The world's second most beautiful temple—Thailand’s “White Temple” as white as snow

Photos and text provided by Eastern TV Travel

In Chiang Rai, Thailand, there is a temple ranked the world’s second most beautiful—the Wat Rong Khun, locally known as the “Wat Rong Suea Ten” or “Wat Lung Khun Art Temple.” Both the temple buildings and surrounding landscaping are white, hence the name “White Temple.” The exterior sculptures and statues are meticulously crafted, adorned with fragments of glass on the white surface, causing the entire complex to shimmer brilliantly under the sun. The temple’s single visitor route symbolizes no turning back. Inside the temple walls, alongside Buddhist murals, modern elements such as Spider-Man, Batman, and Superman are creatively incorporated.

▲Thailand’s Wat Rong Khun is ranked the world’s second most beautiful temple and is known as the “White Temple”

● White Temple / Wat Rong Khun / Wat Rong Suea Ten / Wat Lung Khun Art Temple (The Chapel of Wat Rong Khun)
Address: Muang Chiang Rai, Chiang Rai 57000, Thailand
Website: http://www.watrongkhun.org/

The dazzling appearance of the White Temple attracts many visitors. A closer look reveals its avant-garde and eerie architectural style. While the exterior is dominated by pure white, complemented by finely crafted carvings and inlaid pieces of glass, the bridge leading into the temple features numerous skulls and struggling hands, symbolizing the idea that one must pass through a dark hell before entering the bright paradise. In front of the bridge, there are also two sculptures of fierce-looking deities, as if watching over worshippers and reminding people to be kind and avoid evil deeds. The single-route visitation path of the White Temple also carries the symbolic meaning of no return. This contrast in style is one of the defining features of the temple.

▲The single-direction visitation path of the White Temple symbolizes no turning back

▲Fierce-looking deity sculptures in front of the bridge warn against doing evil

The meticulously built White Temple even extends great care to details like the wishing pool and restroom. The restroom is a golden building, its gleaming exterior almost outshining the temple itself. The wishing pool also has a golden finish and is divided into 12 sections according to the 12 zodiac signs, featuring a unique blend of Eastern and Western design.

▲Golden restroom inside the White Temple

▲12-zodiac wishing pool inside the White Temple

The White Temple was built by renowned Thai artist Chalermchai. Construction began in 1988, and the entire project is expected to take 100 years to complete, which is why the current version of the temple complex is still under construction. He does not accept financial aid from the government, corporations, or other organizations; all funds come from donations. Chalermchai stated that maintaining the essence of artistic creation is very important, and he does not wish to lose his original intent due to heavy sponsorship from corporations. He also emphasized that his artistic creations will not cease until he passes away.

▲The entrance bridge of the White Temple features many skulls and struggling hands, symbolizing the necessity of passing through hell before reaching heaven

▲Murals inside the White Temple incorporate many modern elements

There are three rumored reasons for building the White Temple: to celebrate the king’s birthday, to teach people to abandon evil and embrace good, and to promote tourism in northern Thailand’s Chiang Rai region. The rules for visiting temples in Thailand are the same: those wearing shorts or short sleeves must cover up with a long cloth, and visitors should speak softly and pray sincerely before entering the temple... Tourists should respect local customs and avoid being disrespectful travelers.

▲Golden statues inside the White Temple

▲Buddha statue enshrined in the White Temple

Thailand’s famous Chiang Rai attraction—the White Temple—with its dazzling white exterior has caught much attention and spurred local tourism. What unique creative elements will be added to this still-under-construction temple in the future? It’s definitely something to look forward to.

▲The pure white exterior of the White Temple is truly eye-catching

▲White statues decorated with fragments of glass that sparkle under the sunlight

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