Both tourists and especially locals come here during weekends, which makes it quite busy. By the end of the 1900’s the old Wat Rong Khun was in a bad shape and need of restoration. Normally, the inside of a Buddhist temple is very decorated with a Buddha … The transfer time from Chiang Mai to the White Temple is approximately 3 hours. The Wat Rong Khun is a Buddhist temple located at the southern end of the city of Chiang Rai in northwestern Thailand. The White Temple, Wat Rong Khun is not only stunning in the moonlight with its white walls and glass mirrors, but it is humorously known as being home to Thailand's most beautiful bathroom. Most Thai temples are colored and heavily decorated, especially on the inside. Copyright 2012 - 2020 Swedish Nomad - Travel Blog | All Rights Reserved, Wat Rong Khun – How to get there + Info about the White Temple, most popular tourist attractions in Chiang Rai, Thai Food – 25 Traditional Dishes to Eat in Thailand, Currency in Thailand – Info about Thai Baht, ATMs and exchange rates, 12 Best Beaches in Phuket – The 2019 Guide, 1999: The White Temple opens for the public, 2014: An earthquake in the Mae Long made some damage to the White Temple, 6 May: Chalermchai Kositpipat says that he will demolish it for safety reasons and not rebuild it, 7 May: An engineering expert takes a closer look at the temple and confirms that the structure holding up the temple was unharmed, 7 May: Chalermchai Kositpipat decides that he will restore the damage in two years and bring back the original state of Wat Rong Khun, 8 May: It once again opens up to the public. Getting here, each person feels like in a fairy tale and this is not a joke. A White Temple Story. Wat Pa Maha Chedi Kaew, also known as the Temple of a Million Bottles, is a Buddhist temple in Khun Han district of Sisaket province, Thailand. Named after the Hindu god Aruna, the temple’s central … It is fairly easy to get to the white temple using public transport. The grounds can get busy. Every detail of the temple and structures as the bridge of “the cycle of rebirth” and the “Gate of Heaven” carries meaning and encourages the visitor to reflect on the Buddhist teachings that show the way to escape from the worldly temptations, desires and greed and focus on the mind instead. For more information about meditation and a list of retreats and temples in Thailand that teach meditation, read meditation retreats 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. Collection of the bottles began in 1984; it took two years to build the main temple. Taking photos is not allowed in the main building. Wat Rong Khun is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Chiang Rai and Northern Thailand. But with its majestic, otherworldly exterior, Wat … Although the white temple was badly damaged, Chalermchai Kositpipat decided to restore and further expand the Wat Rong Khun. The artist built the temple to be a center of learning and meditation and for people to gain benefit from the Buddhist teachings. The bridge of “the cycle of rebirth” – This bridge leads to the main building, the Ubosot. However, it quickly be… Its dry season from October to February is the best period to visit this city. 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. Chalermchai Kositpipat is a visual artist from Thailand, famous for beautiful Buddhist imagery in his art. The artist has spent almost $1.2million (of his own money) so far on the temple. Wat Rong Khun- The White Temple of Thailand Wat Rong Khun. Shoes should also be taken off before you enter the White Temple. Hill TribesThe hill tribes of North Thailand, Experience Akha way of lifeSpend a day with the Akha hill tribe people, Akha HomestayLive with the Akha and spend the night in a clay house in the mountains, Black House40 Houses filled with art works, Golden TriangleFormer center of opium trade, Wat Huay Pla KangBig Buddha of Chiang Rai, © Renown Group Co.,Ltd 2010 - 2021 All rights reserved, TAT Tourism Authority of Thailand license no. The white color is the contrary since it symbolizes the idea to make merit and the mind, instead of material possession. The White Temple has to be at the top of the list of things to do in Chiang Rai with kids. About The White Temple The White Temple, known as Wat Rong Khun, is a privately owned Buddhist temple and art exhibit in Chiang Rai. Chalermchai Kositpipat, a … The original version of the temple was in very poor condition, when a famous Thai visual artist, Chalermchai Kositpipat, decided to buy the temple and turn it into a masterpiece of modern art. The most comfortable way to get there is by private air conditioned taxi. It’s quite empty inside, except the famous murals on the walls. Cover shoulders and wear long shorts or long pants when you enter. It is said that the original temple was in dire need of repair near the end of the 20 th century. As there was no budget, Chalermchai Kositpipat took it upon himself to take over the architecture. Stunningly beautiful, completely white, and featuring sculptures that depict a mix of popular culture and Buddhist beliefs, the White Temple is extremely popular with visitors and locals alike. Believe it or not, this is a real place – Wat Rong Khun, better known as the White Temple, is a Buddhist temple in Thailand that looks like it was placed on earth by a god. Alternatively, charter a blue songthaew at the old bus station at about 300 Baht. He took the aging, dilapidated ruins of a temple 10 kilometers south of Chiang Rai and turned it into what is today one of the city’s most popular attractions. Normally, the inside of a Buddhist temple is very decorated with a Buddha statue inside. Do you have more questions about Wat Rong Khun in Northern Thailand? Please dress respectfully, which means no revealing clothes. Buses depart to Wat Rong Khun from Chiang Rai in the center, near the night bazaar. Little information is known about Wat Rong Khun before it was put in the hands of Chalermchai Khositpipat, considered by many to be Thailand’s greatest modern artist. Inside Wat Rong Khun. Photo: Prachaya Roekdeethaweesab / Shutterstock.com. 95% of people start their Wat Rong Khun White Temple visit around 10 AM. You can also go here with a guided group tour from Chiang Mai, but it’s far more convenient to go from Chiang Rai. Quick Facts . 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