat Rong Khun is still a work in progress. Chalermchai Kositpipat continues to add to the temple complex, ensuring that there will always be something new to see. By visiting now, you’ll witness the temple at a significant moment in its evolution, but the artist’s vision is for the work to continue long after he is gone.

Ways to Reach Wat Rong Khun

Wat Rong Khun is located about a 20-minute drive from Chiang Rai's city center. You can easily get there by taxi, tuk-tuk, or rented motorbike. Alternatively, many Chiang Mai Chiang Rai tour packages include a visit to Wat Rong Khun, making it simple for those traveling from further afield. Buses from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai are also a convenient option.

Tour to White Temple a Piece Of Art

Tour to White Temple Chiang Rai

White temple one of the best masterpieces of modern architecture

The city of Chiang Rai in northernmost Thailand is one of the remaining areas where traditional Thai art and culture flourish.

Located near the city of Chiang Rai, about 5 kilometers to the south, is the beautiful Wat Rong Khun or White Temple. The White Temple of Northern Thailand has become a national landmark and, as one of the most recognizable temples in the country, attracts an increasingly large number of visitors every year.

Wat Rong Khun or White Temple is unique from other temples in that it has been constructed entirely in a radiant white color with sparking reflections from mirrored glass mosaics embedded in the white plaster. The temple is the idea of Mr. Chalermchai Kositpipat, one of Thailand most renowned artists, who wanted to build a temple all in white to signify the purity of Lord Buddha. The artist continues to puts his religious belief and desire to enrich Buddhism in Thailand into his contemporary art design.

The construction of the White Temple is Khun Chalemchai master work, which he refers to as an offering to Lord Buddha and his beloved country.

To approach the main entrance to the main chapel, I assume must signify a kind of passage to enlightenment because this is how I feel approaching the temple. The passage is flanked by two tremendous man-like giants who somehow frighten me until I have to lower my eyes. But this doesn’t help me at all, as those grasping hands near the floor shake my nerves again. The hands are in assorted array, outstretched and seem to be pleading. I realize that this piece of art must symbolize hell and how people in hell will suffer from their bad karma.

While climbing the bridge to the main hall, I notice that I am surrounded by a huge pond containing white fishes and fountains that spout up every now and then. The pond, to me, perhaps signifies the river Si Tarndon that divides the mundane world from heaven. As I get closer to the main building I think that this must be a representation of heaven.

Before the main chapel and at the end of the bridge there are several sculptures of meditating Buddha sitting in a lotus circled by spirits of the world. The outer-decoration of the temple hall is all white color representing purity and wisdom of Lord Buddha, however, a dramatic contrast of color is found when arriving inside the main hall. I feel a sense of serenity when looking at a several Buddha altars set inside golden flame.

The walls are painted with a colorful larger than life story related to Buddhist and teaching in a very modern and contemporary style. The artist uses icons from modern culture and through space ships, super man, and even Neo from the Matrix movie he tells of the story of Buddha in this very unique display.

On the left of the temple compound is a golden toilet which Chalermchai seems to also use to transfer some hidden message to visitors. It is as though he is saying, I want this golden toilet to be a symbol of the human response to imagery. I am one of the many who paused to consider what may be the artist message. Perhaps the message is also that there is beauty in all things, just like this golden toilet which impresses people by its beauty rather than the fact that it is just a toilet.

Wat Rong Khun is still a work in progress and will be for years to come. It is planned to comprise nine buildings including the ubosot (chapel), pagoda, hermitage, crematorium, monastery hall, preaching hall, museum, pavilion, and rest room facilities which will be built on an area of 7 rai (about 3 acres).

How to get to the Wat Rong Khun

Approx 200 kms. From Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai by bus. And the most convenient bus is the Green Bus, which runs from Arcade Bus Station. This is located at the far end of Kaeo Narawat Road, near where it joins the superhighway. To get to the bus station, just jump on a songthaew, which should cost around 50 baht per person from central Chiang Mai. The VIP bus from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai costs 288 baht for a single journey. There aren’t any trains running between Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai.

When Arive Chiang Rai, There are two bus station in Chiang Rai – a new station on the outskirts of town, and the old station in the town center near the night bazaar. There is a local bus that departs from platform 8 of the old bus station in the town center. Just tell the driver or conductor that you want to get off at Wat Rong Khun, and they will make sure the bus stops there. It’s a 13 km journey from town and costs 20 baht per person. They will drop you off on the side of a dual carriageway, and the temple is on the opposite side, around 100 meters away. Be very careful when crossing the road, as there isn’t any pedestrian crossing there.

Otherway more comfortable you can contact Travel Agency in Chiang Mai, they can provide a private car to Chiang Rai with air condition for your group or budget tour Chiang Mai day Trips to Chiang Rai combine with other important place in Chianr Rai for one day.

Entrance fee & opening hours

The White Temple is opened every day from 6.30 a.m. to 6 p.m. The gallery is opened from Monday— Friday from 8 a.m. to 5.30 p.m. / Saturday-Sunday: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.