Better known as the ‘White Temple’, the spectacular Wat Rong Khun is the lifetime project of famous local artist Chalermchai Kositpipat, who is quoted as saying that he wished to build ‘a replica of the magnificent and resplendent heaven’.
Sparkling in the sunlight, this unique religious monument contains aspects of both traditional and contemporary Buddhist and Hindu art and is ornamented with thousands of squares of white-backed mirror glass representing the purity of the Lord Buddha.
The design and construction of Wat Rong Khun was begun in 1997 and is still ongoing today. Every design element has symbolic significance, from the elegant low bridge leading to the main hall and representing the crossing from the cycle of rebirth and death to nirvana, to the golden-toned murals in the ubusot detailing the path away from temptation toward eternal peace.
On the roof of the ubusot stand four animals: an elephant (the earth), a lion (fire), a mythical naga (water) and a swan whose wings represent the wind. The complex contains four further religious buildings: a hall containing relics of the Buddha, another with Buddha images, a hall for preaching and another for contemplation and meditation, as well as an art gallery featuring the artist’s works. Besides this, there is a golden toilet fashioned in the same elaborate style as the temple building.
Getting There
By bus or taxi from Chiang Rai, or join a tour that includes a visit here.
Need to Know
- What is it? A most unusual temple that is more artwork than religious monument.
- Opening hours: 08:00-18:00 daily.
- Entrance fee: none.
- Address: Just off Highway 1, at the junction with H1208
- Where: 13km south of Chiang Rai.