Our recent moped border run to Burma was at times exhausting and freezing, but it was made totally worth it when we stopped off in Chiang Rai and paid a visit to Wat Rong Khun, or the White Temple.
The White Temple is a contemporary Buddhist and Hindu temple designed by Thai artist Chalermchai Kositpipat in 1997, although construction is still ongoing in the extensive complex. It is one of the most extraordinary temples we have ever see – extravagant, ornate and blindingly white.
We loved the attention to detail and the small gothic elements you find around the site. Even before we approached the main temple we noticed small details like heads hanging from the trees.
And the kind of monstrous statues you don’t usually expect to see in a temple…
The approach to the main temple goes past a large pond, with the temple reflected in the water.
It feels like a fantastical, fairy world.
Our favourite part of the White Temple is the bridge that leads to the main building. To reach the Abode of the Buddha you have to cross the bridge representing the cycle of rebirth with the pits of hell below.
The hands begging desperately to escape from hell are rather disturbing.
There are all kinds of ghoulish creatures and disembodied heads of people who haven’t managed yet to overcome cravings and obtain entrance to the Abode of Buddha.
Once you cross the bridge you reach the Gate of Heaven, guarded by Death…
Up close the temple is dazzling.
At first the inside of the main temple seems simple and like many Thai temples with a Buddha statue and people praying peacefully before it. But then you turn around and see the incongruous epic mural depicting an apocalyptic end of the world with demons, explosions and strangely, many references to popular culture including the Matrix, Avatar, Michael Jackson, Spiderman and even the Twin Towers. Photos are not allowed inside unfortunately.
From behind the White Temple is just as striking.
And from the side…
Once you have visited the main temple there is still more to see including a wishing well and the world’s most beautiful public toilets…
The temple complex is still incomplete. Chalermchai Kositpipat is training people to continue his ambitious project even after his death.
The White Temple is one of the most unusual temples we have ever visited. Even if you are feeling templed-out don’t miss the White Temple if you are in northern Thailand.
The White Temple is located 13km south of Chiang Rai. We stopped off on the way from Chiang Mai, but you can easily take a local bus from Chiang Rai. Entry to the temple is free. While in Chiang Rai it is also worth visiting the Black House featuring another contemporary Thai artist’s work in a gothic setting – it’s even more astonishing that the White Temple.
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Have you ever visited the White Temple? Leave a comment and let us know what you thought.
Wow that temple is beautiful. I gave it a miss when I was in Chiang Rai, but I wish I hadn’t now. It’s quite impressive!
That’s a shame!
Beautiful photos! Thanks for sharing. Hope I make it there someday!
Thanks Ellen. I hope you do make it there, it’s a unique place.
Whoa, it looks like a (somewhat creepy) ice castle! That white is just so striking.
That’s true! There are lots of glass sections that probably add to that effect.
Those hands reaching up are fantastic, in an artistic sense…but definitely creepy when set in a religious complex.
You mention that there are references to popular culture on the inside. I am interested to know how? Was there art inside that looked like the Twin Towers or Neo from the Matrix?
This is a very interesting Photo Essay, thank you for sharing!
I should have explained that better. Yes there were actual paintings of the Twin Towers and Neo etc as part of a huge mural. Very strange in a temple!
This temple reminds me of the Sanctuary of Truth in Pattaya which is also unfinished but the work is continuing. However, this one is definitely more fascinating.
I haven’t heard of that one – thanks for letting us know.
Wow! This is a wonder of architecture! Great pics!
Thanks Angela, it really is spectacular. I love the artist’s ambition.
A smart way to get attention. It reminds me of a crisp snow covered winter day, which I’m sure they don’t get a lot of there!
That’s probably part of the attraction for Thais, as there’s no snow here. It really stands out from the usual gold temples that you find all over Thailand.
I went to this temple last year and found it super creepy! Especially the “evil” paintings of Superman & Avatar and stuff on the inside. Definitely different than anything else I’ve seen & worth a visit!
How bizarre were the paintings inside the temple? But yes, very different from your usual temples!
What a spectacular photo essay. The ornate detail is over the top. You make me want to pack up and go.
Thanks Leigh – I hope you make it there. As a bonus there are lots of outdoor activities available in northern Thailand so it should be a great place for you.
Fascinating, it looks like a giant ice palace! And those hands trying to escape hell are just a little creepy…
It does have some dark moments.
Ok. Supremely disturbing. The hands and the random ghoulish faces.
There are definitely disturbing parts, wrapped up in a pretty package.
Wow, that temple is simply beautiful, and at the same time parts of it are quite macabre, very interesting combination! Definitely need to visit on my next trip to Thailand..
I love that combo too. Hope you make it there next time.
Went today, my 64th birthday – certainly one of the most incredible artistic experiences I’ve had – myriad thoughts spinning through my head – Dante’s Inferno – Salvador Dali – to mention two – but a breathtakingly beautiful Thai Buddhist temple in its own right – what a gift the artist has given to this planet.
Must add:
It’s probably fortunate that LSD is now old-hat because a visit to the White Temple under its influence would be extremely dangerous.
Great pictures, i love the art work in the sculptures
Thanks Zablon. The intricate detail was astounding.
I have read about the White Temple before and it is a place I definitely want to visit. I can’t wait to return to Thailand so I am able to see this intricate and beautiful place for myself. These photos are gorgeous!
It’s a good excuse to come back to Thailand!
Great pictures I bet it was hard for you to drag yourself away so interesting and so much to see and photograph I must put this on my places to visit
You could spend hours and hours exploring all the small details. We had just spent five hours on a motorbike to get there but still managed to spend a long time wandering around.
