Wat Rong Khun

Wat Rong Khun, also known as the White Temple, is the most popular attraction in northern Thailand and is located about 30 minutes south of the historic city of Chiang Rai.

This temple was designed and built by artist Chaloemchai Khositphiphat in 1998 and building still continues today.

The temple was built with the intention of having it serve as a learning and meditation centre and for people to gain benefit from Buddhist teachings. Today, works are still ongoing at the temple and there will be a total of 98 unique buildings for visitors to explore on-site.

Visitors will be enthralled by the detail contained in each of the buildings on site. The temple is covered in mosaic style with glass covering every square inch. This gives a dazzling impression with the temple glistening in the sun. There are also many morbid features of the temple including skulls, dismembered bodies and demons.

There are shops serving food and drinks on the grounds as well as a number of souvenir stalls. On some days, you may also see the artist Chaloemchai Khositphiphat himself, as he enjoys lounging around the grounds admiring his work.

As with all temples in Thailand, visitors must ensure they are dressed respectfully. This includes covering knees, shoulders and midriffs.

If not taking a private tour, you can get there via taxi from Chiang Rai which will take around 30 minutes and cost 250-300 THB. Alternatively, you can take a bus for only 20 THB which leaves from the bus station near the Night Bazaar in Chiang Rai.