Chiang Rai · Contemporary Buddhist art temple known as the White Temple
Wat Rong Khun in Chiang Rai is known as the White Temple for its white architecture and fine, pointed sculptures that tell Buddhist stories. Conceived by Chiang Rai artist Chalermchai Kositpipat, it invites you to look at the bridge before the white hall and figures drawn from mythology as you would look at an artwork.
The White Temple is about 14 km from central Chiang Rai, so allow time to travel there and back. If you enjoy contemporary Thai art or architecture, take your time with the white hall, bridge and sculptures depicting mythological beings. Look at the overall form of the buildings as well as the fine details up close.
Pa O Don Chai Road, A. Muang, Chiang Rai, Pa O Don Chai, Mueang Chiang Rai District, Chiang Rai 57000
Wat Rong Khun is a contemporary temple created to express an artist’s ideas, rather than a restoration of an old building. Chalermchai Kositpipat expressed Buddhist and mythological themes through white halls and sculptures. Details running along the roof edges and around the windows make the whole building feel like one work of art.
The bridge leading to the white main hall represents a Buddhist journey from hell towards heaven. The Tourism Authority describes the bridge and sculptures around the hall as parts of one journey. First take in the whole white building from a distance; as you approach the bridge, you will see how the sculptures on both sides lead towards the main hall.
As you cross the bridge and approach the hall, the white decorations that looked like one surface from afar resolve into smaller sculptures along the roof edges and windows. Follow the route open to visitors on site, and view the decorations and main hall from areas where access is permitted.
The grounds also have a restroom building with a golden exterior that contrasts with the white halls. Its detailed decoration shows the artist’s different expressions across the buildings, including an everyday facility. Follow the on-site guidance about the artworks and areas open to visitors indoors.
If you also visit the Blue Temple in Chiang Rai, you can compare the white halls here with the blue halls there. They are separate locations and require separate journeys, but it is easy to remember the contrast between the white sculptures at one and the blue and gold decorations at the other.
Taking photos of the exterior is different from photographing works inside the halls. If photography restrictions are posted indoors, put your camera away in those areas.
Visitors of all genders are advised to wear clothing that covers the shoulders and knees. A sleeved top with long trousers or a skirt that covers the knees is a practical choice. Please dress modestly rather than wearing a sleeveless top or short bottoms.
It is a contemporary temple created by Chalermchai Kositpipat around Buddhist and mythological themes. Rather than a faithful restoration of an old building, it offers the artist’s expression in its white halls, sculptures and restroom building with a golden exterior.
The bridge represents a journey from hell towards heaven. Crossing it in front of the white hall and seeing the sculptures along its sides are part of the artwork. Follow the route open to visitors across the bridge and around the hall.
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Sharing image credit: Ddalbiez / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 3.0
