Thailand

With its dazzling white facade, the Wat Rong Khun, commonly known as the White Temple, is the pride of Chiang Rai city. Let's delve into the details of this attraction!

In Chiang Rai, a province in the far north of Thailand, tourism goes hand in hand with visits to sacred sites. The Wat Rong Khun, opened in 1997, stands out prominently. Better known to foreigners as the White Temple, this whimsical creation by Chalermchai Kositpipat is among the must-visit attractions in Chiang Rai during a stay in Thailand. Although the site resembles a religious complex, its purpose is quite different: the nine buildings house extraordinary works of art, from meditating Buddha statues to idols of pop culture icons like Michael Jackson and murals celebrating Theravada Buddhist doctrines. Its immaculate white color gives the structure a unique charm that takes the breath away from both residents and foreigners alike.

Historical notes

The famous white temple was born from the restoration of an old temple in ruins, the Wat Rong Khun. The project was delayed due to the municipality's financial troubles. Chalermchai Kositpipat, an architect from Chiang Rai, timely offered his help; he expressed his willingness to take on the reconstruction of the temple at his own expense. Construction work began in 1997. Was the donor acting out of pure philanthropy, driven by civic pride for his hometown? Or was it the ambition of a courtier seeking to flatter King Rama IX? Perhaps there's a bit of all these reasons, but the motive of conviction outweighs the others: by restoring the temple to its former glory, Chalermchai Kositpipat believed he was offering a gift to Lord Buddha and counted on this to secure his own immortality. Rumor has it that the expenses incurred by the investor to complete this project amounted to over 30.24 million euros. That's quite an astronomical sum!

On May 5, 2014, an earthquake struck the Chiang Rai region, causing critical damage to the temple. Faced with this disaster, artist Chalermchai Kositpipat considered demolishing the structure for the safety of the inhabitants. It was a misjudgment, as professionals dispatched to the site believed that the temple's condition was still reparable. Rehabilitated for a second time, the Wat Rong Khun continues its legend as a temple of Thai art and culture today.

Description and attractions of the White Temple

Welcome to a private art museum with a monastery-like atmosphere! Entirely white and adorned with glass fragments, it resembles the fairy palaces seen in books. The small lake alongside the building adds to its dreamlike setting. The owner ensured that the White Temple reflected the architectural trends of the Lanna era.

Cross the bridge over the lake leading to the temple. Symbolically named the "bridge of the cycle of reincarnation," if you look down, you'll notice an infinity of sculpted hands representing the damned souls of hell. Despite their efforts to cling to the bridge, they succumbed to greed, envy, and the temptations of the world, turning away from the path to happiness. The bridge reminds believers that renouncing sins is necessary to reach the other side of life—nirvana.

Once across the bridge, you reach the "gate of heaven," guarded by two terrible deities—Death and Rahu—who have the final say on the fate of the deceased. After taking a few photos, you enter the complex itself. Dazzlingly white, it exerts a captivating power over all visitors. The choice of color is suggestive: white expresses the ideal of purity pursued by Buddhists; as for the stucco and mirror decorations, they evoke Buddha's discernment and intelligence.

The final completion of construction is scheduled for 2020. Architect Chalermchai Kositpipat plans to add nine buildings. For now, the White Temple features two notable attractions: the Ubosot and the Golden Building.

The Ubosot of the Wat Rong Khun

This building faithfully follows the plan of the ancient temples of the Lanna Kingdom. Take a look at the classical three-tiered roof and the sculptures of nagas, serpent-like deities that accompany Buddha during his meditations. But what makes the Ubosot unique in the eyes of visitors are the marvelously embedded mirror tiles on the facade. The interior also holds surprises. Don't expect to see paintings depicting Buddha's past lives. The decor combines the violent Terminator, the fervent Michael Jackson, the cute Hello Kitty, or the spirited George Bush, among other idols of Western culture. The Avengers heroes are also present. Alongside portraits of superheroes, images of terrorist attacks and industrial machinery remind visitors of how man's wickedness has destroyed the planet.

The Golden Building

The golden color of the Golden Building contrasts with the immaculate white of the Ubosot. These two diametrically opposed hues represent the eternal struggle between body and spirit. Here again, Theravada Buddhism teaches us to deepen spiritual contemplation at the expense of material goods and money. That said, the elegance and richness of the decor are worth a visit.

Oyster farming in the heart of the temple

The Wat Rong Khun will amaze foreign visitors with its small oyster park. Children will be delighted !

Practical information

The Wat Rong Khun is open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with an extra hour on weekends (6:00 p.m.). Thais enter for free, while foreign tourists pay an entrance fee of 50 baht or 1.30 euros per person.

Good to know

After visiting the complex, art enthusiasts can stop by Chalermchai Kositpipat's gallery. They can make a donation to fund the temple's work. The amount of donations should not exceed 10,000 baht (280 €).

Tips

The temple is crowded with tourists during the peak season, as it is a top attraction. For a quieter visit, aim to arrive early or late in the day. This way, you'll have the chance to linger over the most interesting details.

However, refrain from planning a visit during holiday periods to avoid the crowds.

Photography is strictly prohibited inside the main building.

As Wat Rong Khun is considered a sacred place, remember to dress appropriately when you visit (forget about miniskirts and shorts).

How to get there?

Wat Rong Khun is located 13 kilometers south of Chiang Rai. To get there, public buses, blue songthaews, and taxis are available:

• bus: from Chiang Rai, the bus will take you to the temple for 20 baht one way;
• taxi: for those who prefer comfort. The fare costs around 300 baht, or 8.4 euros.
• Songthaew: Their meeting point is Utarakit Road. The price of a songthaew varies around 20 baht (0.56 €). If you choose this type of transport, you will get off at a junction just 100 meters from the temple.
• Your driver with Sawa'Discovery will take you directly to the White Temple for an exceptional visit!