Exploring Northern Thailand?
You have already seen thousands of temples. Now you want to see something different?!
What about two temples more?
You are templed out?! Ok, ok, calm down.
These two Chiang Rai temples are so unique and unconventional as you have never seen something similar before and you shall never see it again.
These temples served as art exhibitions at first, but over time they became places for meditation.
One of these Chiang Rai temples is white, the other temple is black.
One temple was created by a student, the other temple was created by his master.
One of the Chiang Rai temples represents the Haven, the other Chiang Rai temple represents Hell.
…. or…
Welcome to Chiang Rai temples!
Welcome to the two most unconventional and must-see temples in Thailand: the White Temple and the Black Temple!
THIS POST MAY CONTAIN COMPENSATED LINKS. PLEASE READ MY DISCLAIMER FOR MORE INFO.
- BEST CHIANG RAI TEMPLES: WHITE TEMPLE & BLACK TEMPLE
BEST CHIANG RAI TEMPLES: WHITE TEMPLE & BLACK TEMPLE
The most popular Chiang Rai temples are the White Temple or Wat Rong Khun, and the Black Temple or Baan Dam (called the Black House as well).
These two temples in Chiang Rai are some of the most famous Buddhist temples in Thailand as they are unique and bizarre. Therefore, visiting the White Temple and the Black Temple in Chiang Rai is among the best things to do in Thailand.
1. WHITE TEMPLE IN CHIANG RAI
Chalermchai Kositpipat, a Thai famous artist designed and built the White Temple as a representation of the Haven.
In its beginnings, White Temple in Chiang Rai was an art showroom, but over time this unique building became a religious monument.
What makes Wat Rong Khun in Chiang Rai unique is the symbolism of its architecture.
The temple’s sparkling whiteness comes out of the building material, which is glass in plaster.
The white color of the temple symbolizes Buddha‘s purity, while the glass symbolizes the Buddhists’ teachings.
The temple represents the Haven.
And, the Suffering area (or Hell) is just in front of the temple (or the Haven). Hell’s striving hands demonstrate human Desire, Greed, and Temptations.
To reach the Haven (the temple) a visitor needs to cross the Cycle of Rebirth bridge that goes over a small lake that stands in front of the temple. The bridge represents the path from Desires and Suffering (the Hell) to Freedom from Suffering (the Haven).
The main meditation hall of the temple (the Haven) is mostly white colored.
I say mostly, as there are also some colorful quirky murals inside the temple. The murals portray modern Western idols, singers (like Elvis Presley, and Michael Jackson), movie heroes, and comic villains. Characters like Spiderman, Batman, Neo, and Hello Kitty are there.
The characters symbolize the foulness of contemporary men.
Is Chiang Rai White Temple an art exhibit or a temple?
The opinions of the visitors are divided.
However, Wat Rong Khun in Chaing Rai is undisputedly a Buddhist religious monument. Thus, the White Temple’s mandatory dress code asks for covering shoulders and knees. And, of course, taking photos in the Haven (the temple) is not allowed!
1.1 WHERE IS THE WHITE TEMPLE IN CHIANG RAI
The White Temple is located about 13 km (8 miles) southeast of Chiang Rai. The entrance fee is 50 Baht/person (∼1,6 USD).
1.2 HOW TO GET TO THE WHITE TEMPLE IN CHIANG RAI
The cheapest way to get to the temple is by public bus from Chiang Rai bus station. The one-way ticket is 20 Baht (∼0,6 USD).
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2. THE BLACK TEMPLE IN CHIANG RAI (Baan Dam or the Black House)
‘Baan‘ means ‘house‘ and ‘Dam‘ means ‘black’ in the Thai language.
Baan Dam in Chiang Rai, widely known as the Black Temple in Chiang Rai, is a unique museum designed by world-renowned and controversial Thai artist Thawan Duchanee.
The late Thawan Duchanee is presently celebrated as the National Thai Artist.
The Black House in Chiang Rai is a museum, but there are rooms for meditation where nowadays even the Thai royal family members come to meditate.
