Wat Rong Khun, also known as the White Temple, is one of the most spectacular among the Thailand temples, and maybe even in the whole world. The temple was designed and built by artist Chalermchai Kositpipat, and is artistically different from other temples in Thailand. Click here to book a hotel in Chiang Rai.
It’s easy to get jaded when visiting temples in Thailand, as many of them look pretty similar and some may even be odd and weird. But the White Temple really stands out from the rest. It is the most spectacular temple I’ve ever seen, and these images just don’t do it justice. This is a temple that needs to be seen in person.
Work on the temple began 16 years ago, and Chalermchai expects the work to last a further 90 years. He’s already made plans for others to carry on the work after his death, and hopes that one day it will become as famous as the Taj Mahal and Ankor Wat.
The temple and grounds are the cleanest and best looked-after that I have seen anywhere in Thailand, and this is mainly due to Chalermchai taking personal charge of the project. He works at the temple on most days and helps out with all aspects of the project, including the cleaning chores.
Murals on the wall inside the temple (no photography allowed) show demon images with the eyes of George Bush and Bin Laden. Chalermchai says he wants everyone to know that the world is being destroyed by those that built weapons that kill.
The image above show the amazing attention to detail that is evident in all the buildings within the temple grounds.
Believe it or not, but the building above is where the toilets are located. The temple is magnificent, so why shouldn’t the toilets be magnificent as well?
How To Get To The White Temple, Chiang Rai
Getting to the White Temple in Chiang Rai is very easy. There is a local bus that departs from platform 8 of the old bus station in the town center. Just tell the driver or conductor that you want to get off at Wat Rong Khun, and they will make sure the bus stops there. It’s a 13 km journey from town and costs 20 baht per person. They will drop you off on the side of a dual carriageway, and the temple is on the opposite side, around 100 meters away. Be very careful when crossing the road, as there isn’t any pedestrian crossing there.
To get back to Chiang Rai, just wait at the opposite side of the road from where you were dropped off, or a bit further along outside the police station. You can flag down any bus or songthaew, as most are heading towards Chiang Rai.
Hotels In Chiang Rai
If you’re planning to spend a few nights in Chiang Rai, then check out the prices on Agoda, via the link below.
