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Wat Rong Khun

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.

Wat Rong Khun White Temple, History & Chiang Rai Tour Thailand

Many visitors will come to Wat Rong Khun on their journey from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai. There are a number of tours that will take you from either city out to the temple, with the drive from Chiang Mai taking about 3 hours each way.

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.

About the author

Michael Jones

Michael created and runs the Chiang Mai Travel Hub website, as well as the Holiday Point travel brand that incorporates a network of 16 location based travel information and attraction websites around Australia, Asia, and around the world.

With 25+ years of online experience and a passion for travel (having lived in Chiang Mai for several years and has since visited several times), Michael not only researches and writes content for the website, he also tinkers behind the scenes with the website functionality & design.

Please reach out if you have any questions or suggestions.

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