Wat Rong Khun is a contemporary Buddhist art project south of Chiang Rai. Its white glass-and-mirror surfaces, sculptural bridge and symbolic imagery come from artist Chalermchai Kositpipat rather than from an ancient temple tradition.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand describes Wat Rong Khun as a once-small, deteriorating local temple rebuilt under Chalermchai's direction from 1997. The project grew from his devotion to Buddhist teaching, Thai art and a desire to create a major landmark for the country.
The white exterior and dense symbolic sculpture are the point: the site uses a temple vocabulary to express ideas about desire, suffering, rebirth and liberation. It is also an active visitor destination, so follow current site rules and separate the artist's interpretation from the history of older Thai temples.