World Travel GuidesWat Rong Khun, White Temple of Chiang Rai

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Wat Rong Khun is a Buddhist temple in Chiang Rai. It is popularly known as the White Temple of Chiang Rai on account of its pure whiteness. The temple was the brainchild of famous Thai artist Chalermchai Kositpipat, whose patrons included King Bhumibol Adulyadej. Work on Wat Rong Khun began in 1998, and is expected to be completed in 2008.

Wat Rong Khun is very different from most other Buddhist temples because of that very whiteness which seems to cover everything. Chalermchai Kositpipat used whiteness to symbolize Buddha's purity. White glass is also used, to symbolize Buddha's wisdom as it shrines over all the earth.


Wat Rong Khun, Chiang Rai
Wat Rong Khun, Chiang Rai
Author: Ddalbiez (Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported)


 Inside Wat Rong Khun are murals which are not white, but rather, given golden tones. These murals carry the theme of escape from temptation, a common Buddhist motif, to reach a supramundane state. On the roof are sculptures of four different beasts, the elephant symbolizing earth, the naga symbolizing water, the swan's wings represent wind, and the lion's mane represent fire. Chalermchai Kositpipat built the temple at his own expense as a gesture of merit, a common act in Buddhism.

As at time of writing (November 2008), Wat Rong Khun was still under construction. When completed, it would comprise nine buildings.


Wat Rong Khun
Wat Rong Khun
Author: Ddalbiez (Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported)

Getting there

Wat Rong Khun is located to the southwest of Chiang Rai. From town, take Highway 1 (Phohon Yothin Road) heading south. At junction with Route 1208, turn right heading east. You will see Wat Rong Khun on the left side of the road, a short distance from the junction.



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Ornamentation at Wat Rong Khun
Ornamentation at Wat Rong Khun
Author: Ddalbiez (Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported)

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