Today we are going to visit the famous White Temple, also called Wat Rong Khun, located about 15 km from Chiang Rai, in northern Thailand. I'll tell you how to get to one of the strangest, most surreal, and most fascinating temples you'll find in the entire country.
If there's one thing you're going to see on a trip to Thailand, it's temples… lots of temples. There are enormous ones and tiny ones, colorful ones and austere ones, ancient ones and ultramodern ones, with giant Buddhas or small ones. All kinds. And it's very likely that, after visiting several, they'll start to feel quite similar to each other; the element of surprise will fade, and each temple will begin to blend into the last.
But when you travel north, more precisely to the province of Chiang Rai, the great exception appears: the White Temple, or rather, Wat Rong Khun. A place so different, so unexpected, and so artistic that it breaks with everything you've seen and reawakens that traveler's "wow" you thought was lost.
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Where is the White Temple (Wat Rong Khun) located?
The White Temple is located in Chiang Rai province, in northern Thailand. It is located about 13–15 kilometers south of the city centre, right next to Route 1 (Phahonyothin Road), one of the country's main highways.
Its strategic location makes it an easy stop for both those touring Chiang Rai and those arriving from Chiang Mai on day trips.
How to get to the White Temple Wat Rong Khun
Getting to the White Temple is quite simple, and you have several options depending on where you are traveling from:
From Chiang Mai
The most common way is to take a bus from Arcade Station (see location on map) towards Chiang Rai (the journey takes between 3 and 4 hours). From Chiang Rai's main bus terminal, you can take a local bus or a taxi/Grab, which will drop you off at the temple entrance in about 20 minutes.
From Chiang Rai
If you're already in Chiang Rai, getting there is very quick. You can take a local bus heading south that stops right in front of the temple, or simply a taxi/Grab for very little money. The distance is only 15 km and the journey takes about 15–20 minutes.
On an excursion
Another very popular option is to book a private tour from Chiang Mai, ideal if you want to optimize your time or travel more comfortably.
They are inexpensive and many of these excursions combine the White Temple with other places in the area, such as the Blue Temple, the Golden Triangle or a quick stop at some hot springs by the side of the road, where you can take the classic photo with the steam in the background. It's a practical option for those who want to see everything in a single day without worrying about logistics.
In my case, I visited it in passing when I was traveling from Chiang Mai to the Lao border to make the crossing in slow boat on the Mekong River (I mentioned this in another article)The van that transported me included a 1-hour break at the Temple, and it was a perfect fit.
What is the White Temple or Wat Rong Khun like?
When you see the architecture of the White Temple, it'll blow your mind. You'll think you're in some fantasy or horror story.
The temple is located on the outskirts of Chiang Rai, in an area where other equally striking annexes are still being built, which will make this place an emblematic point of Thailand.
To enter the temple, you have to cross a bridge with a multitude of hands emerging from the depths, seemingly asking for help or wanting to take you with them. Some of them hold skulls or vases (quite eerie).
If we manage to survive :O, we will face 2 Warriors (or demons?) guarding the main entrance.
And if we finally pass the custody, it means that we have reached enlightenment!!!. I couldn't reach it (it seems that I wasn't ready yet o_O), but other enlightened people have told me that in the interior of the temple, there are walls painted with quite strange images, such as Neo from Matrix, Harry Potter and Terminator…what the fuck.
It's clearly not just another Buddhist temple. It has a disruptive design, completely atypical for these places. I doubt you'll ever see another temple with these characteristics (unless you visit the house of the Cancer Knight from the Saint Seyia series :D).
Understanding a little about the design and history of the White Temple
Based on the information in Wikipedia, Wat Rong Khun was redesigned by Chalermchai Kositpipat, an artist born in Chiang Rai, with the intention of revitalizing the temple (which had existed for years), mixing traditional culture with modern influences.
The complex is not only made up of the main Temple, but in a few years they will be adding other annexes around it (this place is going to become a Disney Park if it continues like this :D).
The white color of its entire structure signifies the purity and enlightenment of Buddha.
Explanation of the architecture of the White Temple
- The Bridge of the “Cycle of Rebirth”: The main building in the White Temple, the Ubosot, is reached by crossing a bridge over a small lake. In front of the bridge are hundreds of hands that symbolize unbridled desire. The bridge proclaims that the path to happiness is through temptation, greed, and desire. Beside the lake stand two very elegant Kinnaree, half-human, half-bird creatures from Buddhist mythology.
- Gate of Heaven: After crossing the bridge, the visitor arrives at the “Gate of Heaven,” guarded by two creatures representing death and Rahu, who decides the fate of the dead. In front of the Ubosot are several meditative images of Buddha.
- Ubosot: The main building, the Ubosot is an entirely white building with fragments of mirrored glass embedded in its exterior. The Ubosot incorporates design elements of classical Thai architecture, such as the three-tiered roof and the abundant use of Naga snakes.
- “Inside the temple, the decor shifts rapidly from pristine white to fiery and unsettling. Murals depict swirling orange flames and demonic faces, interspersed with Western icons like Michael Jackson, Neo from The Matrix, Freddy Krueger, and a T-800 Terminator. Images of nuclear war, terrorist attacks, such as the attack on the World Trade Center, and oil spills underscore the destructive impact humans have had on Earth. The presence of Harry Potter, Superman, and Hello Kitty muddles the message somewhat, but overall the moral is clear: people are evil.”
Frequently Asked Questions about the White Temple (Wat Rong Khun)
What are the opening hours of the White Temple?
The temple is usually open every day from 8:00 to 17:00. During peak season or holidays, there may be slight variations, so it's best to check the updated schedule before visiting.
How much is admission?
Entry costs around 100 THB per person. It's one of Thailand's more affordable attractions considering its popularity.
How long does it take to visit it?
Between 1 and 2 hours is enough to tour the complex, take photos and appreciate the details of the main temple and the sculptures around it.
Is it possible to enter the interior of the temple?
Yes, but taking photos inside is not allowed. The interior is also very unique, full of modern murals and symbolism rarely seen in Buddhist temples.
Is it permitted to fly drones?
In general, flying drones is not permitted within the White Temple grounds. It's a very busy and regulated area; if you want to film, it's best to do so from public areas outside the complex.
Is it necessary to wear a cover to enter?
It's not as strict as some other temples in the country, but respectful clothing is recommended: shoulders and knees covered. However, they usually allow casual wear as long as it's not too revealing.
Does it get crowded with tourists?
Yes, absolutely. Ideally, go very early in the morning or close to closing time to enjoy it with fewer people.
Is there parking and restrooms?
Yes, there is free parking, restrooms, and shops around the complex.
Is the temple finished?
Not yet. Wat Rong Khun is a constantly evolving project, and its original artist planned works that could span decades.
Final thoughts on visiting the White Temple of Wat Rong
If you are in Chiang Mai, or better yet Chiang Rai, you have to pay a visit to the magical white temple.
Although it is far from Chiang Mai (almost 3 hours by car), you can take advantage of the day and visit it as well. The Black HouseIt's a museum of 40 huts of various sizes and shapes that recall Thailand's past, but from a modern perspective.
I didn't visit it because, as I told you before, I was only there for an hour, but otherwise, it would have been a good plan.
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