White Temple (Wat Rong Khun)

Artist Chalermchai Kositpipat started building the White Temple in 1997, and it remains a work in progress: some estimate that the structure and its grounds won’t be finished until 2070. Yet the brilliant exterior—made from a mix of white paint and mirrored chips—makes Wat Rong Khun one of Chiang Rai’s most popular sights.

• The temple charges a small entrance fee.

• Avoid revealing clothing; and wear shoes that you can easily slip off; as at other Thai Buddhist temples, you’ll be required to remove your shoes before entering the White Temple.

• The White Temple is accessible for travelers in wheelchairs and has adapted bathrooms.

The White Temple is located just outside the city of Chiang Rai, about 8 miles (13 kilometers) southwest of the city center center, near Highway 1 (and not far from Highway 18, the main road that takes you to Chiang Mai). You can reach the site on a local bus that leaves from Bus Terminal 1, or grab a songthaew taxi (which offers seating in the back of a pickup truck) near the market on Uttarakit Road.

The White Temple opens quite early in the morning and stays open until late afternoon. It is the city’s biggest draw, so to get a good view of the site, consider staying in Chiang Rai overnight so that you can get there early and beat the big tourist buses. The temple is most crowded during peak tourism season (December–January) and on weekends.

Much smaller than its better-known neighbor, Chiang Mai, the city of Chiang Rai offers plenty of great sights, from hill-tribe villages, lively street markets, and great food to Kok River cruises and mountain hiking trails. After seeing the White Temple, visit the Baan Dam Museum (sometimes called the Black Temple), the Blue Temple (Wat Rong Sear Tean), and Wat Phra Kaew, the original home of the Emerald Buddha now located in Bangkok.

The bright, dramatic architecture of Chiang Rai’s White Temple (Wat Rong Khun) is its most famous attribute. The temple was opened in 1997 by a Thai national artist to represent purity and to reflect Buddha’s teachings out into the world. It is the most well-known temple in Chiang Rai.

Yes, there is a small entrance fee to visit the White Temple (Wat Rong Khun). For foreigners, it’s around 100 baht. Thai visitors can enter for free. You don’t need to pay anything if you just want to admire the temple from outside or explore the grounds nearby.

Visit the White Temple (Wat Rong Khun) on your own or with a tour. The temple is open from early morning to evening, so you have most of the day to stop by. A guided tour will likely offer more in-depth information about the temple than if you visit independently.

Plan to spend at least an hour visiting the White Temple (Wat Rong Khun). There is plenty to look at and learn about inside, and the exterior grounds include a reflecting pool. You can stay longer if you’d like to enjoy the ambiance of the Buddhist temple, too.

Yes, dress conservatively and respectfully when paying a visit to the White Temple (Wat Rong Khun). Shoulders and knees must be covered, and it’s best to avoid tight, revealing clothing. Loose and flowy clothes made of breathable, light-colored fabric will keep you cool in the hot and muggy Thai weather.

Yes, the White Temple (Wat Rong Khun) is worth visiting and is the most popular temple in Chiang Rai. Thailand is full of gorgeous, ornate temples, which sometimes can be overwhelming. Make a list of temples you want to see in advance, so you can avoid feeling “templed out.”