Travel Guide: Wat Rong Khun AKA The White Temple, Chiang Rai

The only temple in Thailand where you can find skull topped witches hats, severed head statues hanging from the trees and murals featuring Michael Jackson and Kung Fu Panda.

Visiting Wat Rong Khun (AKA The White Temple) is a unique experience, that's for sure. The completely white temple, hence the nickname, stands out brilliantly against the Chiang Rai sky.

The unconventional temple was designed by Chalermchai Kositpipat and opened in the 1990's. Apparently over 40 million baht has gone into the making and maintenance of this awe inspiring attraction.

Chiang Rai is about a 3 hour drive from Chiang Mai. Park the car then follow the red and white skull-topped witches hats, past the severed heads hanging from the trees and the giant seated robot to the temple's entrance. Admission is free although donations can be made. Walk over the bridge surrounded by a sea of ominous outstretched hands to the temple's door. Respectful dress is expected as it is at other more traditional temples and shoes must be left outside. Photos inside are not allowed but take as many as you like outside of the temple.

When we visited, two artists were adding to the intricate mural covered walls. We spotted Michael Jackson, Kung Fu Panda, Matrix characters, the Saw doll, dozens of eyeballs and more.

Low season is the best time of year to visit. We went in July and there was still quite a crowd, imagine what it would have been like in high season!

Food and souvenir stores are on site and this is where I found The Best (not an exaggeration this time) Mango and Sticky rice of my life. Unexpectedly for a tourist attraction site the food was quite pricey. The Mango and Sticky rice cost more than double that of the average price in Thailand (it was still only $4) but it was well worth it.

What's the most interesting tourist attraction you've travelled to? Would you pay double the price for mango and sticky rice (Ok, I just wanted to ask that because it rhymed)?

Overview
Best time to visit | Low season (less crowds) - June to October.
Value | 5/5
Service | 5/5
Rating | 5/5

Details
Address | Pa O Don Chai Road, A. Muang, Chiang Rai
Telephone | +66 53 673 579
Facebook | Wat Rong Khun

Opening Hours
Daily | 6.30am to 6.00pm

I didn't take a photo of the entire temple for some reason so here's a cheesy touristy pic of my Mum and I in front of Wat Rong Khun.