Short answer
Wat Rong Khun, the White Temple in Chiang Rai, charges foreign visitors 200 baht from 1 January 2026, up from 100 baht. Thai citizens enter free, and so do children under 120 cm and visitors aged 70 or over, according to The Thaiger. The Chiang Rai Times (September 2026) gives opening hours of 8:00 am to 5:30 pm, with last entry around 5:00 pm. Cover your shoulders and knees, take your shoes off at the main hall and take no photos inside it. Our Chiang Rai day trip from Chiang Mai is from $40 per person.
How much is the White Temple entrance fee for foreigners?
Foreign visitors pay 200 baht at Wat Rong Khun from 1 January 2026. The Chiang Rai Times reported on 9 November 2025 that the National Artist Chalermchai Kositpipat had confirmed the rise from 100 baht, with Thai nationals continuing to enter free. The Thaiger reported the same on 11 November 2025 and said temple officials gave upkeep, improvements and crowd management as the reasons. Wikipedia's article on the temple now lists the foreigners' fee as 100 baht, or 200 baht in 2026.
Older pages still show the old price. The Chiang Rai Times' September 2026 guide warns that some travel pages list the former 100 baht, and tells foreign adults to budget 200 baht for visits from January 2026. It also advises carrying Thai baht, preferably in small notes, and says some visitor information reports cash-only payment at the site. The amount at the ticket window is the final word. On our tour the entrance fee is paid on the day unless your quote says otherwise.
What does the ticket include, and who gets in free?
The ticket includes the Cave of Art, an on-site art space, according to The Thaiger and the Chiang Rai Times; the Chiang Rai Times adds that some older guides list the cave separately, so confirm at the entrance. Free entry applies to Thai citizens, and to children under 120 cm and visitors aged 70 and over regardless of nationality, The Thaiger says. The Chiang Rai Times advises bringing identification if you may qualify for free entry.
Wikipedia adds an unusual detail about money. The temple accepts donations, but not more than 10,000 baht, because the artist refuses to be influenced by big donors. It says Chalermchai Kositpipat has spent over 40 million baht of his own money on the project and that the works are not expected to be finished until 2070. That puts the ticket price in context: the temple is a privately owned art project that is still being built.
When is it open, and when should you arrive?
The White Temple is generally open daily from 8:00 am to 5:30 pm, with last entry around 5:00 pm, according to the Chiang Rai Times' September 2026 guide. It warns that older sources still show a 5:00 pm closing time and that some listings suggest entry may stop earlier on certain days, so do not plan a late arrival. The guide describes the site as open daily throughout the year, public holidays included, and Wikipedia says the structure is open year-round.
The best time to visit is early morning, ideally before 9:30 am, the guide says, because it is cooler and tour groups are usually smaller. Weekdays are often quieter than weekends and Thai public holidays. On a day trip from Chiang Mai that is not possible: with pickup at about 7:00 to 7:30 am and about 3 hours on the road, our group arrives after 9:30 am. Most visitors need 60 to 90 minutes, and closer to two hours with the Cave of Art; our programme gives about an hour.
What is the dress code, and can you borrow a sarong?
Cover your shoulders and knees. The Chiang Rai Times says sleeveless tops, revealing clothing and very short shorts are discouraged, and that staff may ask visitors to cover up before entering. Its report on the fee rise says free sarong loans are offered at the entry points, and gives the rule as shoulders covered and hemlines over the knee. Our tour information also says foreign visitors can borrow a sarong at the entrance from 2026.
Take your shoes off before entering the main hall, the ubosot, and wear shoes that are easy to slip off. The Chiang Rai Times' September 2026 guide says to pack cash for any deposit on borrowed clothing, while its fee report calls the loan free, so ask at the entrance what applies. A light shirt or scarf in your bag removes the question.
What are the photo rules inside and on the bridge?
