The White Temple Thailand - Travel Guide
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In this White Temple travel guide I will share with you everything you need to know about this outstanding Thailand landmark. From interesting details about the artist that designed this place, to the general organization of the complex and the meaning behind every detail designed in the temple.
When planning my trip to Thailand, the White Temple was high on our travel itinerary, and after you see the pictures, you will understand why.
Where is located?
Wat Rong Khun, also known as the White Temple, is one of the most famous attractions in Thailand. The temple is located 15 km away from Chiang Rai town.
General overview
The White Temple or the Wat Rong Khun is basically a cluster of white buildings, statues and ‘trees’, with one exception (one gold building – keep reading to learn more about it). The overall design and composition of the White Temple is not yet finished, as there are 9 buildings expected in total. Nowadays the complex includes the Ubosot (which is basically the main building), a hall that preserves Buddhist relics, a meditation hall, quarters for monks and an art gallery. Also, you can observe concrete trees, a crematorium and a golden building (the only gold building present on the premises).
Who built the White Temple?
The name of the artist who envisioned and designed the White Temple is Chalermchai Kositpipat. He is a local artist who decided to rebuild the Wat Rong Khun, which was one of Thailand’s original temples that got into a very bad state at the end of 20th century. He wanted to restore it and rebuild it while displaying his own vision and beliefs. He also funded the whole project.
I find the meaning behind all his work interesting. It is said that Chalermchai Kositpipat is rebuilding this temple so he will gain immortal life.
Because this is an ongoing project, it is said that it will take many years to finish it, so you can see how dedicated Chalermchai Kositpipat is. I feel like this is the project of his life.
All in all I find it fascinating that as an artist you get the chance to see your vision and art take form before your life, and have so many people around the world come and admire your work. In my humble opinion this is a great way to spend your money as an artist (if you have them, of course). I feel like this is an investment in manifesting one’s beliefs and views regarding religion and culture.
If you are interested in seeing more of his art, you can opt for visiting the art gallery that displays paintings and other art designed and made by Chalermchai Kositpipat. The gallery is very close to the White Temple.
If you want to support this uncommon artist you can choose to buy a small painting from the museum.
Things you need to know about the White Temple before your visit
The White Temple is a very popular place in Thailand, thus expect it to be very crowded
From our whole trip to Northern Thailand, I think this is the place where I saw the most tourists. The surroundings of the temple were very crowded and it got quite challenging to take awesome photos without waiting for a certain spot to clear off other tourists.
I totally understand why this temple is so popular, the design, color and architectural style of the whole structure are one of a kind. In my opinion, the White Temple is an entire piece of art.
If you want to take those remarkable photos, where it’s only you with the amazing background that is the White Temple, take into consideration in planning your visit very (VERY) early in the morning (or close to closing hours). To be honest, I’m not that dedicated to those magazine-like photos, so for me it was more than ok to wait my turn in different spots. I feel like capturing the reality of a place is very important for any traveler, because if you expect to see a temple without tourists and want to plan a dedicated photoshoot, you will be disappointed (and this is not my purpose as a travel blogger).
In the interior of the main temple, photos are not allowed
The interior of the main temple is fascinating and the paintings are one of a kind. But all those wonders are for your eyes alone, because in the interior photos are prohibited. I know there are museums that say the exact thing, but you can take a quick picture or two, but in the White Temple they take this rule very seriously. I remember that at some point my husband took his phone out of his pants and immediately a guy came and warned us that he would erase any photo we took and escort us outside. So instead of trying to find ways to bend the rules and take some pictures, try to enjoy the beauty of this place, probably you will not see anything like this.
Visiting the temple with a private guide can enhance the experience
We chose a private guided tour that included important landmarks from Northern Thailand, the White Temple included. Our guide shared with us the history and the symbolism behind this amazing temple. She gave us “behind the scenes” information about the artist and her interpretation of the vision that he had for this place.
In my opinion going with a guide added more value to our visit, because we could ask questions and understood the meaning behind every detail or statue. I’m also an advocate of learning something new from every place I visit.
This is a private funded project
When I found out about this aspect I was surprised, because the White Temple complex is formed from a cluster of several white buildings, which means a lot of money (I guess). What amazed me even more is that this is an ongoing project, meaning that there will be a lot more constructions.
Why is the White Temple white?
I don’t know how many things you know about Thai temples, but all the temples I have seen during our two-week trip were decorated with gold. We explored several temples in Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai, but they were nothing like the White Temple.
The meaning behind choosing white instead of gold, is that white is considered a pure colour.
Chalermchai Kositpipat felt that gold represents desire, greed and the sins of humanity. The gold is about worldly things, while the white symbolises the mind.
Fun fact: Having said that, I want to point out that the only golden building located in the complex was meant to be the bathroom. What an interesting vision, don’t you think?
The symbolism behind the White Temple
What fascinated me the most was the symbolism behind every detail of the White Temple. As I already mentioned, there is a meaning in choosing white instead of gold, but the symbolism doesn’t stop here.
To get to the main temple building, you will need to walk a bridge that is crossing a symbolic river, from where hands reach out to you. I found this area to be a little creepy because it’s the epitome of hell and the sins related to it. If you pay attention to the details carved into the hands you will spot several sins like promiscuity, greed, and desire. Likewise, the bridge represents the cycle of death and rebirth and entering a state free of suffering.
To complete this crossing, at the end of the bridge you will arrive at a gate, called the “Gate of Heaven” which is guarded by two creatures. One represents death and the other decides over the faith of men.
When you are finally entering the temple, be prepared to be amazed even more. I didn’t know what to expect, I have already seen a couple of Buddhist temples, but none was this outstanding and different. And the interior of the White Temple was proof of that because instead of traditional murals that pictured Buddhist stories, the artist painted modern representations of good and evil, like Batman, Spiderman, Pikachu and other contemporary figures. You can imagine that I wasn’t expecting to see a colourful Pikachu painted on the walls of a Buddhist temple. Unfortunately, we aren’t allowed to take photos inside of the temple, so you will have to take my word for it.
There are many pop culture references within the White Temple and they illustrate impure representations of an imperfect world, where even the heroes are capable of sinning. I find it fascinating that the artist used modern representations for the sins and evil things that are happening in the world. This is a creative and bold approach to show Buddha’s teachings (which are so well represented in every Thai temple).
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I hope you find this White Temple travel guide interesting and inspired you to start planning your next trip to Thailand, while including the White Temple on your itinerary.
If you want to plan an amazing trip in Thailand, check out these articles, with all the wonderful places you can visit in this beautiful country: