Unlike any other
The White Temple (Wat Rong Khun) was the only reason I went to Chiang Rai for, making it a day trip from Chiang Mai. I doubt I missed out on a lot, as Chiang Rai itself didn’t make much of an impression (or at least not a pleasant one), but the White Temple is one of a kind and definitely worth heading up to the north of Thailand for. You’ll reach the shrine by one of the regular buses leaving from the city’s main bus station, and the driver will make a stop near Wat Rong Khun for you (they will ask what your destination is up front).
Designed by Chalermchai Kositpipat, a well-known Thai contemporary artist born in the Chiang Rai province, the White Temple was started in the late 1990s and is still a work in progress. As the name suggests, the shrine is all white (with silver ornaments sparkling in the sunlight), as well as very modern and unapologetically unconventional.
White Temple, Chiang Rai, Thailand
White Temple, Chiang Rai, Thailand
White Temple, Chiang Rai, Thailand
Wat Rong Khun, Chiang Rai, Thailand
The White Temple’s symbolism, although quite emotive (examples below), hasn’t been explained in too much detail by its creator and is thus left open to interpretation.
Wat Rong Khun (entrance)
Wat Rong Khun (entrance)
Wat Rong Khun (entrance)
And yet another surprise…
In contrast to the shrine’s all-white main building, an impressive golden bathroom has been built right next to it, which not only creates a striking visual juxtaposition, but is also another element of challenging the tradition on the part of the White Temple’s creator, since normally it’s the shrines that are golden. Well, in this case it’s the toilet!