Wat Rong Khun (White Temple),Thailand

The temple is the personal project of Chalermchai, begun in 1997 as a spiritual offering. The complex is continually under construction and expansion, intended by the artist to last many decades. Symbolic features—such as the bridge representing the cycle of rebirth and the outreaching hands representing desire and suffering—are often explained with moral and cosmological stories from Buddhism. The interior murals controversially incorporate modern pop-culture and global imagery to reflect contemporary human concerns.

• The ubosot (main white ordination hall) with intricate white plasterwork and mirrored glass
• The 'Bridge of the Cycle of Rebirth' (approach to the ubosot)
• The field of outreaching hands (symbolizing desire and suffering)
• Interior murals blending Buddhist themes with modern/pop-culture imagery
• Sculptural installations and ponds with reflective elements on the temple grounds

• All-white exterior with thousands of embedded pieces of mirrored glass that sparkle in sunlight
• Highly detailed plaster reliefs and sculptural flourishes combining traditional motifs with unconventional elements
• Strong symbolic program (purity, wisdom, moral allegory) expressed through architecture and art
• Continuously evolving complex—new buildings and artworks are periodically added

• Guided or self-guided sightseeing and photography of the exterior and grounds
• Quiet contemplation and observing Buddhist symbolism and artwork
• Visiting the artist's small exhibitions and nearby galleries (where available)
• Combining the visit with other Chiang Rai attractions (e.g., Blue Temple, Baan Dam Museum)

• Major Buddhist holidays observed locally (e.g., Visakha Bucha Day, Asalha Puja)
• Thai national celebrations such as Songkran (Thai New Year) and Loy Krathong—temple sees more visitors during these times
• Occasional special exhibitions or ceremonies tied to the temple’s ongoing construction and donations

November to February (cool, dry season) — comfortable temperatures and clearer skies; avoid the monsoon (July–October) if you want less rain.

Tropical climate: hot season March–May, rainy season June–October, cooler season November–February. Expect midday heat in summer and heavy showers in the monsoon.

Typical opening hours are roughly 08:00–17:00 daily. An entrance donation/fee for foreign visitors is commonly charged (historically around ~50 THB), collected to support maintenance and the artist’s project. Fees and hours can change—check locally before travel.

Located about 10–15 km southeast of Chiang Rai city center near highway routes. Nearest airport: Chiang Rai (Mae Fah Luang) International Airport (approx. 10–15 km). Accessible by car, taxi, tuk‑tuk or local songthaew; many visitors join small-group tours from Chiang Rai. On-site paths are mostly paved but some sculptural areas may be uneven; wheelchair access to all interior spaces may be limited—check on-site.

Plan 1–2 hours to tour the temple and grounds; longer if you want detailed photography or to visit nearby attractions (half-day to full-day for a combined itinerary).

Dress respectfully: shoulders and knees covered when entering sacred areas. Comfortable shoes (you will remove them before entering the ubosot), sun protection (hat, sunscreen), and a rain layer in the wet season.

Try northern Thai specialties in Chiang Rai such as khao soi and sai ua (northern sausage). Buy local handicrafts, prints or postcards of the temple and regional textiles as souvenirs. Support official stalls or nearby artisans.