Wat Rong Khun (White Temple)

Religious spot
★ 4.8 (6K+ reviews) • 78K+ booked
Wat Rong Khun, also known as the White Temple, is one of the most famous temples in Thailand, known for its pure white exterior and detailed architecture. Located in Chiang Rai Province in northern Thailand, Wat Rong Khun is a beautiful Buddhist temple created by the Thai artist Chalermchai Kositpipat, who blends traditional spiritual symbols with modern art.  As you explore the main building, you'll be amazed by the detailed carvings and murals at the temple's interior and exterior! The temple serves as both a place of worship and an art exhibit, symbolizing spiritual rebirth and the path toward enlightenment. Don't miss the White Temple (Wat Rong Khun) in Chiang Rai Province on your next adventure to northern Thailand!
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White Temple, Chiang Rai, Chiang Rai Province, Thailand
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Wat Rong Khun (White Temple) Reviews

4.8 /5
6K+ reviews
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Klook User
1 Jul
trip was great, lunch was buffet system with lots of option. would definitely recommend
2+
Fung ******
1 Jul
The white temple and blue temple are magnificent, and the tour guide gave clear information of the temples, you wont regret joining this tour 🙂
2+
Mhark ***********
28 Jun
Amazing Chiang Rai Tour – A Day to Remember! I booked the Chiang Rai full-day tour via Klook, and it exceeded all my expectations! The journey from Chiang Mai was smooth and well-organized. Our guide was friendly, knowledgeable, and shared fascinating facts throughout the trip.
2+
Klook Benutzer
26 Jun
If you want to cover a lot in one day, then this trip is highly recommended! I was actually only interested in the Golden Triangle, but that turned out to be a bit boring and short-lived. Luckily, there was enough variety during the trip to take some great souvenir photos. A great and helpful driver despite the VERY long drive.
Mark *************
23 Jun
This was a very exhausting tour yet informative and worth every money you spent. You just have to be lucky that all participants of this joiner are punctual and follow time schedule so you can enjoy all scenery and tourist spots covered. Suzy was our tour guide and she is very informative and engaging all throughout the tour. lunch buffet is also included in this tour.
2+
Klook 用戶
23 Jun
[One-day tour experience of White Temple, Blue Temple and Black Temple] There will be a special car to pick up downstairs of the hotel early in the morning. After picking up tourists in the same group, they will start the itinerary. XD The tour guide is very good at the scenic spot and will help take pictures~ 📍First stop: hot springs, you can soak your feet & buy hot spring eggs. 📍Second stop: White Temple, if you do not meet the dress code, you can rent an apron outside (rental 20 + deposit 100) but it is better to wear beautiful clothes that meet the regulations for taking pictures~ 📍Third stop: lunch is all you can eat. The restaurant is opposite the White Temple. The Thai restaurant has common curry noodles, pork noodles, fried rice and fried noodles. 📍Fourth stop: Blue Temple. The murals in the temple are very dreamy. If you do not meet the dress code when entering the temple, there are free aprons to borrow. 📍The fifth stop: the Black House Museum, which has a stray cat shelter. The cats all wear collars and are super cute. Donate 20 baht to get a small gift and meat paste to feed the cats. On the way back to Chiang Mai, we will stop at a famous product store to use the toilet and try cashews. The time we finally returned to Chiang Mai was around 6pm.
2+
ABD *******************
22 Jun
pros : well organized tour with friendly guide and driver... recommended.. 12 pax join in tour.. door to door pick up and drop off... great time management from the operator..... Things to improve... lunch maybe should opt for more authentic taste of Thai dishes restaurant .. Just so so lunch.
2+
Klook User
22 Jun
I definitely enjoyed this tour. I learned a lot about the history of the places we visited because our tour guide is very smart and knowledgeable about the story of these places.
2+

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Things to do at Wat Rong Khun (White Temple)

Take pictures outside the White Temple

Take as many photos as you can outside the White Temple! The intricate white architecture of this ubosot (or main temple building), decorated with mirrored glass, sparkles beautifully in the sunlight, making your pictures pop. As you walk around the temple grounds, you'll find lots of unique sculptures and artistic details that are picture-worthy!

Admire the golden building

While visiting the White Temple, don't miss the eye-catching golden building on the grounds. You should check out the impressive contrast between the temple's white (symbolizing the mind) and this building's vibrant gold (symbolizing worldly desires). Plus, you might not believe it, but this golden structure is the restrooms!

Cross the bridge of the cycle of rebirth

Walk across the Bridge of the Cycle of Rebirth at the White Temple and take great photos! This striking bridge takes you over a sea of hands reaching out, symbolizing leaving behind desire and temptation. You'll also spot some elegant Kinnaree creatures along the way. 

Visit the museum

Make sure to visit the museum at the White Temple and get inspired! Inside, you'll find a fascinating collection of works by the temple's designer, Chalermchai Kositpipat. The exhibits and art galleries showcase his incredible talent and creativity, giving you a deeper understanding of the reason behind the temple's beautiful architecture and Thailand's contemporary art scene.

Popular Attractions Near the White Temple

Blue Temple (Wat Rong Suea Ten)

If you're visiting temples in Thailand, you shouldn't miss out on the Blue Temple, or Wat Rong Suea Ten. Just a 25-minute drive from the White Temple (Wat Rong Khun), this Buddhist temple is a must-visit with its brilliant sapphire color, beautiful blue hues, and gold details. The amazing artwork and peaceful atmosphere are perfect for taking photos and reflecting!

Chiang Rai Night Bazaar

One perfect way to end your White Temple (Wat Rong Khun) visit is by stopping by the Chiang Rai Night Bazaar! Just a 22-minute drive from the temple, this lively market has a great mix of local handicrafts, delicious Thai street food like kao soi and pad thai, and live performances. 

Chiang Rai Clock Tower

After visiting the White Temple (Wat Rong Khun), you must visit the Chiang Rai Clock Tower, just 20 minutes away! This beautiful golden landmark at the center of Chiang Rai was designed by Chalermchai Kositpipat, the same artist behind the White Temple. At night, you can watch the light and sound show that turns the clock tower into a spectacle.