Wat Rong Khun, the white temple in Chiang Rai province
The 'white temple' located in the Don Chai Sub District – Amphur Muang in Chiang Rai is a sight that attracts many visitors. The temple is located in a unique complex and as mentioned, the main color is white. Even most of the fish (Koi's) in the ponds are white!
The temple was built by Chalermchai Kositpipat (February 15, 1955). After his primary education, he went to study at the Poh Chang School. Then at the faculty of 'Painting & Sculpture Art – Silpakorn University'. He is now in Thailand one of the most successful artists with works about Buddhism.
After completing his studies, he visited many countries in Asia, the United States and Europe to set up projects. The purpose of this was to promote Thai art.
In 1984 he painted the murals in Wat Buddhapadipa in London, sponsored by the Thai government. At the age of 42 he had achieved his goals and started the construction of the Wat Rong Khum Temple in Chiang Rai.
He started with a capital of 18 million Thai Baht and five followers. The funds have risen to more than 300 million Thai Baht and he now employs about 60 staff.
In order not to become dependent on the government, the maximum sponsorship is limited to 10.000 THB per person.
The complex is easy to reach from Chiang Mai. You follow the Highway to Chiang Rai and then the first intersection on the left. Keep following the road. There is ample parking and there are also some souvenir shops for visitors.
From the day market in Chiang Rai, so-called Song Taews take you to Wat Rong Khun for 20 Baht pp. The entrance fee for a farang is 50Baht, and the Song Taews are clearly recognizable for every tourist by the inscription "White Temple"
If you follow the Highway to Chiang Rai from the direction of Chiang Mai, it is not actually a crossroads, as mentioned above, but a (T) junction.
From Chiang Mai you keep following this Highway to Chiang Rai, until you automatically come to this (T) junction.
This fork goes to the right to Pahn and Phayou, and to the left it goes to Chiang Rai where you will see the Wat Rong Khun on the left after about 15 km.
'Easy to get to from Chiang Mai' – but only after a 180 km drive, so not exactly a day trip. The temple is, coming from the south, about 13 km before the center of Chiang Rai.
'Follow the Highway to Chiang Rai and then the first intersection on the left': if you leave Chiang Mai with those directions, you will not end up at this temple…,,,