Wat Rong Khun - White Temple

Wat Rong Khun, known as the White Temple, is the most stunningly beautiful example of modern Buddhist art in Thailand. The White Temple, Wat Rong Khun is in Chiang Rai, Northern Thailand and is the work of the renowned Thai artist Chalermchai Kositpipat, who not only was responsible for the design and building of the White Temple but has personally contributed most of the funds for the project.

The story behind the White Temple, Wat Rong Khun is as amazing as its architecture. The original Wat Rong Khun was in a very bad condition and in 1996 work commenced to build a new Ubosot. However, work was slow and the Temple was running out of money. Chalermchai Kositpipat, who was born in the village of Ban Rong Khun offered to take over the building of the Ubosot and to pay for it out of his own pocket as a personal offering to The Lord Buddha. Construction of the Ubosot began again in 1997 and the work received so much acclaim that Chalermchai Kositpipat decided to rebuild the entire Temple as a tribute to His Majesty The King and for the greater glory of Thailand and its people.

The White Temple consists of 9 buildings:

The Ubosot, Hall containing relics of The Lord Buddha, Hall to house Buddha images, Preaching Hall, Meditation Hall, Monk’s Cells, Art Gallery, Door facade of the Buddhavasa and Golden Toilets.

Work on these 9 buildings is not yet complete but by 2009, Wat Rong Khun has received over 5 million visitors making the White Temple the greatest tourist attraction in Chiang Rai.

Other Thailand Temples

Chiang Rai Hotels at special low prices.