Photography is not allowed inside the main hall. The Chiang Rai Times says outdoor photography is generally allowed around the grounds but not inside the main hall, and asks visitors to follow posted signs and staff instructions. Wikipedia describes the interior as a surprise, with murals of swirling flames and demon faces alongside pop-culture figures, which is a part you will see rather than photograph.
The bridge has its own rule. The Thaiger reported on 22 January 2026 that a sign at the entrance to the bridge says visitors may not stop on it to photograph the main hall, and that a temple representative said the rule is for safety, because the bridge is elevated and narrow. A fight broke out there on 15 January 2026 after one couple stopped for photos. Our tour information adds that the bridge is one-way, so take your photos of it before you cross.
What will you see, and how long does it take?
Wikipedia describes Wat Rong Khun as a contemporary, privately owned art exhibit in the style of a Buddhist temple, which the artist Chalermchai Kositpipat designed, built and opened to visitors in 1997. You cross a bridge over a small lake, in front of which hundreds of outreaching hands symbolise unrestrained desire, to reach the all-white ubosot, which has fragments of mirrored glass set into its surface.
The golden building nearby is the rest rooms. Wikipedia says its gold stands for the body and worldly desire, while the white ubosot stands for the mind. When the compound is complete it will have nine buildings. The Chiang Rai Times estimates 60 to 90 minutes for the main temple, bridge and sculptures. If the Cave of Art matters to you, tell us before booking, because our programme gives about an hour at the temple.
How does the White Temple fit into our Chiang Rai day trip?
Our Chiang Rai day trip from Chiang Mai costs from $40 per person for about 12 to 13 hours, with hotel pickup in central Chiang Mai at about 7:00 to 7:30 am. It stops at the White Temple, the Blue Temple, the Black House and a hot spring, with a guide, drinking water and accident insurance. The White Temple fee is paid on the day unless your quote says otherwise. Our price guide lists the other fees and explains the length of the day.
About 6 to 7 hours of the day are on the road, so it does not suit guests who dislike long drives. If you want a slow visit to the White Temple, staying overnight in Chiang Rai is the other option, as the Chiang Rai Times suggests. The route is in our travel guide and the times in our tour schedule. We confirm the date, pickup time and total on WhatsApp before you pay.
Practical checklist
- Bring 200 baht in cash for each foreign adult, in small notes, plus money for the other fees on your day.
- Cover your shoulders and knees; a light scarf or shirt in your bag helps.
- Wear shoes you can slip off before the main hall.
- Take your bridge photos before you cross; do not stop on the bridge, and take no photos inside the main hall.
- Bring identification if you or a child may qualify for free entry (age 70 or over, or under 120 cm).
- Arrive well before 5:00 pm, the last-entry time.
Questions and answers
How much is the White Temple entrance fee for foreigners?
200 baht from 1 January 2026, up from 100 baht, according to The Thaiger and the Chiang Rai Times. Thai citizens enter free. The ticket includes the Cave of Art, and the price at the ticket window is the final word.
Is the White Temple free for children?
Children shorter than 120 cm enter free, regardless of nationality, according to The Thaiger. So do visitors aged 70 and over. The Chiang Rai Times advises bringing identification if you may qualify.
What time does the White Temple open and close?
Generally daily from 8:00 am to 5:30 pm, with last entry around 5:00 pm, according to the Chiang Rai Times' September 2026 guide. Some listings suggest entry may stop earlier on certain days, so do not arrive late.
Can you take photos inside the White Temple?
Not inside the main hall. Outdoor photography is generally allowed. A sign at the bridge says visitors may not stop on it to photograph the main hall, so take your photos before you cross.
Can you borrow a sarong at the White Temple?
Free sarong loans are offered at the entrance, according to the Chiang Rai Times, and our tour information says the same from 2026. The September 2026 guide mentions a possible deposit, so ask at the entrance.
Is the entrance fee included in your Chiang Rai tour price?
Entrance fees are paid on the day unless your quote says otherwise. We confirm on WhatsApp what your price covers, and what you pay at the gate, before you pay.