Chiang Rai

Chiang Rai

Located just outside the city of Chiang Rai, Wat Rong Khun has become famous in Thailand as the White Temple. A unique design mixing contemporary and classic style makes this one of Thailand’s most unusual and most visually striking man-made attractions. Even for those who might consider themselves ‘templed-out’ on their trip to Thailand, this unique wat is highly recommended if you are visiting the Chiang Rai area.

Chiang Rai

Chiang Rai

The White Temple is the creation of Thai artist, Chalermchai Khositpipat who was born in 1951 in the village of Rong Khun in Chiang Rai province. The project is an act of faith by the internationally acclaimed artist who has invested large amounts of his own money to create the temple. Chalermchai’s aim is to make the temple one of the world’s greatest works of art and he wants visitors from around the world to enjoy the labour-of-love he has undertaken in his home village in his beloved Thailand. Work began on the new Wat Rong Khun temple in 1997, but the artist knows that there are still many years to go before the project is completed and he has made plans for work to continue in the event of his death.

Chiang Rai

Chiang Rai