When I say North Thailand, many of you probably imagine famous cities like Chiang Mai or Chiang Rai. These cities became the main tourist hubs, and no wonder why.
Both of them are home to many beautiful Buddhist temples. So whether you’re visiting Thailand for the first time or you’re already planning your Thailand Itinerary make sure you include both cities because they have so much to offer.
The most famous temple in Chiang Rai is certainly Wat Rong Khun, which is also called White Temple. It’s becoming more and more popular each day.
A few years ago, we saw it on Instagram, and it blew our minds. We told ourselves that we need to go there and see it through our own eyes. Our small dream came true and we witnessed the beauty of the White Temple in Chiang Rai.
If you also want to visit this fascinating temple and are looking for more info, then you’re at the right place. In this guide, we’ll cover the history, how to get there, entrance fees, opening hours, dress code, and more.
What is the meaning of White Temple?
Wat Rong Khun is a modern, unconventional Buddhist temple that combines traditional Thai art with contemporary design.
Created by Thai artist Chalermchai Kositpipat, I believe that the temple symbolizes purity and enlightenment in Buddhism, represented by the white color.
Buddhist teachings guide people in freeing themselves from worldly temptations, desires, and greed, encouraging a focus on the mind and inner peace instead.
The hands reaching out from the ground symbolize human suffering, desire, and the cycle of rebirth. Hundreds of hands stretching upward are placed at the entrance of the temple.
On one side, it looks scary and like a scene from a horror movie, but on the other side, it’s incredible art that left us in awe.
The design emphasizes Buddhist teachings on overcoming greed, temptation, and desire as one progresses toward spiritual purity.
Where is Wat Rong Khun?
The temple is located around 13 kilometers outside of Chiang Rai.
How to get there?
The temple is easily accessible by car, taxi, local bus, or as part of an organized tour from Chiang Rai.
By scooter
Renting a scooter or car gives you the most freedom, and it’s certainly the most convenient travel option. You can rent the scooter for around 250 THB for one day. In some rentals, they might ask you for a cash deposit or your passport.
Always take photos of the scooter before renting. It’s very important because you never know if someone will try to force you to pay for scratches you didn’t make. We had a great experience with B Rider so we highly recommend checking them out.
Tip: Don’t forget that you need an international driving license if you want to drive a scooter in Thailand.
By Grab taxi
Grab is easy to use, and many drivers will be available. This is the best option if you’re in a group of 3 or more people. It takes around 15 minutes to get there.
By local bus
From Chiang Rai’s old bus station (Bus Terminal 1), you can catch a local bus heading to the White Temple. Buses run frequently, and it’s a budget-friendly option. Just let the driver know you’re going to Wat Rong Khun, and they’ll drop you off near the entrance.
By organized tour
Many tour operators offer half-day or full-day tours that include the White Temple, often along with other Chiang Rai landmarks like the Blue Temple, which is another must-see place.
This is a great option if you’re traveling alone and want to meet fellow travelers, or you want a guide to provide insight into the temple’s history.
How much it costs?
Entrance fee: 100 THB per person
Parking fee: there is no parking fee
Many temples in Thailand are free, but here, you need to pay 100 THB per person. In our opinion, it’s not much and worth every penny. You will find a big parking lot in front of the temple and you don’t need to pay for it.
Opening hours
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday: 8 am – 5 pm
The White Temple in Chiang Rai is open every day from 8 am to 5 pm. Remember that the temple may adjust its hours on certain holidays or special occasions, so it’s a good idea to double-check before visiting.
Best time to visit Wat Rong Khun
So this is actually very important to discuss if you want to enjoy your visit to the fullest without the crowds. We highly recommend coming before opening hours.
You have to make sure to enter the temple as first visitors. It’s impossible to be there completely alone, but there are not many people right after opening.
If you can’t visit in the morning, another great time is before closing time. There will be more visitors compared to morning hours but still fewer than any time during the day.
How much time do you need
Plan to spend about 1 to 2 hours exploring the temple. This allows time to walk through the main temple, cross the bridge symbolizing the cycle of rebirth, and view the artist’s gallery nearby.
If you’re visiting during peak hours or enjoy photography, consider allowing a bit more time to experience everything without rushing.
Don’t forget to visit the toilets too! We have never seen such nice-looking toilets. But no kidding, it looks like they are made of gold. There are beautiful ornaments on the walls and ceiling.
What you should wear?
As with all Buddhist temples, basic rules must be observed here. This means that you should not forget to cover your shoulders and legs.
The same applies to both men and women. Please honor Thai and Buddhist culture and follow these rules. This is how we let the local people know that we respect them.
History of Wat Rong Khun
The White Temple has a unique history tied to the vision of Thai artist Chalermchai Kositpipat. Originally, Wat Rong Khun was a traditional Buddhist temple.
By the late 20th century, had fallen into a poor state of repair. Restoration attempts began but were soon halted due to a lack of funding.
Seeing the temple’s potential, Chalermchai, decided to completely transform this place for his own money without any funds. His mission was not just to restore but also to reimagine it as an intricate work of art that attracts hundreds of tourists each day.
Best tours in Chiang Rai
Frequently Asked Questions
Wat Rong Khun is certainly worth a visit. It is one of the main attractions in Chiang Rai and I bet its beauty will take your breath away and leave a lasting impression.
Hands sticking out of the ground represent human greed, suffering, and desire. These hands are placed under the bridge that leads to the main temple and represents the cycle of rebirth and the suffering caused by human greed and desire
Flying a drone around is strictly forbidden. Please follow the rules and don’t fly your drone. You can take beautiful photos on your phone or camera.
Where to stay in Chiang Rai
The best area to stay is near the bus station or around clock tower. If you’re looking for more budget friendly options, you’ll likely find them a bit further from the town centre.
Best hotels in Chiang Rai
Check availability
Other things to do in Chiang Rai
Visit the Blue Temple
Blue Temple, also called Wat Rong Suea Ten is another unique place that you certainly can’t miss. From its name, you can guess what it will look like.
It is much less visited than the White Temple, although, in our opinion, it is just as beautiful. You don’t even have to travel outside the city to find it, as it is located near the center of Chiang Rai.
The advantage is not only a smaller number of tourists but also free entrance and parking. Both temples are among our favorites in all of Thailand!
Khun Korn Waterfall
This waterfall is located 20 km from the city. The waterfall is situated within the Khun Korn Forest Park, which offers beautiful hiking trails and lush green jungle.
The trail to Khun Korn Waterfall is approximately 1.2 kilometers (about 0.75 miles) long, one way. The hike typically takes around 30 to 45 minutes to reach the waterfall, and the trail is relatively easy to moderate.
After hiking in the hot and humid environment, we couldn’t resist, and we jumped right under the waterfall. The water was refreshing and a bit cold, but it felt so good!
Wat Huay Pla Kang
Wat Huay Pla Kang is a beautiful temple in Chiang Rai, Northern Thailand, known for its blend of Thai and Chinese architecture. The highlight is the impressive Guan Yin statue, representing the Buddhist “Goddess of Mercy.”
The temple features a vibrant nine-story pagoda in gold, green, and red, with Chinese dragons at the entrance.
You can climb to the top for stunning views and enjoy the serene atmosphere, especially at sunset. This temple is a must-visit destination for everyone exploring Chiang Rai.
Wat Rong Khun final thoughts
As I mentioned, this is one of the most spectacular temples in Thailand. If you’re planning a trip to the North part of this incredible country, you can’t miss this place. In case you can’t stay in Chiang Rai overnight, it’s worth a day trip from Chiang Mai.
