At the end of the bridge lies the Gate of Heaven, a threshold flanked by statues of two mythical guardians: Death and Rahu. In Thai Buddhism, Rahu is the deity who swallows the sun and moon to create eclipses, and is also believed to judge the fate of souls. Together, these figures stand watch over the spiritual boundary between the profane world and the sanctified interior. Crossing this threshold signifies the shedding of worldly attachments and stepping into a space of sacred introspection.
The Ubosot
The ubosot—or ordination hall—is the holiest part of any Thai Buddhist shrine. Here, monks perform rituals, meditate, and receive new initiates. At Wat Rong Khun, the ubosot is visually restrained on the outside, painted a stark eggshell white that is consistent with the rest of the structure. Photos are not permitted inside, reinforcing the sanctity of the space.
But the jewel-toned interior is where the artist’s vision becomes especially provocative. Instead of traditional religious murals depicting karma and rebirth, which are pervasive in traditional temples, the artwork explores these themes through contemporary references. Inside, visitors may be taken aback by images of Kung Fu Panda, Angry Birds, Neo from The Matrix, and Michael Jackson—all embedded in apocalyptic scenes that include nuclear explosions, burning oil fields, and even the collapse of the World Trade Center. They reflect Kositpipat’s commentary on the moral decay of the modern world, the complexities of Western influences, and our societal obsession with artifice and consumption.
In the primary hall, where monks perform religious rituals on a stepped altar, there is also a gold-leafed crematorium, as well as an ornate restroom that is lavishly gilded from floor to ceiling.
Visiting the White Temple
What time is the White Temple open?
Wat Rong Khun is open to the public daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The entrance fee is 100 Thai baht (about $3 USD), making it an accessible experience for most travelers who are willing to make the trek to Chiang Rai. While it’s rarely empty, early morning is the best time to visit—before the midday heat and crowds set in.
Getting to Chiang Rai
The most convenient way to get there to Chiang Rai is by air from Bangkok: direct flights from Bangkok to Chiang Rai International Airport (CEI) run frequently and take just under 1.5 hours. There are also occasional connecting flights from Phuket, though they typically require a layover in Bangkok.
For travelers making a brief day trip to see it, overnight buses and trains to Chiang Mai followed by a three-hour bus ride to Chiang Rai offer a scenic and more affordable (albeit less direct) option as well.
Other places for design lovers to visit while in Chiang Rai
While Wat Rong Khun tends to dominate the itinerary, there are other sites that make Chiang Rai an unforgettable artistic epicenter.
The Black House
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