Day 8 - Chiang Rai Wat Rong Khun [White Temple]
As we arrived Chiang Rai late afternoon the day before, we visited Wat Rong Khun the next morning before leaving Chiang Rai for Chiangmai after lunch.
Location - About 15km south of town on Phahonyothin Road or drive north along Asia Highway or 20 minutes from City.
How to get there: Hire a songtaew [250-300THB/hour] or rent a motorcycle
Opening Hours: 08:30 – 17:30
Admission fee: None
Wat Rong Khun is also known as the White Temple. Wat Rong Khun is the place to be visited throughout the year. Whereas most temples visited by tourists have a history going back many centuries, this magnificent place of worship was built only recently. It is the realization of a dream for Thailand's noted/popular artist, Mr Chalermchai Kositpipat, who designed and supervise the construction of this beautiful white temple and its many statues of figures based on religious beliefs.
The construction started in 1998 and was completed in 2008 and there are still on going additions until today. In addition, there is a gallery nearby exhibiting his paintings. Today, the white temple of north Thailand“ is a national landmark and one of the most popular temples of Thailand and Chiang Rai.
This White Temple is completely unique and greatly differs from other temples. The whole building is held in white and consists of many mirror glass mosaics which are embedded in cement. The white colors of these temples are a symbol for “Buddha’s purity“.
Silver leaf plates are also available at 30THB as a collection to contribute to further development of the place which is a good idea.
Specially noted the toilet which is the only building that looks like a temple and its golden in colour. Very clean and you don't have to pay for using it.
