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Everything You Need to Know about Wat Rong Khun
- Where is Wat Rong Khun?
- Things to Know
- How to Get to Wat Rong Khun
- What to See and Do in Wat Rong Khun
- Admire Wat Rong Khun’s architecture
- Look at the exhibits inside the Tankhun Art Gallery
- Pray at the White Temple’s pavilion
- Visit its Ganesha Worship Hall
- Check out Wat Rong Khun’s luxurious golden bathroom facility
- Appreciate the symbolisms behind the creations in Wat Rong Khun
- Where to Eat and Drink in and Near Wat Rong Khun
- Khao Soi Mae Pimpon
- Khru Sichan Coffee
- Delicious Art
- Where to Shop in and Near Wat Rong Khun
- Eleven
- Pratoo Lo Food Market
- Where to Stay in and Near Wat Rong Khun
- Pak Phing Ingjai
- Sleepy House
- Manonnee Hotel
- FAQs about Wat Rong Khun
Wat Rong Khun is an artistic masterpiece, and with its intricate details, it’s no wonder why it’s one of Chiang Rai’s most visited spots!
Aptly more known as the White Temple, it has several ivory-white structures with intricate patterns. And since it’s only 13 kilometers from downtown Chiang Rai, Wat Rong Khun is easily accessible.
It’s a must in your itinerary because of the breathtaking majesty and intricate architecture of the place!
Where is Wat Rong Khun?
Wat Rong Khun is in Mueang Chiang Rai District’s southwest end. It’s along Soi 1 which is a side street between Highway 1208 and Phahonyothin Road.
Things to Know
Phone: +66 53 673 579
Operating Hours: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. (Monday – Sunday)
Admission Costs: 100 baht
Website
How to Get to Wat Rong Khun
Songthaew: A quick way to arrive at Wat Rong Khun is to ride a songthaew from Chiang Rai. Flag one down from the city center and inform the driver that you’re heading for the White Temple.
You should negotiate the price for the ride ahead of time. Songthaews are basically shared taxis so it shouldn’t be as pricey as a regular taxi.
Taxi: The most convenient way to get to Wat Rong Khun from downtown Chiang Rai is to flag any taxi from the street. The ride only takes approximately 13 minutes so it shouldn’t be too expensive.
Also, you can book taxis via the Grab and Bolt apps for a more convenient experience.
Bus: The cheapest option from Chiang Rai to Wat Rong Khun is the public bus at the Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 1 which is near the night bazaar. These buses can take you to the temple’s designated bus stop in approximately 30 minutes.
The White Temple’s entrance is only 150 meters from this bus stop.
Rental Car: If you plan to travel around Chiang Rai, you can also rent a car and self-drive to Wat Rong Khun. The rental process requires a driver’s license and an International Driving Permit, though.
From Chiang Rai’s town center, drive south via Highway 1 until you see the white signboard pointing to the temple’s entrance on your right-hand side. It will be on the opposite lane so keep driving ahead until you can make a turn to switch lanes.
Don’t worry, you’ll know it’s the correct signboard because the temple is visible from the road.
What to See and Do in Wat Rong Khun
Admire Wat Rong Khun’s architecture
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Wat Rong Khun is one of the best architectural wonders of Chiang Rai. It’s a modern temple known for its ivory-white structures with intricate patterns.
It’s also popular for its Buddhist figures that were created using a combination of traditional and contemporary design elements.
The temple’s ubosot, in particular, is its most iconic attraction. This ivory-white structure has a multi-tiered roof, a central spire, a sweeping staircase, and intricate Naga motifs and statues.
Look at the exhibits inside the Tankhun Art Gallery
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Though Wat Rong Khun is one of Chalermchai Kositpipat’s best masterpieces, it’s also a great place to see many of his works.
After all, this temple complex is also home to the Tankhun Art Gallery with exhibits of his numerous paintings and sculptures. The gallery’s main exhibit also displays paintings and drawings of Chalermchai’s children, Tan and Kanokwan.
