Wat Rong Khun, known outside of Thailand simply as The White Temple, is a strangely beautiful place. Built by the famous Thai Buddhist painter-turned-architecht and millionaire Chalermchai Kositpipat, the temple is completely funded by Kositpipat’s own money in order to bring his vision to life. Construction began in 1996 and still continues, though Kositpipat will likely never see its completion, which is projected to be in 2070.
A first glance as you approach the pure white temple glistening in the sun, it’s hard to imagine that this temple is dedicated to death. Like a mirror, the temple is reflected in a pond detracting your attention away from the details.
Moving on to the temple grounds, closer inspection reveals the details. The temple’s white color symbolizes Buddha’s purity; its glittering mirrors signifies the teachings of the Buddha to reflect kindness on to others.
The White Temple is guarded by dragons and mythical creatures
Hand reach up, symbolizing the way to happiness through overcoming cravings
Every statue has meaning and is symbolic of teachings and Buddhist philosophy. Crossing the bridge called the Cycle of Rebirth, the moat is filled with outreaching arms representing desire. It’s chilling as you cross and you can’t help but look down to study the monsters and fantastical creatures being pulled down into the pits of hell by the thousands of hands.
The inside of the temple is honestly underwhelming and photos are not allowed. The White Temple was the very first Thai wat we visited, so perhaps I was expecting something more extravagant like the intricate Swarovski chandeliers of Abu Dhabi’s Grand Mosque. A monk was painting a mural while another monk worshiped in silence. We quickly moved on from the small space to marvel more at the striking exterior.
The Gharavasa
Also on the grounds is a golden temple-like building, which Chalermchai Kositpipat designed to represent the body. The gold color is in stark contrast to The White Temple, which represents the mind. The building contains an art gallery of Chalermchai Kositpipat’s paintings. We didn’t use it, but there is supposedly a public restroom made of gold inside and it is said to be the most beautiful public restroom in the world.
Eventually there will be a total of 9 buildings on the grounds when the site is projected to be completed in 2070. But even unfinished, it is easy to see why The White Temple is visited by tourists and locals alike.
Know Before You Go
- The White Temple is open daily from 6:30am – 6pm. Visit near closing time to avoid the tour buses.
- Entry is free of charge, though foreigners are not allowed to enter The White Temple without a tour guide (as of January 2014).
- Wat Rong Khun is easy to reach by public bus from the bus station in Chiang Rai. It costs 20 THB and takes around 30 minutes. You can also hire a taxi inexpensively, which we hired for the day.
Bram says
I had absolutely no idea that this existed. Great stuff, this is exactly what travel blogging is for!
Mandy says
Gosh, what a truly beautiful place. I imagine that it will be quite immense once it is finished. It is hard to imagine such a fine place taking 30 years or more to build. You usually see those kind of projects leading to skyscrapers, don’t you?
I often find that the outside of places interests me far more than the interiors. I will often spend ages photographing the outside of a church and then find I’m underwhelmed with the inside.
Val-This Way To Paradise says
This was my favorite temple in Thailand! Great pictures…
Beth says
I had no idea you couldn’t enter without a guide now! That’s a good thing to keep in mind when I attempt to visit in April.
Jennifer Dombrowski says
The guide is only necessary if you want to go inside the temple. The signs were up about it when we were there and the website now lists the guide as required. I wouldn’t be too bothered by the new policy as I was honestly less-than-impressed with the inside. It’s small and very plain. Definitely worth the visit to the grounds though!
Henry Tan says
Not true regarding the guide, at least at present. My second time (1st was in 2005) there early this month. No entrance fee for locals but any foreigner can enter by paying of bahts as I did. After that, free to roam as I wish.
Patricia says
Visited the White Temple 26th Feb 2018. No guide was needed and cost 50 baht for foreigners.
Dyanne@TravelnLass says
Gaaa! I’ve been in Chiang Mai now for nearly 4 months and… I really MUST drag myself to see this before I leave (and exodus Asia after 2+ years, headed to resettle in Ecuador). Thanks for the nudge – I can only imagine that (given the white) it would be best to get there early morning for the best light.
Jennifer Dombrowski says
We were there just before sunset and the light was beautiful then too.
Beth says
I have always been intrigued with this temple and am so excited to visit finally in April!
Jennifer Dombrowski says
It’s really a beautiful temple! Definitely the most beautiful one we saw in Thailand. Enjoy your visit Beth!
Heather says
So pretty! We spent three weeks in Thailand and yet never made it up to see this magnificent place. I guess it’s good to always save something for the next visit 🙂
Jennifer Dombrowski says
We really enjoyed the Golden Triangle area and Koh Phangan, one of the Thai islands we visited. Bangkok was a little too touristy.
gregorylent says
gaudi’s next incarnation
Jennifer Dombrowski says
Perhaps! It certainly must have been an interesting vision for this temple.
Simon says
I’m not a big fan of Thai architecture (especially of the golden temples) but this one looks stunning and the photos are gorgeous!
Jennifer Dombrowski says
The Thai temples were pretty, but they didn’t blow us away like visiting some of the mosques have in the past. The White Temple is gorgeous though and I’m really glad we got to visit.
Rhonda @ Travel? Yes Please! says
Again, you’ve introduced me to a new place! That architecture is really over the top!
Jennifer Dombrowski says
Definitely our favorite temple we visited in Thailand!
Sand In My Suitcase says
Very beautiful temple! (Even though it’s dedicated to death) We didn’t get to visit it on our short trip to the Golden Triangle – wish we had though!
Catherine says
Very nice writeup. I was also searching for the best time to take photos.
I’ve been the the White Temple twice and both times were the wrong time/weather for photos. One was a grey day and the other was at 4.30 (but the sky wasn’t a clear blue). Next time I’ll stay in a nearby hotel and hit it at noon (on arrival from Chiang mai), in the evening, and then again at first thing in the morning. Fingers crossed it doesn’t rain.
Jennifer Dombrowski says
Bummer that you had gray skies when you visited Catherine. You can’t help the weather though. First thing in the morning or in the evening are the best times for photography. Midday is not because the sun is high in the sky and without the proper filters or shooting HDR, the sky will just look blown out and worse than if it were a gray day. Good luck with your next visit!