Wat Rong Khun: "White Temple" in Chiang Rai

By Paula Parker

Wat Rong Khun, also known as the “White Temple”, is a must-see attraction for anyone planning a trip to Chiang Rai or Chiang Mai in Northern Thailand.  

The temple is an ongoing project that began back in 1997, designed and funded by Chalermchai Kositpipat, a local Thai artist.

Whilst the White Temple is complete, the temple compound is not expected to be completed for many years to come.

The White Temple is quite different from any other Buddhist temple that we have visited in Thailand, and personally, I think it would have to be one of the most spectacular, if not one of the best, temples that we have seen so far.

From the moment you enter the grounds of the temple complex, you can’t help but admire the magnificent structures that stand before you.

Wat Rong Khun is unique and stands out from any other temple in Thailand, with its vivid white exterior and embossed mirror mosaics, which glisten in the sunlight.

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To enter the White Temple, you make your way along a walkway that leads you past the outstretched hands from the pit of hell, to a bridge which is guarded by two enormous guardian statues.

Once you cross over the bridge, you reach the gates of heaven.

Inside the temple, you will see these Buddha images and a life-like statue of a revered monk that is situated at the far end of the temple.

Along the back, and side walls, of the temple are murals with images that are not what you would normally associate with religion.

From what we could work out they represent “good and evil”.

Some of the images on the mural, display modern influences, including images of Superman, Batman, Michael Jackson, and Keanu Reeves as Neo from The Matrix.

On one wall there is an image of a plane flying into the World Trade Centre, and on another there is a mural of a Demon with George W Bush, and Osama Bin Laden intricately painted into each of the Demon’s eyes.

The murals were still in the process of being painted, and on the day of our visit we were able to watch one of the artist’s at work.

Unfortunately, we don’t have clear photos from inside the White Temple as you are not permitted to take photos inside.

You are also able to view other pieces of art created by Chalermchai Kositipipat, at his art gallery which is located within the temple complex.

As you wander around the grounds you will find lots of other interesting sculptures, including these unusual looking mask sculptures that we found hanging in the trees.

Golden Restrooms

Even the toilets at Wat Rong Khun are a work of art!

On first glance, we assumed that this gold building was another temple, but as we got closer, we soon realised that it was actually the restrooms.

After watching lots of other people lining up to take photos, I would have to say that this would have to be the most impressive and photographed toilet in Thailand, if not the World.

There is a souvenir shop if you want to purchase gifts and a coffee shop directly in-front of the temple where you can sit and take in this incredible work of art.

The White Temple is open daily from 8.00am – 6.00pm

Admission fee is 100 Baht.

Wat Rong Khun Tours

We highly recommend a visit to Wat Rong Khun when planning your holiday in Northern Thailand, ideally its best to spend a couple of nights in Chaing Rai, to give you time to explore the area.

If you don't have enough time on your itinerary, there are a range of day trips and private tours available from Chiang Mai.

A very popular tour from Chiang Mai is the Chiang Rai Temples Tours and Hot Springs.

If your staying in Chiang Rai for a couple of nights, I highly recommend a day trip to Wat Rong Khun combined with a day trip to the Golden Triangle, where you will visit the Long Neck Karon Village, the House of Opium, and many other interesting places along the way.

Wat Rong Khun Images