Have you Googled or Instagrammed Chiang Rai in northern Thailand, only to have a gorgeous White Temple pop up and catch your eye? Believe me, you’re not the only one! When planning my Thailand backpacking trip, I knew I had to visit this pristine place. Here’s my experience and how you can visit the White Temple in Chiang Rai, too.
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UPDATED NOVEMBER 2024
If there’s one place in Thailand that really shocked me, it was definitely the White Temple in Chiang Rai. (Aka Wat Rong Khun.)
Why, you might ask?
Because this place is incredibly bizzare and other world-like.
I mean, of course the glistening white spirals, artfully designed architecture, and magical aura only a Thai temple can give off is captivating…
But this temple is unlike any other.
In addition to all the wondrous things mentioned above, you’ll also find weird statues of hands snaking up from the ground, grasping the air and holding random things, like a microphone…
(Psst, if this is your first visit to Thailand and you’re traveling through Bangkok, make sure to brush up on these first-timer Bangkok mistakes — like taking an overpriced tour boat!)
Masks of popular characters from movies, like Batman and Iron Man…
And even an odd makeshift waterfall sculpture adorned with various sized bells and strings to pull.
Intrigued? I sure was!
The White Temple is definitely must-visit attraction in Chiang Rai, Thailand, due to its beautiful blend of an enchanting and eccentric atmosphere.
If you are wanting to visit Thailand’s White Temple for yourself, take a peek at my top tips. Below, you’ll find information on how to get to the White Temple from Chiang Rai, the best time to visit, what to wear, what to pack for your visit and where to stay in Chiang Rai.
Psst, need some inspiration on where to go in Thailand? Check out my 3-week Thailand itinerary that takes you to vibrant cities, amazing islands and underrated gems!
VISITING THE WHITE TEMPLE IN CHIANG RAI, THAILAND
Where is the White Temple in Thailand?
The White Temple, also known as Wat Rong Khun, is located just outside Chiang Rai, about 13 kilometers (8 miles) south of the city center. It’s super easy to get to by tuk-tuk, taxi, or even a scooter if you’re feeling adventurous!
Chiang Rai itself is in northern Thailand, and if you’re coming from Chiang Mai, it’s about a 3-hour drive. In many cases, Thailand travelers who want to visit the White Temple from Chiang Mai often book a tour. Check out this highly-rated tour if this sounds like something you’d be interested in.
How Much Does Chiang Rai’s White Temple Cost to Enter?
It’s super affordable to enter the White Temple! Tickets cost just 100 THB (around $3 USD), so you can experience all the intricate details and photo ops without breaking the bank.
Just remember, this is a sacred site, so dress respectfully—even though the place feels like an art exhibit!
What are the White Temple’s Opening Times?
The White Temple is open daily from 8 AM to 5 PM. (I have some recommendations on the best time of the day to visit down below!)
What is the History of the White Temple?
The White Temple has quite the story—though it isn’t centuries old! It was created by a famous Thai artist, Chalermchai Kositpipat, in 1997 as a way to showcase Buddhist teachings through contemporary art.
He funded the project himself and poured his heart into every incredible detail. The mix of modern pop culture references (yes, you might spot Superman or Kung Fu Panda in the murals) and traditional Buddhist symbolism makes it a truly unique place.
It’s still a work in progress, so every visit might reveal something new!
How to Get to the White Temple
Although the White Temple lies on the outskirts of Chiang Rai, it’s actually really easy to get to.
If you want to visit this remarkable temple (which I’m guessing you do since you’re reading this post), you have three transportation options:
1. Take a Taxi
This seems to be the easiest (and most comfortable) way to get to the White Temple is to grab a taxi, but it’s also expensive.
If you’re considering grabbing a taxi, I recommend you to pay the driver a bit more so he/she will stay there until you’re done seeing the temple. (Dan and I found it difficult to find a taxi or tuk-tuk outside the temple, as many were already paid to wait for other travelers.)
2. Grab a Tuk-Tuk
Another super easy option, albeit a bit less comfortable unless you like wind and dust blowing in your face, grabbing a tuk-tuk is quick, cheap, and dirty.
Similar to the taxi, you can pay a tuk-tuk driver to stay and wait until you’re finished seeing the temple, which is super handy.
3. Hop on the Local Bus
This is definitely the cheapest option (literally pennies) but it’s not very quick and you don’t have a definite way to get back to town once you’re done at the White Temple.
Although, this is what Dan and I did to get there and it’s really easy! All you do is head to the main bus station, find a sign that says “White Temple” (or ask around, there’s usually driver standing outside that’ll help you out), and hop on!
