Wat Rong Khun, The White Temple of Chiang Rai

Date Visited: 14th April 2014

My friend and I decided to go our own separate way when we went back to Chiang Mai from Pai. She is interested with Rainforest Canopy Zipline whereas for me, I ended up took 1 Day Chiang Rai Excursion Tour. Frankly speaking, I was never worry of taking the tour alone as I went through that experience when I was in Melbourne few years back. But what cause me to take the one day excursion to Chiang Rai alone? All mainly because of this temple - Wat Rong Khun. 

#1: Wat Rong Khun from far away - Always jam-packed and crowded with tourists

Well-known among the foreign visitors as the White Temple, Wat Rong Khun is the most recognisable temples and most visited attractions in Northern Thailand. When our van arrived this temple, from far away I could literally see this temple is indeed jam-packed and crowded especially with tourists from Mainland China. But that ain't going to stop me from joining the crowd of visiting this marvellous and stunning temple. 

#2: White temple reflected on a large pond

It was like love at first sight when I saw this white temple for the very first time. It touched my heart instantly for the minute I saw it and without I realised, I had fall in love with this contemporary Buddhist and Hindu temple. Honestly to say, I have visited quite number of temples either in Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia and even in other parts of Thailand but none of them gave me a very deep impression like what Wat Rong Khun did.  

#3: The white colour signifies the purity of the Buddha 

Wat Rong Khun was built by a famous local visual artist who decided to completely rebuilt the temple and using his own money to fund the whole project. To date, the extension is still ongoing and when its completed, the white temple compound is expecting to have nine buildings including a hall of relics, a meditation hall, an art gallery and living quarters for monks. Despite spending huge amount of money by the local artist to rebuild the whole temple, the admission to the wat compound is absolutely free of charge. How generous and humble he is, right? 

#4: The bridge leading to the main Wat

#5: The bridge of "the cycle of rebirth" - Hundreds of reaching hands that symbolise desire

#6: The main temple - Unfortunately no photo is allowed to take inside and one must take off the shoe before entering

#7: Up close to the temple's chofa - perfect carving 

#8: Even the view from behind can be breath-taking 

What You Should Take Note:

1) Dress respectfully like no revealing clothes.  

2) Phototaking is not allowed inside the main temple.

3) Remove your shoes before entering a temple building. 

How To Get To Wat Rong Khun

The journey from Chiang Mai to here takes almost 2 hours. So, if you wish to visit here without taking any exercusion tour, at least spend a night in Chiang Rai. Take bus from the old bus station nearby the night bazaar in the center of Chiang Mai town and the ride takes about 20 to 30 minutes.

Opening Hours: 8 am to 6 pm daily.

Admission Fee: It's free of charge.

My full and lengthy post on 1 Day Chiang Rai Excursion Tour will coming up next. So stay tune! 

North of Thailand 2014 (Sneak Peek)

"Located among green hills and mountains, Chiang Mai is a favourite Northern Thailand destination for travellers. The “Rose of the North” is well-known for extraordinary handicraft, delicious food and rich history. It is home to more than 300 temples in Lanna and Burmese styles, some of them are just as old as the city. It’s no surprise that expats from all over the world flock to Chiang Mai for that ideal blend of rustic appeal and modern amenities." Travel 3Sixty - AirAsia In-flight Magazine

Straightly we landed in Chiang Mai International Airport, my friend and I immediately booked bus ticket to a small town by the name of Pai, which located 3-4 hours from Chiang Mai. 

 

#1: Never underestimate this tiny and small little town of Pai. The fresh air, countryside sceneries and a hot spot for many tourists, no wonder that this artsy and hippie inspired town is popular for a few days’ getaway. I instantly fall in love with this town.

#2: We woke up early just to catch sunrise in Pai Canyon where there was no one there, except my friend and I.

#3: The most colourful and creative #postbox I ever bumped into and it's only in Pai town.

After spending 3 days 2 nights in Pai Town, we went back to Chiang Mai.

#4: It's splashing here and there in Chiang Mai cause it's Songkran festival. This is how the Thai celebrated their New Year!

#5: I took a day tour to Chiang Rai and one of the most anticipated for this trip was this Wat Rong Khun, the most magnificent and enchanting White Temple.

#6: We also did a crossover to Laos! From Sawadee kap to Sabaidee! Just for 30 minutes

#7: We almost did another crossover to Myanmar but the local tour guide refused to do so cause worry we unable to get back to Thailand. [Note: Malaysian require visa to enter into Myanmar]

#8: With this, another of my travel checklist has been accomplished. Now considering where should be my next destination. 

P/S: Might not able to blog my North of Thailand travelogue at this moment cause catching up to blog my outdated and overdue travelogues. However, if you have any enquiry regarding my North of Thailand trip, you are welcome to leave me a message at dtdianateo@gmail.com