The "unique" white temple in Thailand

The White Temple (White Temple) is also known as Wat Rong Khun, the reason for its name is because the entire structure is white, combined with classical Thai temple architecture and surreal style. This is also a famous temple with the most strange and beautiful architecture in the world in Chiang Rai, Thailand.

The temple has an area not too large, only about 12,000 m², but all the decorative architecture here deserves to be called works of art. The creator of the temple is Chalermchai Kositpipat, a famous Thai architect and artist. He himself lives and is passionate about art and is also a Buddhist, so he really wants to build a temple that is all white to symbolize the purity of Buddha.

Surrounding the temple is a park with a lake and many strange hand-crafted sculptures, which may be demons, skulls, or monsters from Thai folklore.

Built in 1997, all the temple's structures were handcrafted by Chalermchai. In 2014, the temple was destroyed in an earthquake, but Chalermchai Kositpipat himself was determined to rebuild it. Chalermchai's goal was to create 9 separate architectural works using glass and plaster. These are the main hall, the hall, the golden building, the chapel, the museum, the art gallery, the accommodation area... Wanting to see the temple completed before he died, Chalermchai agreed to let his students help.

Wat Rong Khun has a total of 9 buildings including a main hall, a meditation area, monks' living quarters, a relic storage room and an art gallery. Therefore, to visit the temple, it takes a whole morning to enjoy all the beauty as well as do many interesting things such as praying, throwing coins, hanging prayers on trees...

To reach the main hall and enter the meditation area, people must cross the "rebirth - reincarnation" bridge across the deep moat with hundreds of arms reaching out of the water, symbolizing the mundane desires of the world. On both sides of the lake is the half-human, half-bird statue of the Buddhist myth Kinnaree. However, due to many cracks, visitors are not allowed to visit the inside of Wat Rong Khun, but can still admire this unique temple from the outside.

In front of the gate of heaven are two majestic and mighty guardians, carved with great sophistication, symbolizing "peace" and "death". Placing the gate of heaven in this position also implies that after escaping the sea of ​​suffering, people will reach the land of bliss.

Going further inside, you will come across the "lucky tree", where visitors can tie amulets for good luck. Next to it is the "praying well", you can throw coins into the well and pray for everything to go smoothly. Going inside to explore the temple, you will also see many paintings of many famous artists and characters such as Keanu Reeves, Michael Jackson, Elvis Presley, Superman, Spiderman... hanging here.

Located in the suburbs of Chiang Rai, the temple has a classic architecture mixed with surreal style that attracts a large number of visitors every year. The carvings and sculptures are so delicate down to the smallest detail that visitors always have to pay close attention and admire the rare beauty of this temple.

Wat Rong Khun is covered in white paint and covered with sparkling glass pieces. The entire complex is dotted with demon statues, skulls, heads hanging from trees and many other strange objects... These decorative details of Wat Rong Khun all have their own meanings, reflecting Buddhist philosophies, and praising the purity of human temptations, desires and wisdom.

Wat Rong Khun is now becoming more and more famous and welcoming a large number of tourists. The temple is open to visitors from 8am to 6pm every day, but at any time, even in the middle of the hot noon, this place is very busy and bustling.

You can visit the temple at any time of the year. However, the best time to visit is probably from now on, as November to February is the festival season in Thailand. Summer is also an attractive option to come here and witness the temple reflected in the beautiful sunlight.

An important note to be able to visit the temple is that you must dress modestly, not revealingly. In addition, if you visit the temple, you should combine sightseeing with famous places in Chiang Rai such as Karen Long Neck Village, Black House or the famous Golden Triangle.

Phuong Thao is the Editor of Travellive Magazine. She is passionate about traveling and loves to capture moments with her camera in every land she visits. Travel, art, and lifestyle are her favorite writing topics.

Phuong Thao