Once the bus gets going, someone will walk through the bus to grab ticket money. From my experience, a ticket from the main station to the White Temple should cost around 20 baht ($.65). Pretty affordable, eh?
4. Go on an Organized Tour
Though I said a taxi is the easier option, this is ACTUALLY the easiest option (but also the most expensive). If you don’t want to plan your own journey, definitely book an organized tour that takes you to and from your hotel to the White Temple outside of Chiang Mai.
I recommend this one (includes a Thai lunch!) or this one (also takes you to the Blue and Red temples).
My Top Tips for Visiting Thailand’s White Temple
1. Go in the Late Afternoon
Whaaat? Someone telling another not to visit an attraction during horrendously early hours?
Yep, you got it! For Chiang Rai’s White Temple, I highly recommend going later in the afternoon (around 4 pm — the temple shuts at 5 pm).
Why?
Because it’s wildly busy during the morning. Like hoards of crowds clogging the area outside the gates, just itching to get inside. (Not to mention, all the people trying to get solo photos in front of the temple literally run to be the first one there.)
Truth be told, it’s not worth it going in the morning. The light isn’t great due to the positioning of the temple and you don’t want to deal with all the people.
There are smaller crowds in the evening, and you can take advantage of the golden hour lighting. (FYI — it’s even better if you visit on a weekday!)
2. Plan Your Return Transportation
As mentioned earlier, Dan and I decided to take the bus to the temple from Chiang Rai city center… and it didn’t work out in our favor.
Sure, it was definitely the cheaper option, but we were pretty much left stranded once done seeing the temple, as most tourists visit by scheduled tour or hire a driver for the day.
So, unless you’re on a tight budget, I suggest planning your return transportation by hiring a taxi or tuk-tuk for the duration of your White Temple visit.
(Also, if you’re just like, “Hey, I can order an Grab!” Keep in mind most Grab — which is the local Uber app — drivers refuse to drive out to the temple, as it’s pretty out of the way and not worth their time.)
3. Wear Appropriate Clothing
As with all temples, including the White Temple in Thailand, you need to cover up. No knees or shoulders allowed here!
Thus, one of my top Southeast Asia backpacking tips is always carrying around a light shawl or kimono to easily cover-up with when necessary!
(Travel Tip: I like to carry around my travel essentials in a light backpack! This one from Amazon is completely vegan, totally cute, and has enough room for my Sony Alpha camera, shawl, and Grayl water bottle!)
4. Pack Along Some Refreshments
As I said above, I always carry a few essentials with me when traveling around Thailand! A filtering water bottle is hands down the number one essential I don’t travel without (as the water is questionable here!).
Not to mention, the White Temple has free clean drinking water! Which is basically unheard of in Asia. So bring a water bottle and hydrate yourself!
Additionally, bring some snacks if you get hangry easily! It’s hot, humid, and — most likely — packed with tourists at the White Temple. Which is not a good combo if you’re hungry!
5. Bring a Good Camera
…or at least know how to turn the exposure down on your phone camera!
The first thing you’ll notice when visiting the White Temple in Chiang Rai is how freakin’ bright this place is! In fact, this temple is so strikingly bright because there are tiny little mirrors embedded into the temple architecture. Cool, right?
Well, not so cool for photos, as this place really shines!
Thus, I recommend bringing along a good quality camera to capture the beauty (and turn down the brightness) of Wat Rong Khun.
My personal favorite is either the Sony a5000 (I used this for years and it never let me down!) or the Sony a7 (which I recently upgraded to!).
Where to Stay in Chiang Rai
- Cheap Hostel — Norn Nung Len Hostel is in a fantastic location (super close to the bus station and right in the center of town!), the rooms are clean, the common area is super comfy, and there’s free ice cold water! Check prices on Booking.com here.
- Budget Hotel — Grandma Kaew House has awesome reviews, is close to the main street, has bikes for rent onsite, and rooms are big with private bathrooms! Check prices on Booking.com here.
- Mid-Range Hotel — Baan Jaru is centrally-located, has super comfy beds, provides excellent tours, and the owner goes out of his way to do everything he can for guests! Check prices on Booking.com here.
- High-End Hotel — Le Patta Hotel features a gorgeous pool, small fitness center, beautiful greenery, and is smack dab in the city center. Check prices on Booking.com here.
Find more great accommodation options on Booking! My all-time favorite site for checking into perfect places.
There are my top tips for visiting Chiang Rai’s White Temple in Thailand! As one of most beautiful (and strange) temples in Thailand, it’s definitely worth a visit.
Are you planning a trip to Thailand and have the White Temple on your bucket list? Let me know in the comments or if you have any questions about the place, don’t hesitate to ask!
Sophie xx
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