The famous White Temple (Wat Rong Khun) is Chiang Rai’s most well-known attraction and a true crowd-puller. The shimmering structure attracts visitors from all over the world and has long been one of Thailand’s most popular Instagram spots. But it’s also an appealing location for drone pilots.
A customer of our drone registration service recently told me that he had flown there with official permission. That made me curious: how complicated is the process, actually?
Wat Rong Khun is not a consecrated Buddhist temple but an impressive artwork created by Thai artist Chalermchai Kositpipat. Inside, you’ll find unusual wall paintings – from Batman and Star Wars to Michael Jackson – all set in a stunning, almost surreal scene.
And yes — flying a drone there is actually allowed, as long as you have the right permissions. The temple administration issues its own permit for flights over the area. I was even assigned a marked spot from which I could take off. You can get the permit for free right at the entrance, where tickets (100 Baht) are checked. There, you’ll receive a lanyard with the words “Permitted to fly a drone” — a clear sign that everything is fully legal.
To get this permit, you need to have flight approval for that day in the UAS Portal App. This is only granted if you already hold all the required registrations — that is, the CAAT pilot license, drone ID, and NBTC registration.
It’s a great example of how legal drone flying in Thailand can be easily managed with a bit of preparation — even at such unique locations as the White Temple in Chiang Rai.
TIP: Come early in the morning for filming and photography. There are fewer people around, and the morning sun makes the temple shine even more beautifully.
Drones in Thailand
Flying drones in Thailand is generally allowed, but it’s clearly regulated. You must register your drone with both the CAAT and the NBTC. In addition, you are required to use the UAS Portal App to log your flights and request permission whenever you plan to fly in restricted areas.
If you use our registration service, you’ll receive detailed instructions on everything you need to do to fly legally in Thailand.
Chiang Rai Attractions
Chiang Rai offers some of the most stunning landscapes in Thailand — wide open fields, mountain ranges, and lush rice paddies — perfect for drone photography. With the right preparation, you can legally capture these beautiful scenes from above.
Other great spots for flying include the picturesque Akha villages of Baan Pha Hee and Baan Pha Mee.
More entertaining articles for Thailand lovers:
Koh Yao Yai and Koh Yao Noi – 2 small relaxed islands between Phuket and Krabi
Big Buddha Chiang Rai – from far visible Wat Huay Pla Kang
How to register a drone in Thailand – fly legal, fly everywhere
