White Temple (Wat Rong Khun), Chiang Mai: How to Visit and What to Do Nearby

Wat Rong Khun, the White Temple, stands 13 kilometers south of Chiang Rai in northern Thailand, a privately owned art exhibit designed by Thai artist Chalermchai Kositpipat, under construction since 1997. The white exterior, covered in plaster and mirrored glass, represents the purity of the Buddha, while the bridge to the main chapel crosses a field of sculpted hands reaching up from below. Interior murals mix Buddhist imagery with contemporary pop culture references. The complex remains unfinished, with nine buildings planned. is just one of many options in Chiang Mai. Major attractions worth considering include Wat Phra Singh Waramahawihan, Araksa Tea Garden, and Art in Paradise Chiang Mai.