Why Chiang Rai’s White Temple Is One Of The Most Photogenic Spots In Thailand
What is special about the White Temple, Chiang Rai?
Upon first glance, you’ll be taken aback by the striking, modern architecture of the White Temple in Chiang Rai (Wat Rong Khun). In contrast to traditional Thai temples you may have seen before, every inch of the exterior radiates white and is adorned with thousands of sparkling mirrors. Coupled with eerie pools of arms reaching up to the sky and unexpected pop culture illustrations – it is the brainchild of the strangest imagination between modernity and antiquity.
Intrigued? This famous, iconic landmark in northern Thailand that should not be missed. While you can expect hordes of visitors every day, this artwork of a temple is worth a visit even during the busiest of times.
After reading this article, you will have all the information needed to visit White Temple in Chiang Rai. We’ll cover directions on how to get there, entrance fees, the best times to visit, things to do, and any final tips!
Don’t get FOMO!
White Temple is one of the Southeast Asia bucket list things to do in Chiang Rai and one of the most beautiful temples in all of Thailand! If you’re looking for a tour to see all the region’s highlights, book this Chiang Rai Sightseeing tour that includes (almost) everything noteworthy in and around the city.
I’ve visited all the attractions on this tour and did so much inefficient route planning, I wish I had taken a tour to save myself the back-and-forth driving time.
Best of Chiang Rai Day Tour
⭐ Rated: 4.5 out of 5 (300+ Reviews)
What is the story of White Temple Chiang Rai?
By the end of the 20th century, the original Wat Rong Khun Buddhist temple was in extreme need of funds for renovations. Fortunately, local Chiang Rai artist Chalermchai Kositpipat decided to take matters into his own hands and generously funded this massive undertaking by investing an estimated THB 1,08 billion ($33 million USD) of his own money!
Kositpipat’s ambition is to form an educational and meditative hub in honor of Buddhist teachings, hoping this accomplishment will grant him eternal life (unsure if literally or figuratively). The Wat Rong Khun temple’s construction is a work-in-progress and not expected to be finished until the year 2070; it will contain nine buildings upon completion.
Where is it Located?
White Temple is located about a 20 minute drive (13 km) southwest from the center of Chiang Rai.
Many people visit Chiang Rai as the next destination from Chiang Mai, but note this attraction is nearly 3 hours (173 km) away. I encountered a few travelers who regretted coming for just a day trip due to how long the ride was.
Click here to go to the exact Google Maps location.
How do I get to the White Temple from Chiang Rai?
Being 20 minutes south of central Chiang Rai, the best way to get to White Temple is by Songthaew or Grab. If you plan to combine other attractions around Chiang Rai, renting a scooter is the cheapest way to get around.
Scooters can be rented for about 250 baht daily from many rental services around Chiang Rai or your accommodation.
Hailing a songthaew (pick-up truck with bench seats) is easy, and being such a popular destination, vehicles are running back and forth frequently. Even though the price is usually set, make sure to agree on a price with the driver before jumping in the back.
Note! After sunset, I did pick up another traveler who had been unsuccessful in their quest to locate a Grab ride back home to Chiang Rai. Perhaps, post-sundown, it may become difficult to hail a Grab since most people had already left and Wat Rong Khun had already closed for the day.
Related Post: Read full details on transportation in Thailand (no, there is no Uber).
Tours to The White Temple
Visiting Wat Rong Khun certainly does not require a guided tour. But if you are short on time and want to see everything in Chiang Rai, booking a Chiang Rai Sightseeing Tour guarantees you can visit all the highlights, not just in the city but the whole province!
The tour also includes other top things to do in Chiang Rai, all in one day:
- White Temple (Wat Rong Khun)
- Blue Temple (Wat Rong Seur Ten)
- Black House (Baan Dam Museum)
- Hill Ethnic Tribe (Karen Long Neck Tribe)
- Tea Plantation
- Burmese Border Gate (Mae Sai)
- Golden Triangle (where Myanmar, Laos, and Thailand Meet)
- House of Opium (Learn about opium)
As well as have a knowledgeable guide who can answer any questions and a comfortable vehicle.
I recommend this Chiang Rai Sightseeing tour in particular, which has been rated 4.5 out of 5 stars and has 120+ stellar reviews. Check out a review below:
The perfect tour to see everything in Chiang Rai in one day! Vam was an amazing guide, and Sam was the perfect driver. We never felt rushed, Vam told us all the interesting facts of each place, and everything was organized perfectly. Vam even told us about a flower festival and offered to drop us off there at the end! What an incredible day. I would 100% recommend this tour.
– Jordan_H (See more Reviews on Viator)
White Temple General Information
Entrance Fee
The entrance fee for Wat Rong Khun is 100 baht per person to enter. Contrary to the past, admission is no longer free and has since raised prices. However, if you just want to see the from the outside, you can just stroll around the temple grounds for free.
Opening Hours
Wat Rang Khun opens daily from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Best Time to Visit
Visually, the best time to visit is either early in the morning for sunrise or right before closing hours for the golden hour before sunset.
Tip! To beat the crowds, do not come in the morning! Instead, come late afternoon, right before they close, at 4 pm – 4:30 pm. Most tours come early in the morning, so unless you are the first ones there, it is insanely crowded.
