THAILAND'S MOST UNIQUE BUDDHIST TEMPLE
On my travels around Northern Thailand I visited the popular White Temple called Wat Rong Khun, a huge Buddhist temple and an artistic masterpiece situated just outside the city of Chiang Rai.
I travelled approximately 3 hours by bus from the nearby city of Chiang Mai and when I finally arrived, it took my breath away. I had been looking forward to seeing this particular temple, and it proved to be absolutely magical and dreamlike, but a little bizarre as well, making it quite a unique experience.
Wat Rong Khun is a must-visit attraction and undoubtedly one of the grandest temples and most famous landmarks in the country today. Locals and tourists are drawn here to immerse themselves in its ethereal and unconventional landscape. Everything depicts a religious or symbolic message for you to try and interpret, pertaining to life, death and beyond.
Ultimately, the whole site is dedicated to Buddha and hence many different Buddha statues are located around the premises. Buddhist Monks are also present on site.
White Temple Design
Local Artist
The mastermind behind the Chiang Rai White Temple is a renowned local artist who designed and funded the build of this whole temple complex, including the main hall and external buildings. The temple remains privately owned by the master artist.
Thai style and Modern Culture
The design pays homage to art, religion and popular culture. Here, traditional Thai architectural style is combined with modern world influences, incorporating some pretty crazy and scary looking features throughout the site.
The classic Thai elements visible are the Naga serpents, the 3-tiered roofs, Buddas
The White Exterior
Furthermore, the exterior is completely white symbolising the purity of Buddha. The whole structure has been lime washed and embellished with mirrored mosaic pieces to reflect the light. This technique gives it a bright, dazzling appearance, especially in the sunlight. I do wonder what it would look like at night, probably a little ghostly.
Unlike Other Temples
Wat Rong Khun is unlike any other temple you’ll see, most of which are traditionally brightly coloured with gold accents and considerably smaller. Here we have a more contemporary and artistic temple which exudes grandeur and opulence.
Similar famous landmarks around the world I have visited are the Taj Mahal and the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.
The White Temple Grounds
The landscaped gardens are very picturesque and serene, with tropical plants, large trees and topiaries. As I wandered around the grounds, away from the main temple hall, other things caught my attention – a cave musuem, waterfall, ponds with fish, unusual statues, stone carvings, bells and more.
It’s the perfect setting for exploring and taking photos.
But there are also some crazy characters featured around the grounds, which you don’t normally associate with a religious landmark. Dotted throughout are creatures of Thai mythology, like half-man/half-bird creatures, together with modern day heroes of popular movies, and some rather macabre sculptures. It all makes for an interesting temple experience, albeit a little unconventional.
The site resembles somewhat of a fairytale attraction, similar to a theme park, but without joy rides.
Other Structures To See At The White Temple
There are various other beautiful and interesting structures to see around the complex, which include:
- golden Ganesha Hall
- golden restrooms
- various towers
- donation trees
- many sculptures and statues
- cave museum
- waterfall
- fountains
- ponds
- gazebo
- meditation rooms
- crematorium
- belfry
- Artist’s museum.
Some of the monuments are finished in white as per the temple, reflecting the purity of Buddha. Others are a rich gold said to relate to the materialistic world.
Even the toilet block is stunning, ornately decorated in intricate gold detail, fit for royalty and probably the most beautiful public restrooms you’ll ever see.
More Info About The White Temple
Interesting information about the site:
- The Artist and Owner of Wat Rong Khun is Mr. Chalermchai Kositpipat.
- Construction of the temple commenced in 1997.
- It was built on the site of a former dilapidated temple.
- The whole complex spans an area of 32 acres.
- Additional structures and adornments are still being added and will be ongoing for several decades to come.
- Cost of the project is in the millions of dollars, funded by the sale of the artist’s own works.
Tips For Visiting The White Temple
- Chiang Rai’s White Temple is located on Phahonyothin Road.
- Open everyday, from 8am to 5pm.
- The grounds are free to walk around.
- The main part of the white Temple requires a ticket.
- No photos allowed inside the Temple hall.
- Allow 1-2 hours to explore the whole complex.
- Wear respectful clothing, as you would to any place of worship, although they are not too strict here.
- Bring a hat, drink and comfortable shoes.
- Directly opposite is the Art Gallery, showcasing the artist’s work.
- There is a shopping arcade with various eateries and retail outlets here too.
- You can take a Guided Tour of the White Temple, including nearby Blue Temple.
- You may wish to hire a car with a driver to take you there.
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