Due to its exterior appearance, the main chapel and other structures at the complex are collectively referred to as the White Temple. Temple founder and local artist Chalermchai Kositpipat said the introduction of the fee would mark the first time in 19 years that anybody had paid anything to enter.
He explained that his original plan had been to keep operating the first fee-free tourist attraction in Thailand. He carried on by saying that in years gone by tourists used to buy his books and pictures and this provided the necessary funds to keep building and for operating costs.
Mr Kositpipat finished off by saying that although one million tourists visited Wat Rong Khun every year now, few bought his art. The new entry ticket comes with a souvenir pocketbook and logoed bag. There is still no admission charge for Thai people, but they can buy the souvenir pack for the same price if they wish.
The White Temple is a little south of the northern Thai town and is just off the main road from Bangkok, Phayao and Lampang to Mae Sai. 12GO ASIA sells bus tickets for this route as well as countless other ones in Thailand.
Popular Chiang Rai White Temple introduces entry fees
News in Asia
Effective tomorrow, Chiang Rai’s most famous temple will start charging overseas tourists admission fees. The entry fee for Wat Rong Khun has been set at THB50 and is mandatory for all visitors without Thai identity cards.