The White Temple in Chiang Rai: All You Need to Know
Updated: Apr 2
If you're planning a trip to Chiang Rai, Thailand, there's one attraction you simply can't miss - the White Temple, also known as Wat Rong Khun. This stunning temple is a unique and breathtaking work of art that will leave you in awe of its beauty and craftsmanship.
Take a look at our highlights and see why you must add The White Temple to your Thailand travel itinerary. Prepare to be amazed by the beauty of this incredible place! Plus find out how to get to the White Temple, its history, the best times to visit, some special offers on tickets from Klook, and our temple experience rating.
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Explore Chiang Rai with Klook
● Visit both the White & Blue Temples of Chiang Rai
● Also visit the infamous Baan Dam Black House Museum
● Convenient hotel pick up and drop off
● Transport services from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai included
Our White Temple highlights
Arguably one of Thailand's most creative temples, it is hard to imagine the White Temple as just simply another 'wat'. Tourists visit from all over the world to admire its spectacular exterior and grounds. For us, having seen photos online, the sense of excitement was very high. We knew we were going to appreciate its splendor, and appreciate it we did!
That being said, the interior was totally unexpected, with its mixture of marvel characters and characterized depictions painted on the walls. As we ventured around outside there are more striking exhibits such as predator (as in Alien vs Predator), and even a bedazzled transformer-type character on a bench by the entrance.
The temple is a blend of traditional Thai architecture and modern design, with its dazzling white exterior adorned with intricate carvings and sparkling mirrors. As you approach the temple, you'll be struck by the beauty of its sparkling facade and the peacefulness of its surroundings.
The temple grounds are equally impressive, with beautiful gardens, sculptures, and fountains that all add to the serene atmosphere. One of the most famous features of the White Temple is the "Bridge of the Cycle of Rebirth", a stunning bridge that symbolizes the journey from hell to heaven. This was perhaps our favorite areas of the site, its meaning and design having a profound impact as we walked across.
As you enter the temple, you'll be greeted by a large white statue of Buddha, surrounded by intricate carvings and murals that tell the story of Buddha's life. The temple's interior is just as impressive as its exterior, with intriguing wall art alongside Buddha's story that depicts everything from traditional Thai scenes to modern-day events such as the 9/11 attacks. Just so you are aware, photos are forbidden inside and well policed.
One of the most unique features of the White Temple is its modern twist on traditional Buddhist symbolism. In other examples to those mentioned earlier, you'll also see statues of popular culture figures such as Superman and Keanu Reeves alongside more traditional Buddhist characters. This blend of old and new makes it a truly unique and special place to visit, and one perhaps that appeals to a wider audience given this fascinating infusion.
The White Temple is a must-see attraction for anyone visiting Chiang Rai in our opinion and if you haven't been we really encourage you to! Its stunning beauty, peaceful surroundings, and unique design make it a true work of art that will leave you feeling spiritually inspired and in awe of its shimmering majesty, especially on a good sunny day (which they have here very often).
Before we look at some of the history behind this temple, it is also worth noting the bathrooms. Perhaps the most spectacular restroom we have ever come across! A dazzling gold display, there is no expense spared here and we would say that they are almost as impressive as the temple itself!
What do you think? Are these the best bathrooms you have ever seen?!
This temple is a stunning sight to behold, with its bright blue color and intricate details. One of the finest temples we have seen to date, it was designed and constructed by the protégé of Chalermchai Kositpipat, the architect of the White Temple.
History and facts about the White Temple
The White Temple, Wat Rong Khun, was designed and built by Chalermchai Kositpipat, a now famous Thai artist, in 1997. It has been in construction for just over a quarter of a century and has so far cost over $30 million. The development of the site is believed to be scheduled until 2070, with a litany of projects still to be completed.
“Only death can stop my dream, but cannot stop my project,” Chalermchai Kositpipat
The White Temple is located on the site of an older temple, also called Wat Rong Khun, that had fallen into disrepair. The original temple was built in the 19th century, and it was renovated several times over the years. However, by the late 20th century, the temple was in a dilapidated state and was closed to the public due to safety concerns.
In 1997, Kositpipat purchased the land and the old temple and decided to rebuild it as the White Temple. He incorporated some elements of the original temple, such as the main hall and the 'ubosot' (ordination hall), into the new design.
The design style of the White Temple in Chiang Rai is unique and unconventional, incorporating elements of traditional Thai art and culture as well as contemporary design. The temple's all-white exterior is meant to symbolize the purity of Buddha, while the intricate carvings and designs on the temple walls and roof represent Buddhist teachings and stories. The design also incorporates modern elements such as glass, mirrors, and mosaics, giving the temple a striking, and often sparkling, appearance under any kind of light. Day or night, the 'temple of heaven' shines.
The White Temple has gone on to become a major attraction in Chiang Rai and Thailand, drawing visitors from around the world. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, the temple was attracting an estimated 10,000 to 15,000 visitors per day, with even higher numbers during peak tourist seasons.
Since the pandemic began, the number of visitors to the temple decreased significantly due to the travel restrictions and safety concerns imposed on foreign travellers. Fortunately travel has now resumed and the temple is seeing a gradual increase in visitors once again.
The return to pre-pandemic levels of visitors is vital to the continuing project at the White Temple. Kositpipat introduced visitor fees in 2016, saying at the time that the introduction of the fee would mark the first time in 19 years that anybody had paid anything to enter.
