Yes I will claim it - this is the most beautiful temple in Thailand.

It is also insanely, utterly, incredibly crowded and busy at all times because literally everyone wants to see it, but for good reason. Don't let the crowds scare you away though - you absolutely MUST visit this temple in Chiang Rai. I would argue a trip to Chiang Rai even just to see this temple alone would be worth it.

There are just no words for how insanely mesmerising it is and no pictures will do it justice. Your jaw will literally drop when you see it.

So go, and thank me later.

HOWEVER, this wouldn't be a guide by me without giving you the best tips for how to avoid the crowds as much as possible, so here goes:

The white temple is open from 8 am - 5 pm, or so Google SAYS. It turns out they stayed open until 5:30 pm, but since everyone thought that they closed at 5 pm, the crowds completely disappeared after 5! By staying past 5 pm we got the temple almost completely to ourselves, so I highly highly recommend this strategy!

Therefore: I would recommend arriving around 4:30 - 4:45 pm. Make sure to be inside before 5 pm just in case. You also get the most gorgeous golden light around this time of day as the sun begins to set.

Alternatively you can go after 9 am for less people (or so I've heard). Surprisingly, first thing in the morning when they open can actually get really busy, with a queue outside the grounds already waiting to be let in. However, feel free to try your luck for opening too. I still recommend the right before closing technique though!

❗IT IS A ONE-WAY STREET so once you’ve walked through the entrance of the temple you can’t go back, so make sure you get all the photos you need while you go! 

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The temple is actually privately owned, designed by artist Chalermchai Kositpipat and is still a work in progress! There's a lot of symbolic meanings, unique designs and details to this temple, such as the bridge to the white temple representing the cycle of rebirth and the golden building next to the white temple symbolising worldly needs and desires (which (un)ironically, is the bathroom).

❗Perfect to visit together with a trip to Khun Korn Waterfall!
Also don’t miss the Golden temple and rock structures within the same complex as the White temple and also don’t forget to check out the prettiest bathroom on the planet 🚽 (The golden building I was talking about).