Taking the number one spot on my Thailand bucket list was visiting Wat Rong Khun, more commonly referred to as “The White Temple.” Just a twenty minute motor bike or taxi ride from downtown Chiang Rai, this beautiful structure is perhaps the most well known temple in Thailand.
The temple, built by Thai artist, Chalermchai Kositpipat, is unique because of its white color, which represents the purity of the Buddha. The hundreds and thousands of pieces of glass used represent the wisdom and The Dhamma, which are the buddhist teachings.
The White Temple, Chiang Rai
I found the temple to be fairytale like, different from anything else I’ve seen thus far in Thailand. Before you walk over the bridge that serves at the entrance to the temple, you will come across thousands of hands reaching up towards you, signifying human suffering and hell. The bridge is called “the cycle of rebirth.” When you walk to the other side of it, you are crossing through the “Gate of Heaven.”
In the ubusot (the most important building on the grounds), is a beautiful and elaborate mural. It contains examples of modern day good and evil (think Batman, Elvis, Spiderman, and even spaceships).
“The White Temple” was perhaps the most beautiful place I’ve been to since arriving in Thailand. Even the building in which the bathroom resides is absolutely stunning. It is the only colored building on the grounds, gleaming gold in the sunlight. And it is meant to represent the body (the white represents the mind). It is definitely the nicest bathroom structure I’ve ever encountered.
Keep in mind that the temple will close for about an hour from noon until 1 pm. We arrived there around 10:45 and walked around until it closed. This left us with an opportunity to get stunning photos of the temple. No one is allowed to walk through it from about 11:50 on. You should dress respectfully (cover your shoulders and knees) as this is a temple and being modest is important.
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