This bizarre but outstanding museum temple is characterized by an unusual mix of traditional northern Thai style and timeless eccentric design.
The temple compound is made of several buildings. A few of them are traditional teak wood Lanna-style houses and a few are quirky modern structures.
The interiors and exteriors are decorated with animals’ skeletons, skulls, horns, skins, and furs illustrating sickness, old age, and death.
While the furniture is made of animal bones, phallic images that shock visitors are on every corner of this bizarre Chiang Rai temple.
Some visitors call Chiang Rai Black Temple odd, confusing, mysterious, and dark. Some call it morbid, sadistic, scary, and disturbing.
No one stays indifferent to the Black Temple in Chiang Rai after visiting it. And everyone agrees, it is unique.
Confused a bit and amused a lot, I liked this surreal temple museum. The work of Thawan Duchanee reminded me of Salvador Dalí. I would call Thawan Duchanee the Thai Salvador Dalí.
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2.1 WHERE IS THE BLACK HOUSE IN CHIANG RAI
The Black Temple is located about 10 km (6 miles) northwest of Chiang Rai. The entrance fee is 80 Baht/person (∼2,6 USD).
2.2 HOW TO GET TO THE BLACK TEMPLE IN CHIANG RAI
The cheapest way to go to the temple is by public bus from Chiang Rai bus station. The one-way ticket is 20 Baht (∼0,6 USD).
WHERE TO STAY IN CHIANG RAI IN THAILAND
Recommended accommodation in Chiang Rai:
BUDGET: Connect Hostel, Mercy Hostel, Stay In Chiangrai
MID-RANGE: Homestay Chiangrai, Baansuan Rimthan, Saikaew Resort, Maryo Resort
UPSCALE: The Riverie by Katathani, The Imperial River House Resort, Le Meridien Chiang Rai Resort
MAP OF CHIANG RAI TEMPLES
Chiangrai White Temple and Black Temple map
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THE BEST TIME TO VISIT CHIANG RAI
The best time to travel to northern Thailand and to visit Chiang Rai and Chaing Rai temples is from December to February when the average daily maximum goes around 79°F (26°C). You should avoid the Moonson season from May to October.
GETTING FROM BANGKOK TO CHIANG RAI
The distance between Bangkok and Chiang Rai is about 510 miles (820 km).
The cheapest direct way to get from Bangkok to Chiang Rai is by bus. A one-way bus ticket from Bangkok to Chiang Rai is about 600 Baht (20 USD). Check out timetables and prices here
GETTING FROM CHIANG MAI TO CHIANG RAI
The distance between Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai is about 125 miles (200 km).
A one-way bus ticket from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai is about 230 Baht (7 USD). Check out timetables and prices here
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I´ve been in the white temple but didn´t have the chance to visit the black temple. After seeing your pictures I’ve decided that i have to go back to North Thailand haha 🙂
I would have to agree with you that these two temples certainly stand out in terms of their uniqueness! Wow. The Suffering Area at the white temple is really disturbing (which is probably the point). Thanks for sharing!
Thailand is my dream destination! 🙂 I would like to go there one day. I’m impressed with a white temple – looks like you’re in the heaven! 🙂
We did feel all templed out when we left Thailand, but these look so different I’m sure we could have squeezed them in!
Ooh, I loved seeing those two temples up in Chiang Rai when I was there. There’s also the Blue Temple which I found really interesting. I’m thinking I must have missed some buildings at the Black House, as you have photos of things I don’t remember seeing.
Wow this is so fascinating! A heaven & hell pair of temples. never heard or seen such temples and we practically live in a country of temples 😛
I was in Chiang Rai for a few days a few years ago and for some reason did not have a look at any of the temples. I’m not quite sure why. I sure am regretting now! 😉
Wow this inspires us to go see more temples! Thanks for sharing.
I’ve read a lot about the White Temple and its intense details! But the Black temple is new to me! Looks…interesting…. 😛
The white temple is gorgeous! I never heard of it before but it looks amazing and definitely worth a visit!
Those are truly something different. Never seen architecture like this, it is very unusual for an European eye. Especially the white temple.
