CHIANG RAI — Wat Rong Khun, commonly called the White Temple, will double its admission fee for foreign visitors to 200 baht ($6.20) starting January 1, 2026 to fund maintenance and improvements at the popular northern Thailand attraction.
The new rate, up from 100 baht, includes access to the temple’s Cave of Art. Temple officials said the increase is needed to maintain facilities and accommodate growing visitor numbers while preserving the site’s distinctive appearance.
Visitors aged 70 and above and children shorter than 120 centimeters (nearly 4 feet) will continue to receive free admission. Thai nationals can still visit at no charge, a common practice at cultural sites across the country aimed at encouraging citizens to appreciate national heritage while generating maintenance revenue from international tourists.
Located in Muang district, the contemporary Buddhist temple was founded and designed by artist Chalermchai Kositpipat in 1997. The ornate white structure decorated with mirrored glass fragments blends traditional Thai art with modern concepts.
The site also features the Cave of Art, showcasing Chalermchai’s sculptures depicting Buddhist cosmology including hell realms and the gates to nirvana. Despite being a Buddhist temple, no monks currently reside there.
Chinese tourists remain the primary international visitors to the site, which has become one of Chiang Rai’s most recognizable landmarks.
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