It also has another exhibit space dedicated to the works of other local artists, so it’s definitely a must-see for art fans. You’ll also see exhibits of Buddhist relics and artifacts.
Pray at the White Temple’s pavilion
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Aside from Wat Rong Khun being an iconic tourist attraction because of its intricate architecture, we must not forget that it’s also a sacred place of worship. Many local devotees and tourists pray in its pavilion.
This part of the temple is also a dedicated resting spot for visitors, so it’s great for self-reflection. The main draw here, however, is the hanging prayer ornaments that visitors can leave as a part of a pilgrimage.
Most visitors also mark these prayer ornaments with their names and the date of their visit before hanging them inside the pavilion or the nearby wish trees.
The prayer ornaments are available at the shop on the right side of the temple for only 30 baht. There’s also a wishing well where visitors can throw coins.
Visit its Ganesha Worship Hall
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The Ganesha Worship Hall is one of the more recent temple structures in Wat Rong Khun. It stands out with its vibrant gilded tower architecture embellished with several bell-shaped roofs and intricate elongated spires.
This building is also set in the middle of a pond and you’ll have to cross its stunning golden bridge to get to it. Don’t forget to take photos of the bridge’s flame-like patterns and two mouse figures representing Ganesha’s faithful mouse companion.
Inside the hall, you’ll find a stunning golden statue of Ganesha sitting on a boat with a blessing posture and accompanied by Mushaka the Mouse.
Check out Wat Rong Khun’s luxurious golden bathroom facility
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The bathroom facility in Wat Rong Khun is arguably its most unique attraction. It also features luxurious gilded architecture which you won’t see in other Buddhist temples.
What’s even more amazing is that the entire building is gilded from the inside out—even including the ceiling, floor, walls, doors, benches, etc!
Though it has standard sinks, toilets, and urinals, fully embracing the golden theme is still worthy of praise. Just keep in mind that taking pictures inside the temple’s bathroom facilities is prohibited.
Appreciate the symbolisms behind the creations in Wat Rong Khun
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Wat Rong Khun is more than just a stunning temple complex because its structures are filled with meaningful symbolism. In fact, the temple’s predominant use of ivory-white exteriors is meant to represent the purity of Lord Buddha.
Its main ubosot is also popular for its iconic lake bridge. Before this bridge is a lake filled with numerous outreached hands symbolizing human desire and suffering or hell, so crossing it represents the “cycle of rebirth” and freedom from suffering and temptation.
Meanwhile, the temple’s golden bathroom building represents the human body and our worldly desires, which is definitely an apt symbolism considering the facility’s purpose.
Where to Eat and Drink in and Near Wat Rong Khun
Khao Soi Mae Pimpon
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Address: Soi 1, Pa O Don Chai
Phone: +66 65 816 1655
Pricing: ฿
Operating Hours: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. (Monday – Sunday)
Good to know: Good for Thai food
Website
Khao Soi Mae Pimpon is a popular Thai restaurant in front of Wat Rong Khun’s entrance. This place is best known for its chicken khao soi, which they serve with shrimp tempura, fried sea bass, or chuck eye steak.
Their noodle dishes, like pad Thai and tom yum, are also worth trying. If you want to cool down, they’re also the perfect spot if you’re looking for refreshing fruit smoothies and Italian sodas.
Khru Sichan Coffee
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Address: Soi 1, Pa O Don Chai
Phone: +66 98 748 5197
Pricing: ฿
Operating Hours: 7 a.m. – 5 p.m. (Monday – Sunday)
Good to know: Good for coffee, pastries
Website
Khru Sichan Coffee is right in front of the temple’s entrance so it’s a convenient spot to get your daily caffeine fix. Their coffee drinks pair nicely with their various selection of cakes and pastries.
