Wat Rong Khun
Wat Rong Khun
4.5
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- fhoffmannbDüsseldorf, Germany405 contributionsAmazing placeWow! For sure we had seen pictures before but reality clearly was even nicer. Very beautiful place even knowing that it was started to be built only in 1997 and has no religious function. A must see on our trip through Thailand.Visited July 2023Traveled with familyWritten July 8, 2023
- Chewbacca WongHong Kong, China9 contributionsStunning.A beautiful temple complex with art galleries, all spotlessly clean. Having been to the Taj Mahal, I thought nothing could match it, but this comes close. Arrived around 1:30 pm when there were relatively few people and some good photo opportunities. Staff all very polite and helpful. Well worth the drive from Chiang Mai and a wonderful first day in Chiang Rai.Visited July 2023Traveled with familyWritten July 22, 2023
- Frederika1234Nice, France41 contributionsAmazing architectureThe unique beauty, the whiteness and the delicate architecture make it a stunning temple to see. It is one of the most beautiful temple I have seen in Thailand. It gives you the feeling of being in a wonderland; Depending on the angle and how it shines, it looks like it is made of ice, lace, glass or porcelain, it is really one of a kind temple. The temple is outside the town of Chiang Rai. For travellers without a car rental or a prebooked tour, you can just hire a taxi from Chiang Rai, it is not expensive.Visited December 2022Written August 5, 2023
- UncutNeusaess, Germany12 contributionsFantastic architectural templePretty astonishing architectural monuments. It is just outside of Chiang Rai, but probably one of the must-sees in comparison to some other temples. You have to dress politely as usual and pay 100 Baht per person, which is absolutely fine. It is a bigger place with several buildings (not just the temple itself). Great to walkt through, recharge a little bit, before the next trip starts. Additionally there is a chance for additional trips / exhibitions for an extra charge, but we did not went through those add-ons.Visited August 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten August 25, 2023
- ERIC RSan Francisco, California9 contributionsStunning, profound, impressive, do not missOne of the most astonishing collections/works of art I have ever seen. Very sad that no photo was allowed of painted artwork inside main building. Make sure you see the gallery of Chalermchai’s paintings which is next to the actual temple- as an artist myself it was very profound. Wish I could have bought a print but no way to bring back to USA without damage. Also MAKE SURE you go right when the temple opens and try not to go on a Saturday because half hour after opening the place was packed with people. Impossible to get photos with no other tourists in background (same at Blue Temple)Visited August 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten August 31, 2023
- Soumen CKolkata (Calcutta), India268 contributionsStunning templeIt is quite stunning and lived up to my high expectations. This was the highlight of the Chiang Rai trip and everyone liked the photos the most. It would be a good idea to reach this place early as it tends to get quite crowded. We went there from Chiang Mai and reached by 9.30. There were very few tourists when we arrived and we could take some nice pictures of ourselves. It is fairly large complex and you can enjoy some time here if you have spare time.Visited October 2022Traveled with familyWritten September 27, 2023
- MNB55Greater Sydney, Australia96 contributionsNot to be Missed in any trip to Thailand,This Wat is amazing. Although not that old by Thai standards it is up there with the best. Only 100b to enter. You can take all the pictures you want from outside but then you will miss the experience of inside. It is a must to see in Chiang Rai.Visited October 2023Traveled with familyWritten October 15, 2023
- Laurie RChiang Rai, Thailand77 contributionsWheelchairs available! Beautiful temple grounds!!I’ve been to this temple several times. It never disappoints! It is however getting very popular and therefore is extremely busy. Lots and lots of people everywhere!! Most of the grounds are free but if you wish to walk through the main temple, It costs 100 baht for a foreigner. The best part of this temple which I just discovered on my visit yesterday is they have complimentary wheelchairs available at the front and back entrance (by the parking lot) for anyone with mobility issues. The staff is WONDERFUL to assist with getting the chair up and down the ramps also (they are a bit steep so it can be difficult to manage alone). So helpful!Visited October 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten October 20, 2023
- MarcelaManSaladillo, Argentina39 contributionsInterestingInteresting temple, modern art, different, full of symbolism, nothing predictable. Admission is cheap. Don't forget to wear appropriate clothing, shoulders covered and legs up to the knees as well. If you need it, there are shops nearby that rent sarongs. It's very easy to get to, you can take a Grab.Visited October 2023Traveled with familyWritten October 21, 2023
