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Visit White Temple (Wat Rong Khun) (Chiang Rai)

Presentation White Temple (Wat Rong Khun)

Thai name : วัดร่องขุ่น
GPS : 19.82418359,99.76321936 (See on the map)
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Located 13 km from Chiang Rai, Wat Rong Khun is a very recent temple. It is the most visited monument in Chiang Rai Province. Work of the Thai artist Chalermchai Kositpipat, started in 1997, teh temple continues to expand. Its creator himself announces that he will only be completed 60 to 90 years after his death. Its particularity, itis white. Completly white ! A very unique. Chalermchai Kositpipat took the traditional codes of buddhist temples and added contemporary elements. The main building is accessible by a path beginning with two forests of hands rising to the sky symbolizing desire. Some hold skulls, another a microphone, another a bowl... Inside the ordination hall stands in a fairly traditional Buddha statue but walls are decorated with a fresco mixing Buddhist codes with Matrix, Star Wars, september 11 and even King Fu Panda images which is not very common in such monuments.
The White Temple is primarily a work of art that you can visit, nothing here is intended to let you stay and pray, no incense, no trunk for donations, no support for candles. You can only visit it by following the one way visit direction, a speaker at the beginning of the elevated walkway scold people blocking the traffic to take pictures, another one at the entrance of the Wihaan you repeats "no photo". This organization spoils the fun a little, forcing you to take the visit a second time if you want to enjoy a bit more of the place, but it is really necessary as visitors are very very numerous.
Around the main building, there are some other creations of the artist like heads hanging in trees where you will recognize superheroes, souvenir shops or food stalls and a gallery of Chalermchai Kositpipat work. Toilets are in very stylish golden building!

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Guide to visit White Temple (Wat Rong Khun)

Admission fee: 200 TB
Open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

To go visit White Temple (Wat Rong Khun), you can also book one of the tours below.

How to get to White Temple (Wat Rong Khun) ?

To come from Chiang Rai, you can take bus 1246 (every half hour) or bus 1244 and 1241 at Bus Terminal Number 1. They have a small "White Temple" sign. There are although bleu cars going to White Temple. They are located at the songthaew station on Uttrakit Raod near the white Clock Tower. The journey takes around 30 minutes and costs 20 baht. The bus will drop you at the crossroads 100 meters from the temple. And to return, return to the intersection and wave at the bus near the Police Box or catch a songthaew.

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Some tours going to White Temple (Wat Rong Khun)

Chiang Rai must-sees tour by tuk-tuk - 1 day

Offered in English

This full-day tuk-tuk tour will take you to visit Chiang Rai's four must-see temples: the famous White Temple, its counterpart the Blue Temple (a Chinese Buddhist temple with its immense statue of the Goddess of Compassion), and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew). Lunch will be at a local restaurant. This tour does not include a guide, just a tuk-tuk and driver.

Details & Booking

Chiang Rai must-see temples & mountain tour

Offered in English

Visit the 3 unmissable temples of Chiang Rai: the White Temple, the Blue Temple and that of the Goddess of Compassion and head into the mountains to discover the landscapes and coffee plantations. A tour that sums up all the facets of Chiang Rai.

Details & Booking

Visit Chiang Rai with Bee a licensed Thai guide

Offered in English

Visit Chiang Rai with Bee, a Thai licensed guide guide who speaks good English. She will bring you to discover all the facets of Chiang Rai province. The detailed program of your visits will be established by discussing with her based on her suggestions, your tastes, and desires. Bee will also take care of booking a minivan with driver to offer you a complete service.

Details & Booking

See Sunset at White Temple with Heartmade Meal in a Farm

Offered in English

Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai, we'll visit the fanciful Blue Temple, have organic lunch and Blue Latte at the farm restaurant Sawan Bon Din (Heaven on Earth), Black house, Singha Park and see the vanilla sunset (weather pemitting) at the White temple.

Details & Booking

Doi Tung Royal Villa & White Temple with Signature Northern Meal

Offered in English

We'll start at White Temple, then let's have Northern Thai-style lunch at a local's favorite restaurant. After that, we'll go to Doi Tung Development Project, an area aimed to preserve nature and better the lives of local hill tribes. From flower garden to Tree Top Walk and visiting Akha people, Doi Tung Development Project is a great place to enjoy nature and learn about a local way of life.

Details & Booking

Discover White Temple & Choui Fong Tea Plantation in Chiang Rai

Offered in English

White Temple one of the most famous temple in Thailand, Blue Temple, Singha Park and visit the buildings that are attractive especially for architects at Choui Fong Tea Plantation. You can see panoramic view of mountains and tea plantation.

Details & Booking

Chiang Rai famous temples from Chiang Mai

Offered in English

Visit the most beautiful temples in Chiang Rai : one all white and one all blue! We'll also go to the unique Black House museum, also the lotus temple unseen in Thailand and have one of the best Khao Soi in Chiang Rai for lunch.

Details & Booking