His original plan had been to operate the first fee-free tourist attraction in Thailand. In its early years, tourists used to buy Kositpipat's books and pictures, providing the necessary funds for operating costs and constructions. Despite pre-pandemic visitor levels reaching one million tourists annually, few were purchasing his art, so a small entry fee was introduced. There is still no admission charge for Thai people.
Read on for more information the entry fee, along with information on how to get there, temple visiting times and our White Temple rating.
Things to know before visiting the White Temple
There is a dress code to be aware of here, and there are plenty of vendors selling wraps, sarongs and cover-ups on site.
● Men must wear shirts or T-shirts with sleeves covering the shoulders (no tank tops). Shorts can be worn but must cover the knees.
● Women must cover shoulders and no open back tops are allowed. Leggings and sweatpants, along with torn clothing (such as ripped jeans), any clothing with a low waist or open belly, and see-through clothing are also prohibited.
● Shoes must also be removed, as with all temples in Thailand.
● Photos and videos are prohibited inside the main temple.
By keeping these considerations in mind, you'll be better prepared to have a respectful and enjoyable experience when visiting the White Temple!
White Temple entrance fee and opening times
⪢ Opening times
The White Temple is open every day of the week, Monday to Sunday, from 8:00am to 6:00pm.
⪢ Best time to visit
Due to the popularity of the White Temple, it can get quite crowded during peak hours, particularly between 10:00am and 3:00pm.
To avoid crowds and make the most of your visit, it is recommended to arrive early in the morning or later in the afternoon. Visiting on a weekday may be less busy than on weekends.
⪢ Entrance fee
● For Thai nationals, entrance is free.
● For foreign visitors there is an entrance fee of 100 baht per person.
Note that the opening times and entrance fees may be subject to change, so it is advisable to check the official Facebook page of the White Temple before your visit.
How to get to the White Temple (Wat Rong Khun)
We drove here from Chiang Mai as mentioned earlier using a rental vehicle. Rental cars tend to be on the higher end of the price range here in Thailand, and if you are looking for low cost transportation here are several other ways that you can get to the White Temple:
⪢ By taxi
Taxis are readily available in Chiang Rai, and you can easily hire one to take you to the White Temple. This is a convenient option for those who prefer private transportation. However, be prepared that this may be one of the more expensive ways to get here.
⪢ By songthaew
Songthaews are a type of shared transportation in Thailand. They are essentially pickup trucks with benches in the back that can seat multiple passengers. You can find them at the Chiang Rai bus station, and they will take you to the White Temple for a reasonable price, generally around 20-30 baht.
⪢ By tuk-tuk
Tuk-tuks are another popular mode of transportation in Thailand. They are essentially motorized rickshaws and can be found throughout Chiang Rai. You can negotiate with the driver to take you to the White Temple, but be prepared to pay a higher price than a Songthaew.
⪢ By bicycle
If you're feeling adventurous, you can rent a bicycle and cycle to the White Temple. This is a great way to see the beautiful countryside of Chiang Rai, however it is a long and hilly ride and will certainly be a good (and healthy) work out.
⪢ Take a tour (if you are in Chiang Mai)
There are many tour companies in Chiang Mai that offer day trips or multi-day tours to Chiang Rai. These tours typically include transportation, a guide, and visits to popular attractions in Chiang Rai, including the Blue Temple, the Golden Triangle, and the Black House Museum.
Some tours also include a visit to a local hill tribe village, where you can learn about the culture and customs of the indigenous people. Prices for tours vary depending on the duration and inclusions, but they can be a convenient and hassle-free way to explore Chiang Rai from Chiang Mai. You can book a tour through a local tour operator or online travel agencies such as Klook.
No matter which mode of transportation you choose, the White Temple is located approximately 13 kilometers south of Chiang Rai city center, and the journey should take about 20-30 minutes if you are located there. There is a car park with free parking on the road opposite to the temple, and it is clearly sign posted.
Address: Pa O Don Chai, Mueang Chiang Rai District, Chiang Rai 57000
Phone: +66 53 673 579
Opening hours: 8am to 5pm, 7 days a week
Website: tourismchiangrai-phayao.com
Facebook: @watrongkhun
Located in Nang Lae, Chiang Rai, The Black House Museum, or “Baan Dam” in Thai, is one of the strangest and most interesting places we have seen in Thailand to date. We are not sure if we have ever seen anything quite like it!
Our White Temple Chiang Rai experience rating
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5/5
This incredible temple is right up there with some of the best Thailand has to offer and we would highly recommend it. Not just if you are in Chiang Rai, but even if you are in surrounding areas, it is well worth the trip. The architecture is magical and the site vast; there is plenty to do here alongside visiting the main temple.
We combined our day-trip visit here with the Blue Temple (Wat Rong Suea Ten) and the Baan Dam Black House Museum, which are both located nearby. It was a great day out overall and it was really cool to see the differences between all three top Chiang Rai attractions. Experience the rich culture of Thailand right here - you will not be disappointed!
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Buckle up and join us on this epic journey that will leave you craving your very own Northern Thailand adventure! See the White Temple in all of its glory, along with highlights of our drive, our epic outdoor dome accommodation, food, and much more.
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Explore Chiang Rai with special offers from Klook
Klook offers a wide variety of tours to help you experience the best of Chiang Rai. Whether you're looking to visit the White Temple, Blue Temple or both, Klook can help! In addition to their wide selection of tours, Klook also offers great deals on transportation, accommodation, and activities.
All tours are led by experienced guides who can help you learn about the history and culture of Thailand. Klook's tours are all-inclusive too, so you don't have to worry about anything but enjoying your experience!
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