- Food Paradise NetworkBali, Indonesia9 contributionsone word: AMAZING!Overall rating: 8/10 ⭐️ Best to reach by: Tour/local guide What to expect: A beautiful temple with intricate and amazing details. The area of this temple is not very large, but its all-white architecture makes it the best and highly popular to visit. The pool in front of the temple enhances its visual beauty as it reflects during the day. The temple itself has been under construction for many years, and the details, as you can see, are truly amazing. Must-do: When coming to this temple, you must bring a hat, sun block, and everything you need for a sunny day (it's very hot during the daytime!!!!). Don't wear shorts because this is a religious place; show respect by covering your legs with long trousers or a skirt. You can explore the temple in about an hour; that's enough time as it is not very big. However, make sure to stop by for a while because you'll want to take good pictures. Don't worry about food, drinks, or if you don't wear any hat or else because there are shops there, but you need to bargain for a good price. Tips: To reach this temple, we suggest taking a local tour or hiring a local taxi driver. We booked a driver who lives in Chiang Rai for a day to visit all the best temples in Chiang Rai, including the White Temple, Black Temple, Big Buddha Temple, and Blue Temple. He drives, drops you off, and waits for you to finish your visit.Visited July 2023Traveled with friendsWritten November 5, 2023
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4.5
7,894 reviews
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5,135
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585
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110
ciarbucks
Las Vegas, NV232 contributions
Feb 2020
I've been wanting to see this temple since I started planning my trip to Thailand. It was a must, so we decided to take a day trip to Chiang Rai from Chiang Mai.
It is about a 20 minute songthaew ride from downtown and costs 100 THB to get in. It is not really a temple, but more of an art exhibit. You must see this place! It is more beautiful than any picture you will see here. The white and mirror details glisten in the sun and make the entire temple look so radiant. If you're interested, I would suggest reading about the symbolism in the temple as it is very interesting (from the hands reaching from the floor to the hello kitty details inside the building).
We came at around noon, a little after our bus arrived at the station. I suggest coming as early as possible because it gets very busy very easily. It was very crowded when I came.
This should definitely be on your bucket list and was worth the trek to Chiang Rai!
It is about a 20 minute songthaew ride from downtown and costs 100 THB to get in. It is not really a temple, but more of an art exhibit. You must see this place! It is more beautiful than any picture you will see here. The white and mirror details glisten in the sun and make the entire temple look so radiant. If you're interested, I would suggest reading about the symbolism in the temple as it is very interesting (from the hands reaching from the floor to the hello kitty details inside the building).
We came at around noon, a little after our bus arrived at the station. I suggest coming as early as possible because it gets very busy very easily. It was very crowded when I came.
This should definitely be on your bucket list and was worth the trek to Chiang Rai!
Written February 16, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wanderlust
Nottinghamshire, UK241 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
We find it is always difficult trying to choose sights to visit as there is such a diverse and huge number of temples particularly. For us this has to be the most unusual temple, which perhaps did not hold the reverence feeling of others we have visited. Primarily this was because of the variety of sculptures, which to the uninitiated did not seem relevant to a religious temple. Grasping hands, faces mounted in trees etc. 100 baht entrance fee for tourists, would visit for a short trip but wouldn't make a day or even half day trip to see.
Written February 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
j1954g
Tetbury, UK3,290 contributions
Jan 2020
Ten years after our last visit to Wat Rong Khun we decided to take some Australian family members there to see this wonder of northern Thailand. Not only were they dazzled (almost literally) by the beautiful white buildings inlaid with tiny pieces of mirrored glass, and the care that had gone into building and maintaining them - so were we, as it is easy to forget what a marvel the place is.
We took a songthaew from Chiang Rai itself, leaving at quarter past seven in the morning (half an hour's journey) so that we were there quarter of an hour before the opening time of eight, and could take some photos of the temple from across the barriers before visitors were admitted.
There is so much to see - not only the famous main hall and its entrance over the bridge spanning the souls in hell, but the murals inside the hall which include a small depiction of 9/11 just inside the door (don't take photos inside or the guards will scream at you); there are other buildings, quirky items around the grounds, and an exhibition of paintings by the artist/architect Chalermchai Kositpipat.
Because the temple can become busy later, you do have to keep moving and it is difficult to go back and see areas you may have missed, so try and take in as much as possible as you progress through the main complex. You can wander at will in the grounds.
To the east of the temple entrance there is a small arcade of shops (I bought a very reasonable pair of cotton trousers there) and at least one café for refreshments.
