The "one-of-a-kind" white temple in Thailand

The White Temple, also known as Wat Rong Khun, gets its name because the entire structure is white, combining classical Thai temple architecture with surrealist style. It is also a famous temple with one of the most unique and beautiful architectural designs in the world, located in Chiang Rai, Thailand.

The temple is not very large, only about 12,000 square meters.²However, all the architectural decorations here deserve to be called works of art. The creator of the temple is Chalermchai Kositpipat, a renowned Thai architect and artist. He himself lived and was passionate about art, and as a devout Buddhist, he wished to build a temple entirely in white to symbolize the purity of the Buddha.

Surrounding the temple is a park with a lake and many strange handcrafted sculptures, possibly depicting demons, skulls, or monsters from Thai folklore.

Built starting in 1997, all the temple's architecture was handcrafted by Chalermchai. In 2014, the temple was destroyed in an earthquake, but Chalermchai Kositpipat was determined to rebuild it. Chalermchai's goal was to create nine separate architectural structures using glass and plaster. These include the main hall, the main hall, the golden building, the chapel, the museum, the art gallery, and the accommodation area. Wanting to see the temple completed before his death, Chalermchai agreed to let his students participate in the reconstruction.

Wat Rong Khun comprises nine buildings, including a main hall, a meditation area, monks' living quarters, a relic storage room, and an art gallery. Therefore, it takes a whole afternoon to fully appreciate the temple's beauty and enjoy activities such as praying, throwing coins, and hanging prayers on trees.

To reach the main hall and enter the meditation area, visitors must cross the "reincarnation" bridge spanning a deep moat with hundreds of arms reaching up from the water, symbolizing worldly desires. On either side of the moat are statues of the mythical Kinnaree, a half-human, half-bird creature from Buddhism. However, due to numerous cracks and fractures, visitors are currently not allowed inside Wat Rong Khun, but they can still admire this unique temple from the outside.

In front of the gates of heaven are two majestic and imposing guardian deities, exquisitely sculpted, symbolizing "peace" and "death." Placing the gates of heaven in this location also implies that after escaping suffering, humans will reach paradise.

Further inside, you'll find the "lucky tree," where visitors can tie amulets for good fortune. Next to it is the "prayer well," where you can throw coins down and pray for smooth sailing in all endeavors. Exploring the temple interior, you'll also find many paintings and portraits of famous artists and figures such as Keanu Reeves, Michael Jackson, Elvis Presley, Superman, Spiderman, and more.

Located in the outskirts of Chiang Rai, this temple, with its blend of classical and surrealist architecture, attracts a large number of visitors each year. The exquisite carvings and sculptures, down to the smallest detail, always captivate visitors, leaving them in awe of this rare and beautiful temple.

Wat Rong Khun temple is painted white and covered in glittering glass shards. The entire complex is adorned with statues of demons, skulls, severed heads hanging from trees, and many other strange objects… These decorative details of Wat Rong Khun all have their own meanings, reflecting Buddhist philosophy and celebrating purity in the face of temptation and desire, as well as human wisdom.

Wat Rong Khun is becoming increasingly popular and attracts a large number of visitors. The temple is open to visitors from 8 am to 6 pm daily, but it is always bustling and lively at any time, even in the midday sun.

You can visit the temple at any time of year. However, the best time is probably from November to February, as Thailand is in the midst of its festival season. Visiting in the summer and witnessing the temple reflected in the beautiful sunlight is also an attractive option.

An important note for visiting the temple is that you must dress simply and modestly, avoiding revealing clothing. Additionally, if you visit the temple, you should combine it with sightseeing at other famous Chiang Rai attractions such as the Karen Long Neck Village, the Black House, or the famous Golden Triangle area.

Phuong Thao is an editor at Travellive magazine. She is passionate about traveling and enjoys capturing moments with her camera in every place she visits. Travel, art, and lifestyle are Phuong Thao's favorite writing topics.

Phuong Thao