Travel Diary: White Temple (Wat Rong Khun), Chiang Rai

Our second day in Thailand started early. We were scheduled to go out of the city and head to Chiang Rai to visit its White Temple or Wat Rong Khun. The famous Buddhist temple was designed by Thai national artist Chalermchai Kositpipat in 1997 when the old structure’s restoration works had to be halted due to lack of funds. Chalermchai decided to take on the project and completely rebuild it using his own money. He anticipates that the structure wouldn’t be finished in his lifetime because the plan is to build 9 intricately designed buildings that include an ubosot (chapel), pagoda, hermitage, crematorium, monastery hall, preaching hall, museum, pavilion, and rest room facilities–all of which will be built on an area of about 3 acres. Needless to say, construction is ongoing until now but the White Temple already looking as magnificent and magical as can be.

Every little detail of the White Temple is meaningful. Chalermchai, a devout buddhist, made sure that visitors would be encouraged to reflect on Buddhist teachings that focus on the mind and discourage worldly temptations, desires and greed. His approach, however, is what makes the White Temple so unique. He mixes traditional Thai architecture with modern and fantastical elements. It’s most apparent when you enter the main temple. Chalermchai incorporates contemporary manifestations of good and evil in depicting traditional Buddhist motifs. Instead of the usual heroes and demons, murals of Batman, Superman, Spiderman, Predator, the Matrix’ Neo, warfare, the Twin Towers and even Elvis decorate the hall. I wish I saw them first hand but it was (surprise surprise) raining again when we got there so the main temple was closed. I could only take photos of it from the outside. What a pity. I really wanted to walk across its bridge built over hundreds of out-reaching hands that symbolize desire. It looked so eerie in pictures! Oh well, maybe next time. Seeing the main temple from the outside is good enough for now. There’s still plenty of things to explore around the White Temple anyway. Just look at the restrooms housed inside the gold building in my photos below. It’s the only structure that isn’t white to represent worldly desires and money and how they have little value in the end. You see, the White Temple really makes visitors not only gaze at its beauty but ponder on life and Buddhist teachings as well.

Of course, prior to coming here, I did my research. The fashion blogger in me wanted to match the surroundings well. I got inspired by the White Temples’ architecture so I wore this set from Jessica that features a nice blue pattern. In my eyes, it kind of resembles the little details of the temple from afar and provides a subtle pop of color amidst all the white. As for my accessories, I kept them low key except for my Crystalline watch from Swarovski that’s made with 800 clear crystals. It’s my interpretation of the shiny pieces of glass embedded all over the White Temple. Don’t you think they go well together? The Crystalline watch’s stunning design was made for a backdrop as beautiful as this!

Jessica top and shorts | Chanel bag | Swarovski Crystalline watch in black | Stuart Weitzman sandals

P.S. Don’t forget to join my awesome international giveaway wherein you can win a stylish leather jacket! Read all about it here.

62 Responses to “Travel Diary: White Temple (Wat Rong Khun), Chiang Rai”
  1. JJ

    I love ur bag, I know it’s Chanel but do u know which one and where can I get it??? Sooo loving it!!!

    Reply
  2. Donna (@ForeverSerenity)

    The photos and the architecture are devine. You are right, the pattern on your outfit is a great choice. I like that blue print pattern, it reminds me of a designer I can’t quite think of the name right now. Gorgeous! And your gladiator sandals, snakeskin!!!! I’m glad you took closeups for a better look. Nicely done!

    Reply
  3. maebs

    this post is amazing, your’e amazing, pictures are amazing!yay! maraming amazing! lol! love your outfit! :)

    Reply
  5. Cielo Pauline Garcia

    This is the best! :) ang gandaaa ng attire mo Ms. Camille. and I also love how the background and your attire compliment each other. Ganda talaga! <3

    Reply
  6. Dholls

    aay perfection ang outfit. ni-google, pinagisipan, pinagplanuhan! palakpakan! *wink I love you talaga Ms. Cam! <3 (di po ko tibolibambam ah) :P

    Reply
  7. Rochelle Romero

    Hi Camille,

    Love the scenic shots.. love the outfit and most of all, love the Swarovski watch & the shoes! Thanks for sharing your travel diaries!

    Reply
  8. KarlaJhoy

    Wala talaga akong masabi ate cams basta ikaw. Gusto ko din magtravel at magkaroon ng magagandang pictures..
    Haay!

    Reply
  9. Esobel

    Hi Ms. Camille! =) It’s been two weeks since I followed your blog. Your posts inspire me, especially this one. I love your outfit, it’s perfect for the site. =)

    Reply
  10. Ericka Garcia

    That place makes us feel like we are in a different world! Your outfit matched the location! :-)

    Love,
    Ericka Garcia

    Reply
  12. Katrin Tuano

    I’m at awed with Thailand’s architecture and the white temple kinda looks like elsa’s ice castle!!! And you’re one cute and awesome blogger for matching your outfit with the temple’s design! It really is majestic and magical, I mean, just look at the details!!! I only saw them in your pictures above and I know it’s very beautiful. I’m not a fan of temples, but this one struck me! I think I’m in love with this temple <3 <3 and good thing, there's no rain yet when you took your photos hehe

    Reply
    • Camille Co

      It’s really different right? Not your usual temple, maybe that’s why you like it :)

      Oh it was raining when I took some of the photos :)

      Reply
  14. Armyn

    I think thailand is a sacred place because there are so many buddhist temple :) and the people there are very religious

    Reply
  16. Bethany~FurnishMyWay

    Camille,

    These pictures are absolutely stunning as are you! The details incorporated into Chalermchai Kositpipat’s architecture are breathtaking. I love the idea that each detail has a deeper meaning to help others reflect on their lives. Your outfit was the perfect fit for the day. I love, love, love your shoes! Great post. :)

    Reply
  20. Vianney

    Your outfit is as beautiful as the White Temple!!!
    Makapunta nga there later in my dream lol And maybe in 2 years sa real world naman :)
    Love this post Ms. Camille <3

    Reply
  22. Mariel Grace

    you blended well with the temple..haha! great pictures!! :) show more of your sister ate Camille!(if you just wanted to..)hehe..thanks! more blessings!!!!

    Reply
  23. Kaye Alid

    Good morning ate cams!! It’s been a month since I last visited your blog!! I’m really busy at school so I’m not updated na :( Seems like you really are amazed by its structure! His architecture is on top! I see Thailand is one of the best. Ate camille, I wanna ask for some help or suggestions on my prom night our motif is VINTAGE and it is long gown :) And I would like to ask what’s the best color that suits for the event I’m 15 yrs old and the girly type. I’ll just wait for your reply. Hope you’ll see this. Thank you so much ily keep inspiring! :*

    Reply
    • Camille Co

      One month? Such a long time! Welcome back! There are a lot of colors you can use naman. Maybe blush? Silver blue?

      Reply
  29. Clariss

    IT LOOKS SO BEAUTFIUL! I love the concept and meaning of the gold restrooms. And yes ate cams, your outfit definitely matches the beautiful place especially your shoes and watch :) I noticed that the temple in your past travel diary was mostly gold and now on this post is white! hahaha two of your favorite colors :) which one did you like better tho ate cams? :)

    Reply
    • Camille Co

      Yeah! :) I can’t pick one because they’re so different! :) I like both for different reasons :)

      Reply
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