This place is also great for healthy eaters since they have fresh fruit and vegetable shakes. They even have a Keto pizza, which is great if you’re going carb-free!
Their English-speaking staff is also a plus.
Delicious Art
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Address: 217 Pa O Don Chai
Phone: +66 95 676 8590
Pricing: ฿
Operating Hours: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. (Monday – Sunday)
Good to know: Good for coffee, Thai food
Website
Delicious Art is a charming coffee shop across Wat Rong Khun’s western entrance. Their menu offers a nice selection of affordable coffees, teas, and sodas, but there are also several rotating drink specials on their chalkboard sign to look out for.
Their food menu is worth checking out as well, especially the fried rice, pad Thai, and pork omelet. A bonus is that they’re willing to modify dishes in case of food allergies, so be sure to tell the staff beforehand!
Where to Shop in and Near Wat Rong Khun
7-Eleven
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Address: 1 Phahonyothin Road, Pa O Don Chai
Phone: +66 2 826 7744
Pricing: ฿฿
Operating Hours: 24/7
Good to know: Good for daily essentials
Website
This 7-Eleven branch along Phahonyothin Road is the nearest convenience store to Wat Rong Khun, so it’s a great spot to shop for some essential items.
They also sell a wide range of sweets, fresh sandwiches, potato chips, and drinks so you’re covered for snacks.
Pratoo Lo Food Market
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Address: Den Ha-Dong Mada Road, Pa O Don Chai
Pricing: ฿
Operating Hours: 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. (Monday – Sunday)
Good to know: Good for groceries, souvenirs
Pratoo Lo Food Market is a traditional Thai market close to Wat Rong Khun. It’s filled with local vendors selling a wide variety of products, from fresh produce to classic Thai sweets, street food, and more.
The prices here are also affordable, unlike those in popular tourist spots. You’ll also find several handicraft stalls and grocery stores within the market area, so walk around to take advantage of the diverse shopping options.
Where to Stay in and Near Wat Rong Khun
Pak Phing Ingjai
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Address: 3 Moo 15 Phahonyothin Road, Pa O Don Chai
Phone: +66 82 617 2536
Pricing: ฿฿
Operating Hours: 2 p.m. (Check-in) & 12 p.m. (Check-out)
Good to know: Good for couples and families
Website
Pak Phing Ingjai is a charming hideaway along the Lao River. It’s the best-rated hotel closest to Wat Rong Khun for good reason!
Aside from its relaxing natural setting, it’s hidden in a leafy neighborhood so you don’t have to worry about noisy traffic or tourists.
This property also has a large picturesque garden that’s ideal for morning and afternoon jogs or walks. There are swings and benches as well for guests who like to relax outdoors.
Sleepy House
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Address: 90/5 Moo 18, Sanpanard Alley, Wiang Subdistrict
Phone: +66 64 114 9919
Pricing: ฿฿
Operating Hours: 2 p.m. (Check-in) & 12 p.m. (Check-out)
Good to know: Good for cat lovers
Website
If you’re a cat lover, Sleepy House might be just your spot because of its fully equipped, minimalist industrial rooms with cat-themed furnishings. There’s also a communal lounge with a microwave oven and coffee-making equipment.
Even better, there are friendly resident cats that you can interact with! So, if that’s your jam, this hotel is definitely worth the 18-minute drive from Wat Rong Khun.
Manonnee Hotel
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Address: Mae Kon Subdistrict
Phone: +66 88 799 9802
Pricing: ฿฿
Operating Hours: 2 p.m. (Check-in) & 12 p.m. (Check-out)
Good to know: Good for families and groups
Website
Manonnee Hotel is a charming hotel with spacious and chic industrial-style rooms with garden views. What makes them perfect for bigger groups are their rooms with multiple bunk beds.
Their lounge is also spacious, with plenty of cozy sitting spots for hanging out. As for their tropical garden, it’s perfect for pleasant walks!