Have you ever heard of the Wat Rong Khun (the White Temple) in Chiang Rai? If you haven't please read further! It's an amazing site in Thailand, that you need to visit!
What to expect in this article:
When did I visit the Wat Rong Khun?
Ever since I saw pictures of the Wat Rong Khun in Thailand a couple of years ago, I knew I wanted to visit this place. It looked heavenly amazing, pure, out of this world, so beautiful. So in 2022, I visited Thailand with a friend and beforehand I told her that I wanted to visit Chiang Rai as well. Well, my expectations were super high!
We took a flight to Chiang Mai (from Phuket), then a bus to Chiang Rai (which was pretty easy) and then after, we took a flight back to Bangkok from Chiang Rai. We were only 3 nights in Chiang Rai.
About the Wat Rong Khun (The White Temple)
Welcome to the mesmerizing realm of Wat Rong Khun, an architectural masterpiece nestled in the heart of Chiang Rai, Thailand. It is a Buddhist temple and opened in 1997.
This beautiful White Temple, with all of it’s details and design, invites visitors from around the globe. Having personally experienced the magic of this gem in 2022, I am still awestruck by the beauty of it!
If you want to take the same kind of pictures as me (with no people in it), please come early! We arrived just a few minutes after it opened up. When we were about to leave, it already got too crowded!
Wat Rong Khun and its symbols
Wat Rong Khun, also known as the White Temple, is a surreal blend of traditional Thai architecture and contemporary art. It shines in sunlight and every inch of the building has gorgeous details. Do you know that behind every little detail, there is a deeper Buddhist meaning to it?
- White Color: Symbolizes purity and the Buddha’s wisdom.
- Mirror Mosaics: Represent self-reflection and the idea that the temple reflects the beauty of the mind.
- Guardian Creatures: Mythical creatures like Naga serpents guard the temple, signifying protection and guidance.
- Hands Reaching Up: Symbolize the suffering and desire to escape from the cycle of rebirth.
- Entrance Bridge: Crossing the bridge represents the journey from worldly desires to enlightenment.
- Skulls and Hands: Depict the impermanence of life and the inevitability of death.
- Golden Building: Represents the cycle of life, death, and rebirth in Buddhism.
- Mural Art: Blends traditional Buddhist themes with modern influences, reflecting the artist’s vision
How cool is that, right?!
The 'heroes' of Wat Rong Khun
The only place where you can’t take any photos is inside the temple. I can say, the inside is just as beautiful, and interesting as the outside, plus it has a lot of symbols again.
As you walk through the temple, keep an eye out for the playful and sometimes unexpected characters – from superheroes like Spider-Man to iconic figures like Michael Jackson. There is a whole wall filled with these kinds of characters. It is almost a ‘Where is Waldo/Wally’ game 😉 My favorite was definitely to see Harry Potter. I did not expect this in Thailand!
The artist added fun things to show that spiritual feelings can be with modern stuff, and art can be enjoyed by everyone, no matter where they’re from.
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It's a photographers dream!!
Wat Rong Khun is a perfect spot for photography enthusiasts. It’s like a dream for people who love taking pictures, like me.
No matter where you point your camera, you’ll find something amazing to photograph.
The temple is filled with tiny details that make each photo special. Make sure from before that your camera or phone is charged because you won’t want to stop snapping pictures. I think my friend was going crazy with me. 😉
The memories and photos you create here will be treasured for a long time. It’s the ideal spot for a photoshoot, as long as you come early!
Where to stay in Chiang Rai?
We stayed in an awesome hotel, which was covered in gold. Not real gold of course, but it was so fun to stay here and the room was massive. See the pictures below. It is called ‘Nakaraj Princess Chiang Rai – Walking Street’ and the staff is very kind.
It is within walking distance of the market, where you can have some good food. We did take a taxi to Wat Rong Khun.
Some information about the White Temple
Address: Pa O Don Chai, Mueang Chiang Rai District, Chiang Rai 57000, Thailand
Website: GetYourGuide link
How to reach: By taxi it is easiest! Make sure to download Grab, as I mentioned in this article.
I hope you will love this site just as much as me! I would love to hear about your experiences, so make sure to message me!
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