Wat Huay Pla Kang
The white Guan Yin statue is the whole point, and it's visible from miles out. Seventy-nine metres, and you can go up inside it: a lift costs 40 baht, then stairs take you higher. The nine-storey Phop Chok Dhamma Chedi nearby gets you similar views over the countryside, though that one is stairs only. If your legs are tired, pick the statue. There's also a shuttle up the hill, which makes the site genuinely workable for wheelchair users and older travellers, something you can't say about most Thai temples.
Don't come expecting anything ancient. The complex is modern, built big, and laid out clearly across the hillside with the pagoda and a dozen smaller structures around it. That's not a criticism. It photographs beautifully and the grounds are kept clean. Late afternoon into sunset is when the light does the most for the white stone. Reviewers who visited midweek afternoons found it quiet.
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Experience hints
Pair your visit. After Wat Huay Pla Kang, round out your day in Chiang Rai with contrasting stops nearby.
Reviews from Google
This was such an amazing temple to visit. Kept in good clean condition and the staff are all friendly. My family visited on a Wednesday in the afternoon and it wasn't very busy. Entrance is free. You can go right up the top in the big white Guan Yin Buddhist Goddess of Mercy statue (about 79 meters) the lift is 40 baht then there are stairs to go higher. The Phop Chok Dhamma Chedi (9-story Chinese Lanna pagoda) also offers the same nice views but there is no lift just stairs. If you don't want to walk the big dragon stairs there is a free pink hello kitty shuttle bus that goes up and down the hill all day. They have toilets and food available. The food and drinks are cheap here. Extra notes: Kind of wheelchair accessible. You can only get you so far, some levels have a wheelchair lift but only to the middle not the top floor. Lots of free parking available.
This temple is very beautiful. It's not only big, but has a well defined structure that makes it peculiar. The giant Guan Yin statue is impressive and can be seen miles away. The surroundings are very clean, calm atmosphere which makes pictures beautiful. The temple is beautiful outside, and more beautiful inside. This is one of the must-visit places in Chiang Rai. There's also available shuttle service to take you to the top of the temple. Tickets to the elevator are cheap. The staff are friendly and well mannered. I had a very good time while visiting.
is a peaceful and impressive place, well known for the large Guan Yin statue and beautiful views. From a Muslim tourist’s perspective, it’s a cultural and sightseeing spot rather than a place of worship, making it suitable for learning about local culture and architecture. One great highlight is the accessibility — transportation is provided to go up to the top of the statue, which is very helpful for wheelchair users and elderly visitors. This makes the visit much more comfortable and inclusive. I’m not entirely sure about the payment or donation required for the ride, so it’s best to check on-site. Visitors should dress modestly and remain respectful of the religious setting. Overall, it’s a calm, welcoming place with thoughtful facilities and lovely views worth experiencing.
A sample of visitor reviews from Google. Read all 16,657 reviews on Google.
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Wat Huay Pla Kang: Frequently Asked Questions
Is Wat Huay Pla Kang worth visiting?
Wat Huay Pla Kang holds a 4.7★ rating from 16,657 Google reviews, placing it among the highest-rated temples & culture in Chiang Rai.
What are the opening hours of Wat Huay Pla Kang?
Wat Huay Pla Kang is typically open 07:00-21:00 — see the full day-by-day schedule in the location info on this page. Hours can change on Thai public holidays, so check ahead for holiday visits.
When is the best time to visit Wat Huay Pla Kang?
The best months to visit Chiang Rai are November – February, with the most reliable weather. Crowds peak in December – February — going early in the day usually means fewer people. Months to think twice about: March – May (smoke & heat).
Where is Wat Huay Pla Kang located?
Wat Huay Pla Kang is at 553, Tambon Ban Du, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Rai, Chang Wat Chiang Rai 57100, Thailand, in Chiang Rai. Getting around Chiang Rai: Grab (available in city centre); Songthaews.
Location Info
553, Tambon Ban Du, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Rai, Chang Wat Chiang Rai 57100, Thailand+66 53 150 274www.facebook.com/wathuayplakang/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). The bus from Chiang Mai takes ~3 hrs. There's also a 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 Wat Huay Pla Kang
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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.
Nearby Places

Guan Yin Statue
A towering 79-metre white statue of the Goddess of Mercy at Wat Huay Pla Kang, with panoramic city views.

Wat Phra That Chom Sak
A hilltop Buddhist temple in Chiang Rai with naga staircases, a golden chedi, and a calm, unhurried atmosphere.

Wat Tham Phra
A cave temple on the Mae Kok River, blending natural rock formations with Buddhist shrines and river views.

Wat Phra That Doi Chom Thong
Ancient hilltop Buddhist temple in Chiang Rai with a golden stupa said to house relics of the Buddha.
Similar Temples & Culture Across Thailand

Wat Phra Kaew
Go at 08:30 or don't bother, the Emerald Buddha's courtyards fill up fast and stay full until closing.

Doi Suthep Temple
Go at first light, before the tour vans arrive, and the golden chedi and the whole Chiang Mai valley are yours.

The Grand Palace
Go at 08:30 sharp, cover your shoulders and legs, and give it three hours rather than one.

The Sanctuary of Truth Museum
A hand-carved wooden giant still under construction, and watching the carpenters work is half the point.
Where to stay near Wat Huay Pla Kang
Find hotels in Chiang Rai on the booking sites travellers trust most.
- Compare prices across sites
- Filter for free cancellation
- Secure checkout on the partner site
Compare rates on Booking.com
Largest selection
Compare rates on Expedia
Bundle & save
Compare rates on Hotels.com
Member prices
We may earn a commission from bookings made through these links — at no extra cost to you. Learn more.
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). The bus from Chiang Mai takes ~3 hrs. There's also a 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)
