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Wat Rong Khun

The White Temple, Chalermchai Kositpipat's mirror-glass masterpiece 13 km south of Chiang Rai. ฿200 for foreigners, open daily from 08:00.

4.6(25,149)
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Plan your visit

Hours
Daily 08:00–17:00

Dress Modestly

Cover shoulders and knees at all temples. Carry a light scarf or sarong — some temples lend wraps, but not all. Shoes come off before entering any building with a Buddha image.

Finding your way around Wat Rong Khun

Layouts, fares and hours change. If something here has moved, use “Suggest a correction” at the bottom of the page.

Getting there and around

  • The local bus from Chiang Rai's Terminal 1, platform 8, runs 19 times a day between 06:15 and 17:50 for ฿20 to ฿25 and stops at the temple gate, about 20 to 30 minutes from town.
  • The temple is about 13 km south of the city center in Pa O Don Chai, so a Grab or a hired car with the Blue Temple and Baan Dam is the other way to do it.

Details

Full opening hours
Monday08:00–17:00
Tuesday08:00–17:00
Wednesday08:00–17:00
Thursday08:00–17:00
Friday08:00–17:00
Saturday08:00–17:00
Sunday08:00–17:00

Why go, and how to do it well

Wat Rong Khun, the White Temple, is the ongoing work of the Thai artist Chalermchai Kositpipat, who began rebuilding it in 1997, and it's privately owned and still a working Buddhist temple. Its white plaster is studded with mirror glass and its traditional ornament pushed into something closer to contemporary sculpture, with a bridge over a sea of reaching hands leading into the main hall. Inside, the murals mix Buddhist imagery with pop-culture references, which throws some people. The grounds run on to a golden building, sculpture gardens, a gallery and the Cave of Art, the part reviewers keep singling out.

Since 1 January 2026 foreign visitors pay ฿200, double the old fee, and the ticket now includes the Cave of Art. Visitors over 70 and children under 120 cm go free, and Thai nationals don't pay. It opens daily at 08:00 and closes at about 17:30. Tour buses line up before opening and by mid-morning you'll wait your turn for a clear photo, so arriving early helps less than you'd hope. A weekday helps a little, and two hours is about right.

The temple is in Pa O Don Chai, about 13 km south of the city center. The local bus from Terminal 1, platform 8, runs 19 times a day between 06:15 and 17:50 for ฿20 to ฿25 and stops at the gate. Shoulders and knees covered, no exceptions.

Written by Mac Kiley · Updated Oct 2026

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Around here, on foot

Well-rated places within a short walk of Wat Rong Khun, nearest first. Minutes are at an easy pace in the heat.

Experience hints

Visitor favorite

Reviews from Google

A Vision in Alabaster – Wat Rong Khun (The White Temple) If you are looking for the most visually stunning landmark in Northern Thailand, Wat Rong Khun in Chiang Rai is an absolute masterpiece that defies traditional expectations. A Masterpiece of Architecture : While most Thai temples are known for their gold and red splendor, the White Temple stands out with its blindingly white exterior, symbolizing the purity of the Buddha. The architecture is a breathtaking blend of traditional Thai motifs and surrealist art. Every spire and curve is meticulously adorned with thousands of tiny mirrored fragments, making the entire structure shimmer and dance under the sunlight. It feels less like a building and more like a celestial palace. Unmatched Exterior Detail : The detail on the exterior is nothing short of staggering. As you approach the main temple (the ubosot), you must cross the Bridge of the Cycle of Rebirth. Below you, hundreds of reaching hands symbolize unrestrained desire—a haunting and powerful architectural statement that makes the transition to the "heavenly" temple feel even more profound. The craftsmanship is so intricate that you could spend hours just looking at the carvings. From the fierce guardian figures to the delicate, flame-like patterns on the roof, the level of precision is world-class. Why It’s a Must-Visit : The White Temple is more than just a religious site; it is a contemporary art installation that pushes the boundaries of design. Whether you are an architecture enthusiast or simply looking for the most photogenic spot in Thailand, the exterior of Wat Rong Khun is a sight you will never forget.

Wat Rong Khun, also known as the White Temple, is a breathtakingly beautiful temple. It is unbelievable how intricate the architecture is and every structure on the grounds is a masterpiece. Just about everything is a dazzling white and you have trouble looking away. The grounds are big and yet manageable to get around comfortably. There is so much to see and marvel at. I have no idea how everything stays so pristine but it is really just perfect. It started to get a bit crowded while we were there but there was still enough room to maneuver through the crowd smoothly. This was the ultimate highlight of my visit to Chiang Rai and I am so glad that we built this into our trip. Now for my standard comments. Location is very clean and well maintained. There is an admission fee but it is worth it. There are little shops and bathrooms on site.

A must-visit world famous location in Chiangrai. This temple has huge area with many interesting spots around. You will enjoy modern art architecture in exquisite designs inspired by Thai Kanok drawings.

A sample of visitor reviews from Google. Read all 25,149 reviews on Google.

Pa O Don Chai, Mueang Chiang Rai District, Chiang Rai 57000, Thailand

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Tips for Visiting Temples & Culture

Mind Your Feet

Never point your feet at a Buddha image or a monk — it's considered deeply disrespectful. When sitting inside a temple, tuck your feet behind you or to the side.

Ask Before Photographing

Exterior photos are almost always fine, but some interior halls prohibit photography. Look for signs, and never pose irreverently with Buddha images — it's a legal offense in Thailand.

Go Early Morning

Big-name temples are dramatically less crowded in the first hour after opening. You'll also avoid the worst of the midday heat and get softer light for photos.

Wat Rong Khun: Frequently Asked Questions

How much is the White Temple entrance fee?

฿200 for foreign visitors since 1 January 2026, double the old ฿100, and the ticket now includes the Cave of Art. Visitors over 70, children under 120 cm and Thai nationals go free.

How long do you need at the White Temple?

About two hours for the main hall, the golden building, the gardens, the gallery and the Cave of Art. It opens at 08:00 and closes at about 17:30.

What is the story behind the White Temple?

The artist Chalermchai Kositpipat began rebuilding the temple in 1997 and is still working on it. White stands for the Buddha's purity and the mirror glass for his wisdom shining out, and the bridge of reaching hands represents desire you leave behind before entering.

What is the dress code for Wat Rong Khun?

Shoulders and knees covered, with no exceptions at the gate. Sarongs are lent at the entrance if you need one.

Is Wat Rong Khun worth visiting?

Wat Rong Khun holds a 4.6★ rating from 25,149 Google reviews, placing it among the highest-rated temples & culture in Chiang Rai.

What are the opening hours of Wat Rong Khun?

Wat Rong Khun is typically open 08:00–17:00 — see the full day-by-day schedule in the location info on this page. Hours can change on Thai public holidays, so check ahead for holiday visits.

When is the best time to visit Wat Rong Khun?

The best months to visit Chiang Rai are November – February, with the most reliable weather. Crowds peak in December – February — going early in the day usually means fewer people. Months to think twice about: Mid-February – April (smoke & heat).

Where is Wat Rong Khun located?

Wat Rong Khun is at Pa O Don Chai, Mueang Chiang Rai District, Chiang Rai 57000, Thailand, in Chiang Rai. Getting around Chiang Rai: Grab (available in city center); Songthaews.

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