We took a songthaew from Chiang Rai itself, leaving at quarter past seven in the morning (half an hour's journey) so that we were there quarter of an hour before the opening time of eight, and could take some photos of the temple from across the barriers before visitors were admitted.
There is so much to see - not only the famous main hall and its entrance over the bridge spanning the souls in hell, but the murals inside the hall which include a small depiction of 9/11 just inside the door (don't take photos inside or the guards will scream at you); there are other buildings, quirky items around the grounds, and an exhibition of paintings by the artist/architect Chalermchai Kositpipat.
Because the temple can become busy later, you do have to keep moving and it is difficult to go back and see areas you may have missed, so try and take in as much as possible as you progress through the main complex. You can wander at will in the grounds.
To the east of the temple entrance there is a small arcade of shops (I bought a very reasonable pair of cotton trousers there) and at least one café for refreshments.
Written March 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
NM Native
Albuquerque, NM10 contributions
Jan 2020
The temple itself can be entered by paying a 100 THB fee, but there are many other opportunities to look at art and enjoy the facility without entering the temple. There are no photographs allowed inside the temple, but the murals are fascinating. The temple is coated with white plaster embedded with mirror tiles and sparkles in the sunshine.
Written January 19, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Raintree_Thailand
Bangkok, Thailand3,910 contributions
Jan 2020
By far the number one tourist attraction of Chiang Mai these days, the "White Temple" is one of the more "Instagramable" places you'll find anywhere. The temple, by design or by accident, is situated in a manner that lends itself to countless great photos. Visitors pretty much selfie themselves to insanity here. The temple is unlike anything else in Thailand and certainly not a typical Thai temple.
Entrance to the temple grounds is free and they have some of the cleanest toilets in Thailand (which are well appreciated by the hordes of visitors). The cost for foreigners to enter the temple is 100 baht. Compared with the exterior, there really isn't much to see inside, so you can easily forego the walk-through if you want to save your 100 baht for a cold drink or snack. Some of the other buildings are interesting, as are some of the statues and artwork throughout the complex. If you HAVE to have that classic selfie, the White Temple is a must "5", but in any case, it's beautiful and worth a visit.
Entrance to the temple grounds is free and they have some of the cleanest toilets in Thailand (which are well appreciated by the hordes of visitors). The cost for foreigners to enter the temple is 100 baht. Compared with the exterior, there really isn't much to see inside, so you can easily forego the walk-through if you want to save your 100 baht for a cold drink or snack. Some of the other buildings are interesting, as are some of the statues and artwork throughout the complex. If you HAVE to have that classic selfie, the White Temple is a must "5", but in any case, it's beautiful and worth a visit.
Written February 18, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
skyisblu
Montreal, Canada2,538 contributions
Jan 2020
The White Temple, or Wat Rong Khun, is actually a consecrated Buddhist temple, but also an art installment by well-known Thai artist Chalermchai Kositpipat. For an idea of his artistic style, think Salvadore Dali meets Antoni Gaudi. The original temple was left in a bad state, so the artist, using his own money, is in the process of redoing the entire thing in a more modern style, but still influenced by the traditional designs. His buildings are ornate, covered with brilliant white paint and mirror pieces, glimmering in the bright mid-day sun. The complete lack of any color makes the temple visually intriguing, and the use of modern symbolism creates conflicting impressions. We enjoy walking through the elegant white halls, marveling at the murals in the main temple, containing icons such as Neo from The Matrix, the Terminator, Michael Jackson.
This is a crowded place - so many of the big tours base thier day tours around a visit to the White Temple, and it's easy to see why, but it gives the entire place a "Disney World" feeling. You get funneled through the entrance gates, along the pathway that leads into the main temple which is complete, and then out again. Guards assure that the flow of traffic remains constant, but it also means you can't take your time and linger over the details.
However, this is only the case for the main White Temple, and note the outlying buildings. You don't even have to pay admission to visit them, including the golden shrine, the monastery off to one side, the grotto at the back, as well as the art gallery, where you can marvel at the artist's other paintings and artwork, some of which were the clear inspiration for this entire endeavour. Even the bathrooms are over the top!
My suggestion is you don't like crowds? Walk around the outside of the complex, where you can still get a good view at the White Temple and its detailed structures. Take a tour of the other buildings on site, and make sure not to miss the museum. Get yourself a Thai tea with the admission money you saved, and call it a day. Your nerves will thank me.
