TH · Chiang Rai · 19.82°N 99.76°E

wat rong khun

The White Temple: white plaster, mirror glass and superheroes in the murals.

Best time
Go early in the morning, before the tour groups from Chiang Mai. November to February is cool and dry.
How long
1–2 hours
Getting there
About 20 minutes' drive south of Chiang Rai city. To reach Chiang Rai, fly from KL to Chiang Mai (about 3 hours) and drive about 3 hours north, or fly via Bangkok. Day tours from Chiang Mai stop here too.
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TH · Chiang Raiwat rong khun19.82°N 99.76°Egowherelah.com
Dear group chat,The White Temple: white plaster, mirror glass and superheroes in the murals.— gowherelahTo: whoever’s drivingWat Rong KhunTH, Chiang Rai
KLwat rong khun
≈ 1,867 km from KL, as the crow flies
Wat Rong Khun, Chiang Rai, Chiang Rai Province, Thailand

Photo: JJ Harrison (https://www.jjharrison.com.au/) · CC BY-SA 3.0

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Photos: Wikimedia Commons, credited on each.

Chiang Rai's White Temple, designed by Thai artist Chalermchai Kositpipat and opened in 1997. It's covered in white plaster and mirrored glass that sparkles in the sun, and packed with odd details, from reaching hands to pop-culture murals.

Things to do

  1. The bridge of rebirthWalk over a pit of reaching hands, a symbol of desire, to reach the main hall.Map ↗
  2. Murals in the main hallLook for superheroes and film characters painted among the Buddhist scenes.Map ↗
  3. The golden buildingThe ornate gold building is the temple's toilet block, probably the fanciest you'll ever use.Map ↗
  4. The art galleryA hall of Chalermchai's paintings on the temple grounds.Map ↗
  5. Blue Temple and Black HouseCombine the visit with Wat Rong Suea Ten and Baan Dam on the same day.Map ↗

Good to know

  • Cover shoulders and knees. The temple is strict about dress.
  • Photos aren't allowed inside the main hall.
  • The bridge is one-way, so you can't turn back once you start across.

Last checked October 2026. Things change, so check opening times, fees and transport before you go.