When I arrived around 4 pm, the beautiful golden hour lighting illuminated the temple grounds. The last 10 minutes before closing, there was only a handful of people, which gave me a rare opportunity to take no people photos.
I lingered for the sunset, and while its gentle pinkish tinge was beautiful, the sun’s placement wasn’t ideal for making it stunning after sundown. Golden hour still reigns best.
Dress code
Like most other temples or religious sites in Thailand, dress modestly by covering your shoulders and knees. The rules seem to be a bit looser than the average temple, but the dress code is still decided at the discretion of the ticket attendant.
What to Expect: Things to Do & Tips
The temple itself is not very big, but there are a lot of intricate details to make a note of. Symbolism is everywhere!
Here are a few of the most significant symbols and their meanings:
- Creepy Pit of hands: unrestrained desire
- Bridge past the arms: the way to happiness is to forego said desires, greed, and other sins
- Two “Gate of Heaven” guardians: creatures who decide the eternal destiny of the dead
- Gold color: represents consumerism, money, and worldly desires (funny because the bathroom is a golden building, I think there’s some symbolism there)
- White color: represents merit and mindfulness
Can you go inside the White Temple?
Yes, you can go inside the temple but only if you pay the entrance fee. Photography is not allowed inside the main temple, and you need to take your shoes off before you enter.
Inside, a very realistic-looking monk is in a praying position. Don’t miss the bizarre murals on the walls featuring depictions of Michael Jackson, the Twin Towers, Harry Potter, Angry Birds, and more before heading out the back to check out the rest of the temple.
If you’re fortunate, a group of monks may be at the temple at the same time. The vibrant colors of their outfits contrast splendidly with the immaculate whiteness of the structure!
Around the temple grounds, there is also an art gallery for you to peruse through.
Where to Stay in Chiang Rai
From backpacker hostels to jet-setter luxury locales, Chiang Rai offers a vast selection of accommodation options for every type of traveler. Here is one recommended place to stay for each budget.
LUXURY WITH A WATERPARK – The Riverie by Katathani
Experience a luxurious blend of classic and modern by booking a stay at The Riverie. Immerse in Lanna culture through unique room decorations and enjoy upgraded amenities and modern bathrooms. Wake up to a delicious breakfast and take a stroll along the river walk, or make the most of our fantastic facilities, including a mini waterpark and state-of-the-art fitness center.
MID-RANGE PET DECOR PRIVATE ROOMS – Sleepy House Chiang Rai
Booking a stay at Sleepy House Chiang Rai means enjoying a delicious breakfast to start your day, after resting easy in modern, well-maintained rooms with adorable pet cats and charming decor. Their friendly staff will help you book tours and tickets and offer helpful tips to make the most of your stay. Located near the center of town, this hotel offers unbeatable value for its price.
MOST POPULAR BACKPACKER HOSTEL – Stay in Hostel
Conveniently located just a stone’s throw away from the Sunday market, the popular Stay In Hostel is the perfect base for your Chiang Rai adventures. The knowledgeable team there will guide you to the best traditional restaurants, art exhibitions, and must-see attractions in town. Sleep comfortably in stylish bunk beds, private rooms or female-only dorms with individual lights and outlets.
Bucket List Worthy: Is the White Temple Worth Visiting?
Yes, absolutely! I personally had a blast at Chiang Rai’s White Temple and couldn’t stop taking pictures. Oh man, so many pictures. From the outside, it looks like a castle straight out of a fairytale, and from the inside, you are immersed in its majestic beauty.
I think White Temple is among the most beautiful and unique temples I have ever seen, and I would highly recommend everyone visiting Chiang Rai to check out this place.
Where Next in North Thailand?
I’ve been to Thailand 10+ times in my life and now spend my winters there. That’s a lot of my life biking, hitchhiking, and bussing around this beautiful country. Check out these other posts to see if any of these destinations pique your interest.
- 9 Best Cooking Class In Chiang Mai, Thailand With Local Chefs
- 7 Best Tours To Chiang Rai From Chiang Mai, Thailand
- Grand Canyon, Chiang Mai: A No FOMO Thailand Visitor’s Guide
- Baan Dam Museum (Black House, Chiang Rai): A No FOMO Thailand Guide
- Blue Temple, Chiang Rai: A No FOMO Thailand Guide
- White Temple, Chiang Rai (Wat Rong Khun): A No FOMO Thailand Guide
- Bua Tong Sticky Waterfalls, Chiang Mai: A No FOMO Thailand Traveler’s Guide
- Discover The Best Of Pai Canyon, Thailand: A Traveler’s Guide
- Golden Triangle, Thailand: 14 Best Things To Do In Chiang Saen
- Chiang Mai To Pai: Guide To The Best Road Trip In Thailand
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Catherine Xu is the founder and author of Nomadicated, an adventure travel blog that helps travelers cross off their bucket list. Since discovering traveling in 2015, she has lived and journeyed to 65 countries across 5 continents and vanlifed the west coast USA for 2+ years. These days, she splits her time in Southeast Asia and California while sharing her travel stories and resources based on first-hand experiences. Catherine's other works has been referenced in major publications like MSN, Self, and TripSavvy.