This is a crowded place - so many of the big tours base thier day tours around a visit to the White Temple, and it's easy to see why, but it gives the entire place a "Disney World" feeling. You get funneled through the entrance gates, along the pathway that leads into the main temple which is complete, and then out again. Guards assure that the flow of traffic remains constant, but it also means you can't take your time and linger over the details.
However, this is only the case for the main White Temple, and note the outlying buildings. You don't even have to pay admission to visit them, including the golden shrine, the monastery off to one side, the grotto at the back, as well as the art gallery, where you can marvel at the artist's other paintings and artwork, some of which were the clear inspiration for this entire endeavour. Even the bathrooms are over the top!
My suggestion is you don't like crowds? Walk around the outside of the complex, where you can still get a good view at the White Temple and its detailed structures. Take a tour of the other buildings on site, and make sure not to miss the museum. Get yourself a Thai tea with the admission money you saved, and call it a day. Your nerves will thank me.
Written June 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Fiona F
Cluses, France9 contributions
Dec 2019 • Friends
We were so lucky to have been able to visit this temple, Wat Rong Khun, or the White Temple as it is known, during our trip to the north of Thailand. Not only were we lucky to visit this magnificent work of art but we were also privileged to see the Light and Sound show (on for one month only). We met the creator of this wonderful place, Chalermchai Kositpipat, a Thai visual artist and learned about his vocation through the show. The whole site will comprise a total of 9 buildings and will not be completed until 2070. The work is entirely financed by the sale of the artist's paintings.
Written January 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Guy T
London, UK683 contributions
Mar 2020 • Couples
What everyone comes to Chaing Rai to see and it really is as beautiful as the photos. The whole temple is covered in tiny bits of mirrored glass which in the sun makes it sparkle.
We came on our rented moped and parked up right outside. It was about 3pm (think it generally shuts at 5pm) and it wasn’t too busy and at all and very little tour groups. The entry fee is 100baht which is about £2.50. From here you can take as many photos as you like whilst making your way over to the temple. Inside the temple there are no photos allowed. Some of the temple was shut for restoration whilst we were there so we were directed to the other sites surrounding it ; to name a few there is a waterfall, wishing well, belfry. All very pretty and photogenic.
As all the temples you need to have your knees covered. the shops opposite have stuff for rent for a small fee if you forgot. We spend about 1.5 hours here and enjoyed every minute.
It’s why you come to Chiang mai - make sure it’s on your list.
Written March 2, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Maogao
Texas121 contributions
Dec 2019
The "White Temple" is full of tourists, so it can be a little overwhelming. I liked seeing the unexpected, like strange masks at the bottom of a pillar. The work that went into the temple must have been tedious and time consuming. One of my favorite parts was the museum/art gallery of the designer Chalermchai Kositpipat, who is also the owner of the temple. Quirky art.
Written January 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lynne S
Bangkok137 contributions
Nov 2020
Wow!!
An absolute must to visit if you are in Chiang Rai.
Stunning main building. Fabulous out buildings.
Wonderful attention to detail.
Weird and wonderful oddities around the place too - look closely at things hanging in trees, at paintings on wall inside the main temple.
Great statue/sculpture of the artist himself sitting on a bench near the exit.
Go early in the day before the day trips arrive so you are not in long queues to get round the place. We are lucky to have visited while tourism is not really open again in Thailand so it was pretty peaceful.
An absolute must to visit if you are in Chiang Rai.
Stunning main building. Fabulous out buildings.
Wonderful attention to detail.
Weird and wonderful oddities around the place too - look closely at things hanging in trees, at paintings on wall inside the main temple.
Great statue/sculpture of the artist himself sitting on a bench near the exit.
Go early in the day before the day trips arrive so you are not in long queues to get round the place. We are lucky to have visited while tourism is not really open again in Thailand so it was pretty peaceful.
Written November 15, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
karensumare brazil
Sao Paulo, SP5 contributions
How far from white temple to black temple Chiang rai
JDZatSF
San Francisco, CA1,145 contributions
I went on different days to really give them their due, but it can be done in one day. Either hire a driver or use Grab.
Sejal R
3 contributions
How can I purchase tickets for the black museum and white temple in Chiang Rai? Is there a website or do we pay it at the temple?
richj65
Chicago, IL1,239 contributions
I not sure about pre-purchase tickets but you can always buy at the any temple or have a tour group do it for you.
