Wat Rong Khun is also known as the White Temple.

Whereas most temples visited by tourists have a history going back many centuries, this magnificent place of worship was completed only recently. It is the realization of a dream for Thailand's noted artist, Mr Chalermchai Kositpipat, who personally designed and is supervising the construction of this beautiful white temple and its many statues of figures based on religious beliefs.

Wat Rong Khun is different from any other temple in Thailand, as its ubosot (Pali: uposatha; consecrated assembly hall) is designed in white color with some use of white glass. The white color symbolizes Lord Buddha’s purity; the white glass stands for Lord Buddha’s wisdom that "shines brightly all over the Earth and the Universe."

The bridge leading to the temple represents the crossing over from the cycle of rebirth. The small semicircle before the bridge stands for the human world. The big circle with fangs is the mouth of Rahu, meaning impurities in the mind, a representation of hell or suffering.

Photo By Brian McMorrow

All the paintings inside the ubosot (assembly hall) have beautiful golden tones. The four walls, ceiling and floor contain paintings showing an escape from the defilement of temptation to reach a supra mundane state. On the roof, there are four kinds of animals representing earth, water, wind and fire. The elephant stands for the earth; the naga stands for water; the swan's wings represent wind; and the lion’s mane represents fire. As in the four elements.

In 1977, Chalermchai Kositpipat volunteered his service to carry out the construction of the ubosot at his own expense as an offering to Lord Buddha, but he later altered the plan as he saw fit in such a way that Wat Rong Khun developed into a prominent site attracting both Thai and foreign visitors.

Photo By Brian McMorrow

To get there from the city of Chiang Rai, drive north along Asia Highway.