Wat Rong Khun - The Temple of Light

Shannon
Oct 3
3 min read

An Artist’s Offering to the Divine

Better known as the White Temple, Wat Rong Khun is no ordinary place of worship, it’s a vision of enlightenment sculpted in white and glass. Born from the imagination of Thai artist Chalermchai Khositpipat, this once forgotten ruin has been reborn as a dazzling symbol of purity and devotion. Every curve and reflection speaks of rebirth, karma and the eternal struggle between sin and salvation. Begun in 1997 and still evolving, Wat Rong Khun stands as a living masterpiece, an artist’s lifelong offering to the Buddha and to the idea of eternal life.

Ornate white temple with intricate carvings, surrounded by trimmed greenery under a clear sky. Peaceful atmosphere, no visible text.

The temple complex unfolds as a vision of the heavenly realm, composed of nine gleaming structures that embody purity and transcendence. At its heart stands the Ordination Hall (Ubosot), a radiant sanctuary of white plaster and mirrored glass, shimmering like ice under the sun. Its sweeping lines and ornate carvings blend the timeless elegance of Sukhothai and Lanna design, creating a masterpiece where divine symbolism meets northern Thai artistry.

The temple’s pure white exterior symbolises the purity of the Buddha, while its mirrored mosaics scatter light in every direction, an expression of the Buddha’s wisdom radiating across the universe. Yet beyond this celestial glow lies a deeper reflection. The mirrors also symbolise the mind and soul. To see one’s image in them is to confront the self, an invitation to contemplate one’s thoughts, deeds and the endless pursuit of spiritual awakening.

White ornate temple with intricate spires, set against a clear sky. Surrounded by greenery and water, creating a peaceful atmosphere.

Before entering the main temple, visitors must cross the Bridge of Consciousness, a passage both physical and symbolic. Beneath it lies a haunting sea of outstretched hands, grasping upward in silent desperation. These hands represent human desire, greed and suffering, the forces that bind souls to the cycle of rebirth. To step onto the bridge is to confront these shadows within oneself, to acknowledge the pull of temptation before moving beyond it. Each step forward becomes an act of surrender, a letting go of worldly attachments as you cross into the realm of the divine.

Numerous stone hands reaching upwards, some holding bowls and objects. The scene conveys a sense of desperation and chaos.

🗺️ Location

Phahonyothin Road, Highway 1, Pa O Don Chai, Mueang Chiang Rai District, Thailand

🚆 How to get there

The White Temple is located only 13 km's (or 20 minutes) south of Chiang Rai or just under three hours north of Chiang Mai. Taking a tour is the easiest way to see the White Temple (especially if you are coming from Chiang Mai). There are public buses available throughout the day from Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 1. The buses go almost every hour, from 6:15am to 5pm. It will take you some 20 minutes to get there.

⭐ Attraction Info

The temple is open for visitors daily between 8am - 6pm. At midday, there’s an hour-long break. The admission is 100THB and any additional donations to support the maintenance and preservation of the temple are greatly appreciated. Visitors have to wear clothes covering their shoulders and knees and must remove their shoes at the entrance to the main White Temple. Many people visit Chiang Rai as the next destination from Chiang Mai but this attraction is nearly 3 hours (173 km) away. I encountered a few travellers who regretted coming for just a day trip due to how long the ride was, so I would suggest staying in the area for at least a couple of nights.