Tara M
8 contributions
Cheapest elephant sanctuary in chain mai
Bouy TorQue
Ko Samui, Thailand407 contributions
You mean CHIANG MAI...
If your looking for the cheapest then maybe your going to get what you pay for.
I would say to go to the Elephant Rescue Park. This way your being educated, informed on whats really going on and proceeds go towards helping the Elephants rehabilitate.
If you only want to ride and take photo's of yourself then do your own research.
Vera Y
Jakarta49 contributions
Pesawat saya tiba di Bangkok, saya mau ke chiang rai (white temple). Bagaimana transportasi kesana? dan berapa perkiraan biayanya? saya memilih naik sleeper bus dari bangkok lalu setelah out bagaimana?
Viviane M
2 contributions
Olá, estou com uma dificuldade em enontrar uma opção de deixar malas em Chiang Rai, enquanto faço a visita nos Templos Branco e Azul. Chegarei via aeroporto mas partirei no mesmo dia via rodoviária. Qual a melhor dica? Existe lugares para guardar nos próprios templos?
Obrigada!
Viviane M
2 contributions
Olá Thamy, estou procurando por opções de onde deixar malas em Chiang Rai, pois chegarei via aeroporto, mas irei embora no mesmo dia pela rodoviária. E parece que não tem lugar para deixar na rodoviária. Como vi que vc mencionou que deixou a sua em um lugar seguro, poderia me dar essa dica, foi no próprio templo? Muiiito obrigada! Viviane.
BrenoGM
Belo Horizonte, MG295 contributions
Hello. I saw a picture of the white temple in a traveller´s blog that shows a place that keep the luggage during the visit, but i couldn´t find any official info about this. Anyone that went recently there is aware if there's such place?
Dirk E
Alphen aan den Rijn, The Netherlands266 contributions
sorry ik zou dit niet weten
Baron O
1 contribution
Hello. We have a trip planned that involves being in Chiang Mai from 4/12/19 to 4/15 or 4/16 (during Songkran). We would like to make a day trip to Chiang Rai to see Wat Rong Khun, but haven't been able to find any info as to whether Songkran will make this difficult. Can anyone advise? Will it be more difficult to get to Chaing Rai during Songkran and are the temples visiting hours affected at all by Songkran? Thank you!
joshuahenry
Coventry, UK70 contributions
Hi unfortunately I am unable to answer this question however as Songkran usually falls on a Buddha day I would have thought the temples would be open although busy as Buddhist usually visit temples to give merit. Sorry I couldn’t give you a definitive answer.
billyshiva
Bilbao, Spain6 contributions
Ciao, staró solo un giorno a chiang mai ma vorrei visitare questo tempio. ho visto che molti tour impegnano tutta la giornata, è fattibile andarci in autonomia? Quanto tempo ci vuole da chiang mai?
Mattia V
Chieve, Italy72 contributions
Facile da raggiungere anche in mezza giornata
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Claim your listingWat Rong Khun - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)
Frequently Asked Questions about Wat Rong Khun
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Wat Rong Khun:
- Sightseeing Join Tour Chiang Rai / PICK UP ONLY IN CHIANG RAI (From $30.64)
- Chiang Rai Day Trip from Chiang Mai City with Golden Triangle (From $66.91)
- Half Day Chiang Rai City Tour including White Temple & Wat Phra Kaew (From $69.69)
- Chiang Rai Temples Private Tour from Chiang Mai ( The Original ) (From $129.00)
- Chiang Rai One Day: Hot Spring,White Temple, Golden Triangle, Yao&Akha Hilltribe (From $170.05)
- Hotels near Wat Rong Khun:
- (0.15 mi) Baan Plubpla Wilai
- (0.15 mi) Ozone Hostel
- (0.37 mi) Herb Home @ Chiang Rai
- (6.40 mi) Baan Jaru
- (7.02 mi) Mora Boutique Hotel
- Restaurants near Wat Rong Khun:
- (0.15 mi) McDonald's
- (6.50 mi) Kunda Cafe
- (6.54 mi) Surf And Turf
- (6.46 mi) Khao Kwan Restaurant
- (6.73 mi) Ribs&Co.
- Attractions near Wat Rong Khun:
- (1.73 mi) Elephant Valley Thailand
- (3.92 mi) Suwannee Thai Cooking Class Chiangrai
- (5.02 mi) Chiang Rai Bicycle Tour
- (5.24 mi) Akha Kitchen
- (5.18 mi) Cook Thai Yourself