Without a doubt the most popular attraction in Chiang Rai is the White Temple (Wat Rong Khun in Thai). Even if you’ve seen hundreds of temples while traveling throughout Southeast Asia, we guarantee that you’ve seen nothing like this and so it is definitely well worth the trip.
The architect, Chalermchai Kisitpipa, is known throughout Thailand as being rather eccentric and after visiting the White Temple it’s certainly hard not to argue this point. Admission is free and it’s located just off Highway 1, about 12km south of downtown Chiang Rai.
Hands Sculpture at White Temple
Once you’ve gotten some great shots, you will walk over a short bridge with statues of somewhat eerie begging hands on either side of you.
You must take off your shoes, as with any temple, and place them on the racks provided. It is very easy to forget that this is a holy place as you look at the murals on the walls, but orange-clad monks and praying Thais remind us to be respectful. With painted images of Michael Jackson and characters from popular movies, such as The Matrix, it feels like there is a code that you can not decipher. Possibly the most disturbing part of the mural is portrayed below. We’ve asked Thais what they believe this mural means and they find themselves just as lost as we are.
To the right of the White Temple is a place where you can purchase a flat silver ornament for 30 Baht ($1US), write a message or a wish on it with the markers provided, and hang it on a “wish tree”.
If you like shopping, there is a mini mall there where you can buy all sorts of souvenirs, food and gifts for people back home. From a photographer’s perspective, the best times to visit the temple are evenings and early mornings. Most of the big tourist buses include the White Temple as part of their Chiang Rai itineraries, so it’s likely one of those destinations that will always be busy with people.
Mike
Those hands are freaky.
Mindy & Ligeia
Definitely freaky! It felt like you were on the verge of being pulled in if you stood over them too long!
Rose
That picture is a little disturbing but interesting. Love the wish tree idea so many people I am sure have left some interesting thoughts. Thanks for sharing. Xo
Mindy & Ligeia
We wondered what people wrote on their ornaments, too! Most were written in Thai, so we have no idea! 🙂
Britt
wow- that place is beautiful!! Will definitely be on my list if I ever make another trip to Thailand. Who needs Lonely planet when we’ve got this blog! hehe
Mindy & Ligeia
Hi Britt,
Thanks for the compliment. Let us know when you’re planning a trip to Thailand again. We’ll help you get to the White Temple. 🙂
Stephanie - The Travel Chica
I’ve never been, but all the photos I have seen make it seem like such an interesting and strange place.
Mindy & Ligeia
Hi Stephanie,
Interesting and strange are definitely words to describe the White Temple. Is this on your bucket list? If you’re ever in Thailand, it’s something to see. 🙂
TammyOnTheMove
What a bizarre place. I love the look of the temple, but these hands are a bit spooky!
Mindy & Ligeia
Hi Tammy,
Definitely a bizarre place, one that perhaps we will never understand. Yes, the hands were spooky indeed – so were the faces.
Thanks for reading the post. 🙂
quynh vietnam
Thst’s special temple, sincerely, it’s quite renovatif and i like it – it’s similar to the bouddism expression of Abstract style -)))
Mindy & Ligeia
Hi,
We agree that the White Temple is special. Very beautiful and certainly different than any other Buddhist temple we have visited. We liked it as well and we’re glad to read that you do too. 🙂