Wat Rong Khun – The White Temple

May 2, 2017 · by Dano · in Thailand

The “White Temple” as it is known to most, began as a modest but unconventional replacement for the aging original temple located on this same spot. Artist Chalermchai Kositpipat, who was born in Chiang Rai, wanted to make an offering to Lord Buddha and using his own money set out to rebuild the temple. According to our guide, Chalermchai has spent around $4MTHB so far and doesn’t see an end to the building anytime soon.

Originally designed as a single building, the complex now has 9 buildings that have been built or renovated by the artist. The main building of the White Temple is a mix of contemporary and traditional architectures and adornments. Sart, our guide, said the intent here is to draw younger people into the religion by referencing current characters and events. For example, inside the temple you will find paintings depicting 911, minions, Superman, Elvis, Michael Jackson, Freddy Kruger, Hello Kitty, and even the “Terminator”. Outside there are “modern” sculptures depicting sins against Buddhism like smoking and drinking.

By far the most impressive structure is the “ubotsot” or main temple building itself. Completely covered in glass, mirrors and white paint, it is stark white under almost any lighting conditions. We arrived just about 45 minutes before closing so it was evening and the lighting was magnificent!

To enter the temple one must cross a bridge, the “Bridge of the Cycle of Rebirth”. Sart told us that once we started to cross, do not stop on the bridge but keep walking until you reach the temple entrance. This was because the bridge goes over a depiction of hell with hundreds of arms stretched upward depicting temptation, desire and greed. If we were to stop, it is possible our souls would be lured into the darkness, so we must keep walking.

Once at the building, we removed our shoes and went inside. Fascinating, to say the least. Outside reflects a traditional Thai style temple with multiple roof lines and statues, but inside is quite different. Bright red and orange swirled paintings with the symbols mentioned above cover the interior of the temple, surrounding a classical image of Buddha. You need to Google the interior of this temple to see some of the amazing paintings. No pictures were allowed.

The other building that stands out is the Gold building. This building is painted totally in gold and represents the body. While the temple represents the mind, the gold building houses the toilets, of course.

The Toilets

Amazing temple and one that we really enjoyed. As an offering, we purchased an ornament that you write on, your name, a saying, etc., where it is then hung from a pagoda or the walkway for good luck. The money from these ornaments is used to supplement Chalermchai’s works.