White Temple in Chiang Rai (Wat Rong Khun): How to Get There, 2026 Price and Tips

The White Temple in Chiang Rai, or Wat Rong Khun, was the first temple we visited in Chiang Rai, our second stop in Thailand. It’s impossible not to stand there staring at it: all white, with mirror details that sparkle in the sun, sculptures of mythological creatures and architecture unlike any other temple.

We’ll be honest with you: it’s gorgeous, but we found it very touristy, like the “Disney of temples”. Even so, it’s absolutely worth it. In this guide we tell you how to get there, how much it costs in 2026 (the price has doubled), what to wear and what else to see in Chiang Rai.

Summary: the White Temple in Chiang Rai

1. What the White Temple is and why it’s so special

Unlike Thailand’s ancient temples, the White Temple is a contemporary work. It was designed and built by the Thai artist Chalermchai Kositpipat, who took charge of the temple in the late 1990s and is still working on it. The white represents the purity of the Buddha, and the small pieces of mirror set into it make it shine all day long.

To reach the main building you cross a bridge that symbolizes the cycle of rebirth, surrounded by hundreds of sculptures of hands reaching up out of the ground. It’s striking.

2. The murals: from Buddha to superheroes

What caught our attention most was the inside of the temple: the paintings mix Buddhist scenes with pop culture characters. We spotted the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Pikachu and Batman, and according to the Tourism Authority of Thailand, Spider-Man, Neo from The Matrix and Michael Jackson also appear. See if you can find them!

Respect the rules on site: inside the main hall, photos are generally not allowed.

3. White Temple price and opening hours in 2026

If you’ve read older guides, watch out: since January 1, 2026, admission for foreigners costs 200 baht, double what it was when we went (100 baht). In return, it now includes the Cave of Art. Thai nationals, people over 70 and children under 120 cm get in free.

The temple is open every day, approximately from 8:00 to 17:30. Go early: we arrived at 10 in the morning and there were already loads of people.

4. What to wear

As at all temples in Thailand, you need to dress appropriately:

• Legs covered, to below the knees.
• Shoulders and back covered: often it’s enough to throw something on over your top.

Our advice: always keep a scarf or a sarong in your backpack. It’ll save you at any temple.

5. How to get to the White Temple

By local bus from Chiang Rai

We went from the Chiang Rai bus terminal on a bus that dropped us less than a block from the temple, and we paid 30 baht per person (2020 price). On the way back we took a shared blue pickup truck for 20 baht each. It’s the cheapest way and quite an experience.

By Grab

Grab (Southeast Asia’s “Uber”) is the most comfortable option if you’re in a group or short on time.

On a tour

If you don’t want any hassle, there are tours in English that include the entrance fees, like this private one:

➜ PRIVATE GUIDED TOUR OF CHIANG RAI WITH THE WHITE TEMPLE, IN ENGLISH (CLICK HERE)

6. How to get there from Chiang Mai

Many travelers visit the White Temple on a day trip from Chiang Mai. It’s about 3 hours of travel each way, so it’s a long day: if you want to make the most of it, the most practical option is a day trip that combines the White Temple and the Blue Temple.

➜ DAY TRIP TO CHIANG RAI FROM CHIANG MAI: WHITE AND BLUE TEMPLES (CLICK HERE)

If you’re staying in Chiang Mai, check out our guide to things to do in Chiang Mai.

7. The Blue Temple (Wat Rong Suea Ten)

If the White Temple surprised us, the Blue Temple won our hearts: it’s among our favorite temples in Thailand. Its intense blue color, the two enormous dragons that climb the entrance staircase and its majestic white Buddha, more than 6 meters tall, are stunning.

It’s also outside the city, across a bridge with no sidewalk to walk on. We went by local bus from the terminal (we rode with a rooster, quite an experience!), which drops you on the main avenue a few blocks away. On the way back nothing came by, so we ended up taking a Grab.

8. The Big Buddha of Wat Huay Pla Kang

The third must-see in Chiang Rai is the huge white Buddha of Wat Huay Pla Kang, which you can see from far away on a hilltop. We explain how to visit it in our guide to the Big Buddha of Chiang Rai (in Spanish).

9. Chiang Rai Night Market

To round off the day, Chiang Rai’s Night Bazaar is ideal for a street-food dinner and buying handicrafts. On weekends there are also markets on pedestrian streets.

Where to stay in Chiang Rai

To visit the temples by local bus, the most practical option is to stay near the bus terminal and the center, which is also where the night market is.

Travel insurance for Thailand

In Thailand we never travel without insurance: between scooters, excursions and street food, it’s better to be covered. Check out our guide to the best travel insurance for Thailand (in Spanish) and, with IATI, you get a 5% discount.

Frequently asked questions about the White Temple in Chiang Rai

How much does it cost to enter the White Temple in Chiang Rai?

Since January 1, 2026, foreigners pay 200 baht (it used to be 100), and the ticket includes the Cave of Art. Thai nationals, people over 70 and children under 120 cm get in free.

How do you get to the White Temple from Chiang Rai?

The temple is on the outskirts, south of the city. We went by local bus from the bus terminal, which dropped us less than a block away, and came back in a shared blue pickup truck. You can also go by Grab or on a tour.

Can you visit the White Temple from Chiang Mai in a day?

Yes. It’s about 3 hours of travel each way, so it’s a long day; the most comfortable way is an organized day trip that combines the White Temple and the Blue Temple.

What should you wear to enter the White Temple?

As at all temples in Thailand, you need to cover your shoulders and your legs to below the knees. If you’re wearing summer clothes, bring a scarf or a sarong to cover up.

Who built the White Temple?

The Thai artist Chalermchai Kositpipat, who took charge of the temple in the late 1990s and designed and built it. It’s still under construction and is a unique blend of Buddhist and contemporary art.

What time is best to visit the White Temple?

As early as possible. It opens in the morning (from around 8:00) and fills up right away: we arrived at 10 and there were already loads of people.

Conclusion: is the White Temple worth it?

Yes. Even though we found it very touristy, the White Temple is unique in the world, and combined with the Blue Temple and the Big Buddha it makes Chiang Rai worth a visit in its own right. Go early, dressed appropriately, and look for the superheroes in the murals. Which one did you like best?

To plan the rest of your trip, take a look at our Thailand travel guide.

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