Wat Rong Khun is a spectacular Buddhist temple in Chiang Rai, in northern Thailand. Entirely designed and self-funded by a local artist, Chalermchai Kositpipat, Wat Rong Khun was built to replace the former temple which had tragically fallen into disrepair. Completed in 1997, the basic structure of Wat Rong Khun was built using a concrete frame and a hand-made wooden roof, although the dazzling exteriors are plastered and coated with pieces of glass and mirror fragments that sparkle magically in the sunlight.
As one of the most recognizable temples in Asia, Wat Rong Khun, also known simply as the White Temple, is famous for its uniquely expressive statues and exceptionally beautiful surroundings. The white color of Wat Rong Khun was chosen to represent the eternal purity of the Buddha, to whom the temple is dedicated.
With elaborate gateways, elegantly decorated spires, and immaculate gardens that contain water features, statues, and Buddhist motifs, the White Temple is truly a wonder to behold. Wat Rong Khu has become an important pilgrimage site for Buddhists and is Chiang Rai’s most visited attraction by tourists and locals alike.
How Do You Get to the Wat Rong Khun Temple in Chiang Rai, Thailand?
The Wat Rong Khun Temple is located in Chiang Rai, in northernmost Thailand. That means if you’re traveling from overseas, it’s best to fly into Bangkok International Airport and then travel onwards to the city of Mueang Chiang Rai.
Once you’ve arrived in Bangkok, you can catch a flight to Mueang Chiang Rai which only takes 3 hours and gives you a bird’s eye view of the amazing scenery below. If you’re on a tighter budget, you can take a bus to Mueang Chiang Rai. The bus ride will take almost 11 hours but it only costs a fraction of a flight ticket.
The Wat Rong Khun Temple is situated 15 km to the southwest of Mueang Chiang Rai, the capital of the Chaing Rai province. Located just off Highway 1, the easiest way to get to the White Temple is to jump into a local taxi in the center of Mueang Chiang Rai. The taxi ride from central Mueang Chiang Rai to the White Temple takes 20 minutes and costs between 250 and 300 Baht, which is approximately 8 to 10 USD. Alternatively, the staff at the front desk of your hotel should be able to book you a taxi pickup at a convenient time.
If you’d prefer to use public transport to get to the White Temple you can take a local bus. The buses to the White Temple depart from the old bus station in the center of Mueang Chiang Rai and cost 20 Baht for the 30-minute trip.
When Is The Best Time To Visit Chiang Rai, Thailand?
The ideal time to visit Chiang Rai is between November and mid-April. At this time of year, you’ll avoid the monsoon season, when it’s extremely wet and humid, although you will have to contend with quite a lot of other tourists. Even so, the weather is warm and sunny and perfect for day trips, hiking in the forests, or exploring the region’s numerous attractions.
What Is There To Do In Chiang Rai, Thailand?
Explore the White Temple and Have a Picnic in the Gardens
The White Temple is open from 8 am to 6 pm each day and makes a fantastic day trip from Mueang Chiang Rai. The entrance fee is 50 Baht per person although additional donations are always welcomed to help with the upkeep of the temple and its grounds.
The entire temple and its grounds are full of stunning sculptures, esoteric symbolism, and designs that are inspired by some of Buddhism’s most important principles. As you explore the temple, you’ll be moved by the incredible craftsmanship and the profound truths about existence that are expressed in the many statues and fascinating architectural features.
A great way to complement your trip to the White Temple is to have a picnic in the gardens. You’ll be able to share food with your loved ones while admiring the awe-inspiring temple as it glitters in the sun. There’s also an on-site art gallery that sells works of art created by Chalermchai Kositpipat, the temple’s designer, as well as a coffee shop and souvenir store.
It’s worth remembering that when you visit the temple you should be as respectful as possible and dress modestly. You should also note that you’re not allowed to take photos inside the temple buildings, although it’s absolutely fine to snap pictures anywhere else on the temple grounds.
Take A Full-Day Tour of Doi Inthanon National Park, Waterfall and Royal Project
If you’d like to discover the astounding beauty of Chiang Rai’s natural environment, then this full-day tour is just the ticket! During the 8-9 hour tour, you’ll go hiking in the Doi Inthanon National Park, stop off at an authentic Karen village, browse a traditional Hmong Market, and climb up the park’s slopes to see the awe-inspiring Twin Pagodas of the King and Queen.
Your English-speaking guide will tell you all about the history of the area and point out interesting features, take you to see the park’s spectacular waterfalls, and arrange a complimentary vegetarian or vegan Thai lunch at the halfway point. Hotel pickups and drop-offs in an air-conditioned bus are also available from multiple locations in Mueang Chiang Rai.
You can find out more and book your place on this fantastic full-day tour, here.
Visit the Rescue Elephant Center and Meet the Loveable Residents
You may have heard the old saying that ‘elephants never forget’, but if you’re looking for an unforgettable experience during your stay in Chiang Mai, then a trip to the Rescue Elephant Center should be right at the top of your list. At the elephant reserve, you’ll learn all about the rescue elephants’ daily routines and find out how the tireless staff care for them.
Many of these elephants have been rescued from very bad situations and so to see them recovering and living a happy life in the rescue center is guaranteed to warm your heart. You’ll also get to see the elephants taking a bath – one of their favorite activities of the day – as well as pet them, help feed them, and interact with these gentle giants throughout your visit to the refuge.
There’s an English-speaking guide and as part of your tour, you’ll be able to enjoy a lunch or dinner at the refuge center before you return to your hotel in an air-conditioned vehicle. An excellent day trip for families with children and anyone interested in learning more about the lives of rescue elephants in Thailand.
You can find out more about the tour and book your spot on a half-day experience, here.
Join a Full-Day Tour of the White Temple, Black House, and the Blue Temple, with Lunch Included
If you’d like to immerse yourself in the history of some of Chiang Rai’s most popular sites, then why not join a full-day tour with an English-speaking guide and lunch included? The entire itinerary and admission fees are arranged on your behalf and you’ll be driven from place to place in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle.
Along the way, you’ll visit Wat Rong Khun, the Baan Dam Museum, Wat Rong Seur Ten, also known as the Blue Temple, and the Black House. You’ll also visit the Mae Khachan Hot Spring and stop for a delicious lunch of local cuisine and seasonal fruits. Hotel pickups and drop-offs are available from a wide range of locations in Mueang Chiang Rai.
You can find out more and book your place on the Full-Day tour, here.
Stay at the Cross Chiang Mai Riverside Resort
Situated on the peaceful banks of the Ping River, this luxury resort has 29 magnificent suites that combine the very best of modern conveniences with the traditional Northern Thai Lanna style of interior design. Nature takes center stage and steals the show in the Cross Chiang Mai Riverside Resort, with majestic 120-year-old Tamarind trees in the central courtyard and an opulent rooftop pool and bar that overlooks the tranquil Ping River.
Each suite has a minibar, a flat-screen TV, blackout curtains, air-conditioning, and a private bathroom with a shower. You can also make the most of the 24-hour room service and the airport pickups and drop-offs that are available for guests at the resort.
The Cross Chiang Mai Riverside Resort has a top-of-the-range gym and spa facilities while the on-site Oxygen Restaurant serves a delicious menu of French and Thai fusion cuisine in a splendid dining room. There’s also an on-site cafe where you can grab a coffee or a snack and a library where you can unwind and check your emails in the evening.
To find out more about the Cross Chiang Mai Riverside Resort and reserve your suite for a dream vacation, you can visit the official website, here.
