The White Temple, also known as Wat Rong Khun, is a temple with the most strange and beautiful architecture in the world in Chiang Rai, Thailand, attracting numerous of visitors every day.
The White Temple was built in 1997 with a unique Thai architecture combined with a realistic style by architect, painter, artist Chalermchai Kositpipat. Up to now, the work is still continuing to build more isolated areas, expected to be completed in 2070. Unlike the dominant yellow color of temples in Thailand, which is known as the “Land of the Golden Temple”, Wat Rong Khun is covered with a bright white color representing the purity and illumination of Buddhism.
Surrounding the temple is a park with a lake and lots of strange handmade sculptures, possibly a demon, skull, or monsters from Thai folklore. The most outstanding feature when entering the temple is that you will pass through the “bridge of reincarnation – rebirth”, where countless hands are rising as if to pull anyone passing down. Stepping over the bridge, you will reach the “gate of heaven”, then the main hall, the only place where shoes must be left outside and no photography is allowed.
The hands below the bridge of reincarnation – reincarnation represent human sexual desires like an endless pit. However, when you can stop at the right time, the door to heaven is still open so that you can change, like being reborn again. In front of the gate of heaven are two mighty and majestic guardians, sculpted extremely delicately, symbolizing “peace” and “death”. Placing the gate of heaven in this position also implies that people after getting out of the ocean of suffering will go to the realm of bliss.
Wat Rong Khun is currently becoming more and more popular and welcomes a large number of visitors here. The temple is open to visitors from 8 am to 6 pm daily, but at any time, even at noon, this place is very busy and bustling. Important note to be able to visit the temple is that you must dress modestly, not revealing. In addition, if you visit the temple, you should combine sightseeing with famous attractions of Chiang Rai such as Karen long neck village, Black House or the famous golden triangle area.
The White Temple was built in 1997 with a unique Thai architecture combined with a realistic style by architect, painter, artist Chalermchai Kositpipat. Up to now, the work is still continuing to build more isolated areas, expected to be completed in 2070.Wat Rong Khun is like a masterpiece located in Chiang Rai with top-notch architecture built with sophisticated and sophisticated details. The striking white color, completely different from the temples in Thailand with a large space, sacred Buddhist symbols such as Naga snake god, frescoes of Buddha’s life, … bring a look spiritual beauty, purity in this sacred Buddhist land.