The White Temple is so funky and bizarre. Really freaking wacky. I felt it was ancient but learned the story a few years ago. Neat. Surprised I missed it with all the time I spend in Chiang Mai. Maybe next trip. I could probably write an entire eBook on the thing LOL.
Rocking photos and rocking post 🙂
Ryan
Hi Ryan,
Yes, Chiang Rai is just 3 hour drive from Chiang Mai. It should be on your itinerary for the next trip. Chiang Rai area has lots to offer to see and experience.
Thanks for your lovely comment.
You rock, Ryan!
Milijana
One of my dream destinations. White temple is indeed architecturally stunning – its beyond culture and religion!
Love your photos of the White Temple – it looks like something out of a fairytale. The Black Temple looks pretty mysterious too. Chiang Rai is such a lovely spot.
Both temples are really interesting. The intricate design and architecture are incredible. I would love to see it myself. Hopefully I can visit Thailand in the future.
I do not know why I did not make it to Chiang Rai for the White Temple when I visited Thailand 5 years ago. It is absolutely incredible and I always visit temples with amazing architecture. I did the usual Bangkok, Krabi, Pattaya and Phuket visit in the one week that I had but I must go back to the White Temple. As for the Black Temple, I had no idea about it. I can see what you mean by ‘timeless eccentric design’ 🙂
that’s so cool. I have been to Bangkok but could not visit north Thailand. I have been a big lover of the Thai temple architecture but these two temples look out of the world. Not only the temple, the entire surrounding and interior has been created in the same colour theme. SUperb
This info on black temple is new to me. Of course the display of all those animal skulls and bones can be slightly disturbing. But I guess they do try to convey some meaning.
I definitely prefer the white temple over the black. I found the black temple a bit confusing and dark vibe. The white temple has an interesting story to it starting with the depiction of hell.
We recently visited the White Temple and the Black House and loved both, along with the much newer Blue Temple, and a large Chinese temple with giant statue of a Goddess on the hill nexr to it. Thanks for the info on the symbolism of the hands, they were kind of creepy looking but awesome! We didn’t have long at the Black House so didn’t get around all of the buildings, enjoying your photo of the dome and fish shaped ones.
This is actually what I love about Thailand. They have an array of stunning temples. I actually wonder how talented all the workers behind these temples including the architect. I have just visited Thailand 2 weeks ago and I was supposed to visit White Temple, but I didn’t have a leisure time. Perhaps on my next visit. Thank you so much for sharing this with us.
I have heard and seen a lot about the white temple. It is simply marvelous. But this is the first time i am hearing about the black temple. And while it is surely unusual, it seems to have its own charm. Great to see both of these together in one article.
The architecture of the White temple looks absolutely surreal. I’ve to still explore that part of the world. Would love to visit some day in my life!
We are so in love with those temples! We always wanted to visit Thailand and can’t wait to land our feet there, maybe this year 😀
Thanks for sharing!
Sending all the love,
xx
Patricia & Miguel
http://www.freeoversea.com
The white temple is our favorite temple in SE Asia!! It’s truly amazing.
Great post! I visited both the black and the white temple and this post brings back some great memories 🙂
I knew about the white temple in Chiang Rai but the info on black Temple is absolutely new to us. It looks equally beautiful. So, I am going to add this to my list soon. Thanks for all the info.
Wow, these temples are both unique! The White Temple is stunning, although the Cycle of Rebirth bridge would freak me out with all those hands reaching up! I love Salvador Dali so I’d have to check out the Black Temple too!
Oh wow, the contrast of the white temple and the black temple is just incredible! (I also love the white temple wth the dark tree next to it, it looks like a painting!). I’m a huge fan of the architecure of both of these temples, but the black temple pips it for me. You are right, Thawan Duchanee is very stylistically similar to Salvador Dali!
Whoa! I’d feel all creeped out to walk in the passage with hands around it!!!
Glass in plaster? That’s interesting building material.
As a Salvador Dali fan, I guess I’ll be more impressed by Black Temple than White Temple.
This looks incredible! I had never heard of it before but would love to visit. Thanks for sharing.