King Bhumibol Adulyadej's-Footprint Pavilion
The Footprint Pavilion sits on a forested hill in the Rop Wiang sub-district of Chiang Rai and is a site of quiet devotion rather than tourist spectacle. The structure enshrines a footprint said to be associated with the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX), who commanded deep reverence throughout Thailand. The site draws Thai visitors who come to pay respects, light incense, and enjoy the peaceful hillside surroundings. The views from the pavilion over the Chiang Rai valley are a secondary draw. Dress modestly and behave respectfully as with any royally or religiously significant site in Thailand.
Experience hints
Pair your visit. After King Bhumibol Adulyadej's-Footprint Pavilion, round out your day in Chiang Rai with contrasting stops nearby.
Visitor Reviews
Beautiful place, very well maintained. Fantastic view over Chiang Rai but not today with all the smoke in the air (2019-03-18). And two young soldiers that gave us good guidence and information.
A great place to visit away from the the small city and have some peace and quiet with an amazing lookout point
Attractive place and data.
Location Info
WR65+XFX, Rop Wiang Sub-district, Mueang Chiang Rai District, Chiang Rai 57000, ThailandVisitor Information
Best time to visit
November – February
Avoid: March – May (smoke & heat)
Rainy season
June – September
Avg. temperature
14°C – 35°C(57°F – 95°F)
Crowds
Peak: December – February
Getting there
Mae Fah Luang Airport (CEI) has direct flights from Bangkok (1.5 hrs). Bus from Chiang Mai takes ~3 hrs. Scenic Golden Triangle road trip from Chiang Mai.
Getting around
- •Grab (available in city centre)
- •Songthaews
- •Motorbike rental (฿200/day)
- •Car hire (for Golden Triangle & hill tribes)
Where to stay near King Bhumibol Adulyadej's-Footprint Pavilion
Find hotels in Chiang Rai on the booking sites travellers trust most.
We may earn a commission from bookings made through these links — at no extra cost to you. Learn more.
Tips for Visiting Temples & Culture
Dress Modestly
Cover shoulders and knees at all temples. Carry a light scarf or sarong — some temples lend wraps, but not all. Shoes come off before entering any building with a Buddha image.
Mind Your Feet
Never point your feet at a Buddha image or a monk — it's considered deeply disrespectful. When sitting inside a temple, tuck your feet behind you or to the side.
Ask Before Photographing
Exterior photos are almost always fine, but some interior halls prohibit photography. Look for signs, and never pose irreverently with Buddha images — it's a legal offense in Thailand.
Also Popular in Chiang Rai
Golden Triangle
Where Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar converge — a historically significant landmark above the Mekong River.
Chiang Rai Night Bazaar
A lively nightly market in central Chiang Rai with street food, shopping, and live entertainment.
Singha Park Chiang Rai
A vast tea plantation and farmland park outside Chiang Rai, offering cycling, golf carts, and scenic countryside views.
Chivit Thamma Da Coffee House, Bistro & Bar
Riverside garden café and bistro in Chiang Rai serving creative international and Thai dishes all day.
Similar Temples & Culture Across Thailand
Wat Phra Kaew
Bangkok's most sacred temple sits within the Grand Palace complex, home to the revered Emerald Buddha.
Doi Suthep Temple
A sacred mountaintop Buddhist temple from 1383, offering a golden chedi and sweeping views over Chiang Mai.
The Grand Palace
A breathtaking 18th-century royal palace complex showcasing centuries of Thai history, gold-adorned architecture, and sacred temples.
Pattaya Walking Street
Pattaya's iconic pedestrian nightlife strip, buzzing nightly with bars, clubs, seafood, and neon lights.
Location Info
Visitor Information
Best time to visit
November – February
Avoid: March – May (smoke & heat)
Rainy season
June – September
Avg. temperature
14°C – 35°C(57°F – 95°F)
Crowds
Peak: December – February
Getting there
Mae Fah Luang Airport (CEI) has direct flights from Bangkok (1.5 hrs). Bus from Chiang Mai takes ~3 hrs. Scenic Golden Triangle road trip from Chiang Mai.
Getting around
- •Grab (available in city centre)
- •Songthaews
- •Motorbike rental (฿200/day)
- •Car hire (for Golden Triangle & hill tribes)
Where to stay near King Bhumibol Adulyadej's-Footprint Pavilion
Find hotels in Chiang Rai on the booking sites travellers trust most.
We may earn a commission from bookings made through these links — at no extra cost to you. Learn more.