The White Temple in the city Chiang Rai It is no longer a typical temple, but an unusual and very popular attraction in Thailand. This is not another historical story or an important religious focus, but rather a place that looks and feels like it was taken from a fairy tale. In fact, the past of the place is not rich at all - it is one of the young and modern temples throughout the country. When you get to it, already from a distance you can be impressed by the bright design and the spectacular architecture that is incomparable. This is one of the most special and beautiful temples that Thailand has to offer, so if you are traveling in the north of the country, this is a must-visit destination.
A little background on the place
The White Temple was built in the last century by a local artist who was helped by many donations and finished the work only at the end of the 90s. In 2014 an earthquake hit the area and the place needed a massive restoration, which continues even now (and is expected to continue until 2070). Beyond the unusual appearance of the temple, it gained a unique meaning in the eyes of the Thais - while according to Buddhism it is customary that the color white symbolizes mourning, in this work of art white is used as a symbol of the wisdom and purity of Buddha, who will "enlighten the whole universe".
A visit to the temple will take you on the journey of life according to Buddhism. At the entrance to the temple, you will have to follow a one-way road, where there is a ban on going back. To reach the central building you will walk on the bridge of the "Route of Rebirth", not before hundreds of sculpted hands from hell try to chase you. Those hands symbolize forbidden desires, temptations and failing passions, with which the road to happiness is paved. After crossing the bridge, you will enter the gates of "Paradise", on which stand two gatekeepers - sculpted mythological creatures. These determine the law of fate - life or death.
From the moment you are inside the temple, the white design you saw from the outside will become colorful and ornate, and maybe also a little strange and scary. As part of the chaotic design, you can see the Twin Towers go up in flames and the characters of Freddy Krueger, Harry Potter, Superman, Batman and Michael Jackson. The mixing of religion and pop-art from the modern era is definitely a design feature that you will not see in any other holy institution in the country.
Beside the White Complex, you can also visit the Golden Temple nearby. While the white temple symbolizes the spirit and soul, the golden temple symbolizes the body and matter. That temple is completely covered in gold color, outside and inside. It is worth a visit if only because it contains one of the most beautiful bathrooms in Thailand.
Essential Information
How to get there?
The White Temple is located about 14 kilometers south of the center of Chiang Rai. If you are traveling in the city, you can take a tuk-tuk, taxi, motorcycle or Songthaew there as it is not a long trip. Tuk-tuk and taxis will charge you about 300 baht for a round trip. Songthaew from the city's night market will charge you only 20 baht.
The White Temple is 170 kilometers from the city of Chiang Mai (about a 3-hour drive), which is considered the largest and most attractive city of the north. Many travelers choose not to travel in Chiang Rai, but just jump there from Chiang Mai for a day trip to the special temple. Many travel agencies in the city offer day trip packages in Chiang Rai, which include round-trip transportation from the accommodation and a visit to the White Temple and usually also to its famous brothers - the Blue and Black Temples.
Opening times:
Every day, 8:00–17:00.
The best time to visit, where the view is the most beautiful and there are fewer visitors, is early in the morning, at the end of the sunrise, or alternatively in the afternoon when the place is decorated with sunset colors. In the afternoon the place is usually very crowded with visitors and the crowds and queues accordingly.
Entrance Fee:
100 baht. The payment is at the entrance to the website and it is not possible to order in advance. If you want to appreciate the place only from the outside, there is no need to pay.