That is a fabulous looking temple, it looks like something out of a fairy tale or off the top of a Christmas Cake
I kept thinking it was like a gothic wedding cake!
Cannot stop staring at this photos – they are amazing. What a macabre/beautiful wonderland! Proper stuff of fairytales…
That’s the perfect description – thanks Nadia.
Very odd place. Very odd.
It is. I love odd places
the 3rd picture is from Predator
Oh, thanks for letting us know! How bizarre!
I was going to mention that, scrolling through the comments I thought it was strange no one had mentioned that yet! Its cool because its a lot like the statues from the movies
That is incredible! Putting that one on my bucket list for sure! How did I miss that in all my trips to Thailand??
It’s strange that it isn’t better known isn’t it?
i visted the white temple in december 26 its beatifull
What a beautiful place – something about white structures like this always gets my attention. The hands are eerie…
It does stand out in a country where all the temples are so golden.
We were just in Chiang Mai, and could have taken a day trip to see the White Temple and the hill tribes in Chiang Rai but we didn’t because we only had one day and it seemed like an awfully long trip, but now seeing your photos I really wish we had. I loved the macabre statues and the hands of those who have not yet reached enlightenment.
Next time I am in Thailand I will make sure to budget more time for a trip to Chiang Rai!
It would have been a little rushed in a day, but at least it’s an excuse to go back.
Wow, what a cool temple! Nice photo essay!
Thanks Randy!
How fabulous and unexpected! It’s so strange and yet so beautiful. Love it.
Thanks Cheryl!
I can’t believe we didn’t go there when we were in Chiang Rai, so bummed we missed it. We were doing trekking, cycling, motorbiking so it was a totally different trip, but we should have done our research better to check this temple out. I didn’t even know it existed. All the more reason to go back though! Great images.
That’s a shame. It’s a great part of the world for adventurous activities though – we loved motorbiking in the area.
This place is so awesome. I saw it on another website and it still doesn’t cease to amaze (love some of your detail shots). Def on my to do list.
I couuld have posted so many photos of all the little details – the attention to detail by the artist is incredble.
Love the White Temple!! Definitely our favorite temple in all of Thailand!
It’s in our all time top 3 temples in Asia list too.
WOW this temple is amaaaaaaazing! I would have never left haha.
It is an incredible place and you can spend hours looking at all the details.
Awesome temple! Pretty sure that is a statue of Predator.
Such a beautiful and original temple! Great photos
Thanks Cam – it is a unique place.
Wow, that’s pretty crazy! It’s amazingly ornate, I really didn’t think people made buildings like this any more… I’ll be adding that to our list of things to see in Thailand!
Are you still in Thailand? Where’s your next destination?
Yes we are still in Thailand and are probably going to Burma next month. We have no definite plans though – just taking each day as it comes!
That sounds great
We’re landing in Bali in about 1.5 weeks and are really looking forward to spending some time in SE Asia. What has been your favorite place so far?
Probably Chiang Dao, although we loved the beaches on Koh Mak and Chiang Mai has been a great base for working. Enjoy your time here!
Strange that they have a statue of the predator there. Looks like an interesting place!
It is very strange but then there are modern cultural references in a number of places. It’s definitely not your average temple!
What an amazing place! Your images are stunning and detailed, and tell a great story.
This piece has made me want to visit there!
Thank you, best wishes and safe travels…
Thanks Tammy – your comments are much appreciated.
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Odd and beautiful in a perfect combination
I never, ever tire of seeing photos of this temple. It’s so strange, yet beautiful!
Precisely, blindingly white! I just love the fairytale-like concept of the Chiang Rai Temple. I will definitely include this on my first visit.
Darn, i am captivated.
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Wow this looks AMAZING!
I’ll be in Chiang Mai for 2.5 days- is it feasible/worth it to do a day trip up to see the White Temple from Chiang Mai? Or should I spend more time seeing things closer to the Chiang Mai area?
Thank you so much! Love you blog, photographs, and life style. Let me know if you are ever in Hong Kong!
Cheers,
Katherine
People do visit the White Temple on a day trip but it’s 3 hours each way on the bus so it would be a long day and would limit what else you can see in Chiang Mai. It is an amazing place though and if you combined it with the Black House would be a worthwhile day.
We were in Hong Kong last August and loved it. Hopefully we’ll make it back there.
Very cool! Stunning photos….never knew this place existed, but I won’t forget about it now.
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The White Temple is the craziest temple I’ve ever seen! Thanks for posting photos and sharing the story of Buddhist and Hindu mythology. I’m hoping to see it in person one day.
WOW. I can’t image how much work has been done to create something as wonderful as this place.
This place looks insane!
How on earth did the Predator get there?!
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This is currently still my favourite temple in Chiang Mai, but in a few weeks we will be doing this visa run journey again so i think a trip to the black one is in order.. Everyone says its great. J
The Black one is so different but just as crazy – definitely stop off on your way.
Can’t wait to see this place in person in July. i from there 20 years ago.
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I have not been to White Temple before, but your photos have impressed me a lot. I will include this in my future travel itinerary for sure.
We loved the White Temple so much. Amazing to think that it is far from finished, apparently the artist and creator Ajarn Chalermchai recons it’ll be done 60-90 years after his death. We’ll definately go back in a few years and see how it has changed. Also loved the Black Temple. So dark and such a contrast to Wat Roong Khun. Thank you for sharing your photos! Would really appreciate it if you could take a look at ours and let us know what you think! http://www.travelingandthat.com/black-and-white.html
We’d love to go back as well as see how it changes over the years. What an ambitious project! Your photos are great.
Looks like it snowed