White Temple Tickets: What Foreigners Pay and When to Go

Foreign visitors pay THB 200 at the White Temple (Wat Rong Khun) since 1 January 2026. It opens 08:00 to 17:00 on weekdays and until 17:30 at the weekend. Thai nationals, over-70s and children under 120 cm enter free. From Chiang Mai, Greenbus takes 3 to 4 hours.

What the White Temple costs and when it opens

Foreign visitors pay THB 200. Thai nationals enter free, and so do visitors aged 70 and above and children shorter than 120 cm.

Aim to arrive before 17:00, because entry may stop before closing time. Bring cash, as the ticket point may accept cash only.

What you will see at Wat Rong Khun

The white building is covered in mirrored glass, and its colour stands for the purity of the Buddha while the mirrors stand for wisdom. You cross a bridge to reach the main hall, with outstretched hands below that represent craving, suffering and greed. The golden building stands for material attachment and worldly desire.

Inside the Cave of Art, sculptures show hell realms and the gates to nirvana. No monks live at the temple. A strong earthquake in 2014 damaged the main building, and the long-term rebuilding is still ongoing.

Cover your shoulders and knees. On the entrance bridge, keep moving instead of stopping to pose where a sign forbids it.

The Blue Temple and Black House

Wat Rong Suea Ten, the Blue Temple, is free and open every day from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Baan Dam, the Black House, has more than 40 buildings. Its staff are on duty every day from 9.00 to 12.00 and 13.00 to 17.00.

Who it suits

If you are visiting from Chiang Mai in a day, the first Greenbus leaves at 07:00 and the last bus back leaves Chiang Rai at 18:30. That gives you time for the temple plus one more stop. Over-70s and children under 120 cm enter free.

How to get there from Chiang Mai

Greenbus covers the road in 3 to 4 hours. You board at Chiang Mai Bus Terminal 3 (Arcade) and arrive at Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 1 for applicable services. Departures from Chiang Mai start at 07:00, and an extra bus leaves at 06:00 on Mondays.

Book on fairfair.co.th, an official Greenbus booking channel. The temple is at 60 Moo 1, Phahonyothin Road, Pa O Don Chai, Mueang Chiang Rai 57000. From the city centre it takes about 20 to 25 minutes by car, taxi or hired transport. For the full route, see the Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai guide, or Bangkok to Chiang Rai if you start in the capital.

When to go and how long to stay

Allow about 1 to 2 hours at the temple. Morning is often the nicest light and the quieter time.

Nearby and combining the sights

The Blue Temple stays open until 8:00 PM, so it works well as an evening stop after the White Temple. For the other end of the trip, see the Chiang Mai guide.

Before you go

• Cash for the ticket point.
• Shoulders and knees covered.
• Arrive before 17:00.
• Tourist police hotline: 1155.

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Not confirmed: The THB 200 ticket comes from news reports and a travel guide, not a temple page, so check the price board at the gate. Greenbus fares and the Baan Dam entrance fee are not confirmed: ask at the terminal and the gate.

Prices, timetables and opening hours change; check with the operator before you travel. See how guides are checked.

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