Wat Rong Khun: the most beautiful and unusual Buddhist temple in Thailand

by Dan Bradford · November 7, 2017

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If you ever happen to visit Thailand, Wat Rong Khun, better known for foreigners as the White Temple, is a place you obviously must see.

There was nothing special in this temple when it was built. But by the end of the 20th century it badly needed renovation. So Chalermchai Kositpipat, a local artist from Chiang Rai, decided to rebuild the temple and fund the project with his own money. Refurbished Wat Rong Khun welcomed its first visitors in 1997. It has become a real masterpiece of architecture. Despite the fact that the modern Buddhist temple is supposed to a place of worship to the Buddha himself, there are some creepy aspects in it.

When you come closer, you will understand why it is called the White Temple

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It is really gorgeous!

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Photo: Maxim B./flickr (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/)

But just until you explore it a little more. On your way to the temple you will see an unusual bridge “The cycle of rebirth”. It is believed to the path to happiness

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Hundreds of outreaching hands symbolize unrestrained and an endless cycle, into which fall those who yield to temptation and greed

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It looks like the lost souls are doomed to a constant search for better things

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After you cross the bridge and reach the Gate of Heaven, you will face two guards who are supposed to decide the fate of the deceased

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The guards are not the only whimsical statues: they are everywhere!

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Some of them contain messages that are absolutely obvious

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One of the rules of Buddhism is to avoid drugs and alcohol, because they cloud the mind

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It is a bit creepy, but at the same time is really amazing. The best part of the temple is still under construction and will hardly be finished by 2070… Just imagine the scary additions that will be made. Anyway, hope we’ll be able to see it in a couple of decades!