Despite its name, Wat Chiang Rai is located in the city center of Lampang. As the famous White Temple in Chiang Rai, its main hall, as well as the statues and elements surrounding it, are white. Decorated with mirrored facets, it sparkles depending on the position of the sun. To the right of the ordination hall (viharn) is a large, also white, seated Buddha. Inside the main viharn, there appear to be beautiful paintings and a golden, seated Buddha. I say "appear" because the doors were closed on both of my visits. To the left of the White Hall is another room with access to the restrooms. I rarely recommend using them, but do go. You will likely be overwhelmed by the beauty of the place and initially mistake it for part of the temple—but no, it's the restroom. I also suggest returning in the evening to experience the temple's beautiful lighting.

Depending on where you are staying in Lampang, you can reach Wat Chiang Rai on foot or by bicycle (some hotels and guesthouses rent bicycles). Otherwise, you will need to hire one of the yellow taxis that are common in the city.

Wat Chiang Rai is a temple, and when visiting a temple in Thailand there are some rules to follow: appropriate clothing (knees and shoulders should be covered), take off your shoes when entering the building, be quiet, do not hug or kiss, do not point your feet at the Buddha statue, do not smoke.

How to get there

How do you get to Wat Chiang Rai? Depending on where you are staying in Lampang, you can reach Wat Chiang Rai on foot or by bicycle (some hotels and guesthouses rent bicycles). Alternatively, you can hire one of the yellow taxis that are common in the city.