Wat Rong Khun
“The White Temple” of Chiang Rai
Name Wat Rong Khun, “The White Temple”
Date
Completely rebuild late 20th century onward
Location
Off Highway 1 (Phahonyothin road)
15 kilometers South West of Chiang Rai town
15 kilometers South West of Chiang Rai town
Wat Rong Khun, better known as “the White Temple” is one of the most recognizable temples in Thailand. The temple outside the town of Chiang Rai attracts a large number of visitors, both Thai and foreign, making it one of Chiang Rai’s most visited attractions.
Unique temple
Wat Rong Khun is a unique temple that stands out through the white color and the use of pieces of glass in the plaster, sparkling in the sun. The white color signifies the purity of the Buddha, while the glass symbolizes the Buddha’s wisdom and the Dhamma, the Buddhist teachings.
The Wat Rong Khun was designed by Chalermchai Kositpipat, a famous Thai visual artist. To date the temple is not finished. Eventually there will be nine buildings including an ubosot, a hall to enshrine Buddhist relics, a meditation hall, the monks living quarters and an art gallery.
On May 5th 2014 a strong earthquake hit Chiang Rai. Although the white temple was badly damaged, Chalermchai Kositpipat decided to restore and further expand the Wat Rong Khun.
How to get to the Wat Rong Khun
The Wat Rong Khun is located just off Highway 1 (Phahonyothin road) about 15 kilometers South West of Chiang Rai town. The most comfortable way to get there is by private air conditioned taxi. The ride from town takes about 20 minutes, the fare is between 250 and 300 Baht. Most Chiang Rai hotels will be able to book one.
It is fairly easy to get to the white temple using public transport. Buses leave from the old bus station near the night bazaar in the center of Chiang Rai town. The trip takes around 30 minutes, fare is 20 Baht one way. Alternatively, charter a blue songthaew at the old bus station at about 300 Baht.
Wat Phra Kaew
The temple where the Emerald Buddha was discovered
Name
Wat Phra Kaew
Date
Late 14th century
Location
Intersection of Sang Kaew road and Trairat road
Chiang Rai
Chiang Rai
The Wat Phra Kaew is a Royal Temple in Chiang Rai and one of the oldest in the city. Although the exact year the Wat was founded is not known, it goes back at least to the end of the 14th century.
The Wat Phra Kaew is an important temple in Thai history, as it was here where the Emerald Buddha was discovered in the year 1434 after lightning struck the chedi where it was kept. The Emerald Buddha or Phra Kaew Morakot is the most highly revered Buddha image in the country, that is now enshrined in the Wat Phra Kaew temple on the grounds of the Grand Palace in Bangkok.
How to get to the Wat Phra Kaew
The temple is found on the intersection of Sang Kaew road and Trairat road in the Western part of Chiang Rai about 800 meters South of the Mae Kok river. It is located some 300 meters West of the Wat Phra Singh temple. From anywhere in the center of town, you can get there by tuk-tuk or samlor (a three wheeled rickshaw) or rent a bicycle and drive there yourself.
Entrance fee & opening hours
The temple grounds are open daily from 7 am until 6 pm. Admission is free, although donations for the upkeep of the temple are highly appreciated. The museum opens daily from 9 am until 5 pm.
