The White Temple, Chiang Rai – Quick Guide – TREKwithBECK

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Wat Rong Khun – commonly known as the White Temple, is probably the most famous temple of all of Northern Thailand. This is one of the countries new temples, so it doesn’t date back too far, unlike others in the country. This is the most exquisite temple I have seen to date. The extraordinary architecture and many unique details are unlike anything I have ever seen.

If you are heading to the North of Thailand, and aren’t particularly a temple person – trust me this is the temple you want to visit! This blog post is going to give you a quick guide on all things to do with getting to the White Temple, dress code, cost and more.

What is the White Temple?

This temple jewel was created by the Thai artist Chalermchai Kositpipat, who had financed the construction from his own pocket and from donations. This work of art began with construction in 1997, with a setback in 2014, when a magnitude 6.3 earthquake severely damaged the White Temple. Believe it or not the White Temple is not yet completed! And is believed to be completed by 2070.

The White temple is open from 8 am to 5pm on weekdays, and until 5.30pm on weekends. There is a dress code – you will need to cover your knees and shoulders.

When is the best time to go for photos? Honestly…it’ll be busy all year round – unless you go in the off season. There are tours constantly visiting the White Temple. I’ve heard some people say it’s best to go early morning, or late afternoon. Honestly, I think it’ll be busy either way. I went during late afternoon, and it was busy – but I didn’t have to wait too long to get a good shot without people in it.

You can admire the temple from the outside, completely free! However, if you want to enter the complex it will set you back 100 Baht (roughly $5 AUD).

How to get there?

The White Temple is located roughly 12km from the main city of Chiang Rai, so you will need some type of transportation there. There are 4 ways you can get there, which I have elaborated on below.

This is the quickest and most convenient way to get to the White Temple. I would also recommend a Grab taxi over a normal taxi, as you don’t have to argue with the price, it is what it is on the app. I caught a grab motorbike from the centre of Chiang Rai, which cost me 98 Baht for a one way ride. A car would cost slightly more, around 150-200 Baht. I read a few blogs that grab drivers didn’t drive out to the White Temple for pick up/drop off, but I never had an issue while I was there!

You can also grab a Tuktuk, but like taxis – make sure you negotiate a price before stepping into the vehicle.

If you don’t have the Grab app, I highly recommend you download it for your travels through South East Asia!

There are multiple tours you can take in Chiang Rai, which will take you to all the attractions in one day. You can also get a few tours from Chiang Mai OR some places do stop off at the White Temple on the way to the Thailand/Lao border. You are looking at about 1500-2000 Baht for a full day or exploring from Chiang Rai. I would recommend looking at your hostel or hotel for deals.

There is a bus that heads to the White Temple from Bus Terminal 1 in Chiang Rai. This bus can easily be found by asking one of the locals or looking for the blue bus. It will cost you 25 Baht for a one way ride to the White Temple. The buses are basic and only have a few seats so you may need to stand for the duration (20min drive).

If you want to catch the bus back to Chiang Rai from the White Temple, it is simple. Once you’ve left the temple complex, head towards the main road (Phahon Yothin Rd). When you are facing the main road (or Honda Automobile), head to the left – towards Chiang Rai. There is a little bus stop maybe 50 metres from the intersection. This is where you will hail down the blue bus, to take you back to Chiang Rai. The bus comes every 20ish minutes.

The ‘bus stop’ Inside the bus on a busy day

You can also get to the White Temple by driving yourself via scooter – very easy to rent in Chiang Rai. You can also cycle here, as bicycles are pretty common in Chiang Rai. Just keep in mind, it will take you about an hour or more to cycle here and it will be along the main highway.

Walking through the White Temple

The White Temple of Chiang Rai is truly exceptional piece of art. Even the colour white is special because it actually symbolises mourning. The temple is white in colour as this symbolised Buddha’s purity and wisdom, which it is said “shines over the earth and the universe”.

The main building is reached via the bridge of the “rebirth cycle“. Before the bridge, hundreds of hands from hell will reach out to you: they are the symbol of unbridled desires. Therefore, the path to happiness symbolically follows past temptations, greed and the worldly desires. It should also be noted that the temple has a one way path, turning around is not allowed. After crossing the bridge, you will come face to face with the “Gate of Death“, which is guarded by two mythical creatures (Death, who decides on life, and Rahu, who determines the fate of the dead).

When you are inside the White Temple, photography is prohibited. Once you enter the Temple, it really is a mixture of religion and chaos. Murals of demons, flames, the burning Twin Towers, Michael Jackson, Batman and Harry Potter – have been immortalized in this temple. 

The White Temple is stunning, but don’t forget to walk around the grounds and explore the many other Temples and features! There are plenty of gold buildings or you can hang a lucky Bodhi Left for 30 Baht.

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