Wat Huay Pla Kang
A giant white Guan Yin you can ride up inside for ฿40, a nine-tier pagoda and hilltop views. The grounds are free and open 07:00 to 21:00.
Plan your visit
- Hours
- Daily 07:00–21:00
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.
Finding your way around Wat Huay Pla Kang
Layouts, fares and hours change. If something here has moved, use “Suggest a correction” at the bottom of the page.
The three landmarks
- The Guan Yin statue
- About 69 meters by Thai sources (many English guides say 79). An elevator climbs to a viewing deck near the top, ฿40 for foreign visitors and ฿20 for Thais, 07:00 to 18:00.
- Phop Chok Dhamma Chedi
- The nine-tier pagoda, ringed by twelve smaller chedis, stairs only. A seated Guan Yin carved from sandalwood sits inside.
- The ordination hall
- The white hall up its naga staircase, holding the temple's principal Buddha image.
Getting there and around
- About 6 km northwest of the center, around 15 minutes by Grab or scooter. It pairs easily with the White and Blue temples on the same day.
- A shuttle runs up the hill to the main plaza.
Details
- Phone
- +66 53 150 274
Full opening hours
Tours that include Wat Huay Pla Kang
Guided visits and day-tour combos that include Wat Huay Pla Kang.
Why go, and how to do it well
The white Guan Yin is the whole point, and you can see it from much of the city. Thai sources give the statue as 69 meters, about the height of a 25-story building (many English guides say 79), and Thailand's tourism authority calls it the country's largest Guan Yin. An elevator inside climbs to a viewing deck near the top, ฿40 for foreign visitors and ฿20 for Thais, running from 07:00 to 18:00.
The other landmark is the Phop Chok Dhamma Chedi, a nine-tier pagoda ringed by twelve smaller chedis, stairs only. Inside sits a seated Guan Yin carved from sandalwood brought from China, Myanmar and India, worth the climb even if you skip the elevator. Work on the pagoda began in 2007 and the temple was registered in 2009, so don't come expecting anything ancient. The complex is modern, built big and laid out clearly across the hillside, and it photographs beautifully.
Come before 09:00, when the elevator line is short, or late in the afternoon, when the light does the most for the white stone. By midday the tour coaches arrive and the wait for the elevator can run past 30 minutes. The grounds stay open until 21:00 and the statue is lit after dark, but the elevator stops at 18:00. There's a shuttle up the hill, which makes the site workable for older travelers.
Entry to the grounds is free. Cover your shoulders and knees, take your shoes off where signs ask you to, and keep your voice down, since people pray here and it isn't just a viewpoint. It's about 6 km northwest of the center, around 15 minutes by Grab or scooter, and it pairs easily with the White and Blue temples on the same day.
Written by Mac Kiley · Updated Oct 2026
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Tours that include Wat Huay Pla Kang
Guided visits and day-tour combos that include Wat Huay Pla Kang.
Around here, on foot
Well-rated places within a short walk of Wat Huay Pla Kang, nearest first. Minutes are at an easy pace in the heat.
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.
553, Tambon Ban Du, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Rai, Chang Wat Chiang Rai 57100, Thailand
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Tips for Visiting Temples & Culture
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.
Go Early Morning
Big-name temples are dramatically less crowded in the first hour after opening. You'll also avoid the worst of the midday heat and get softer light for photos.
Wat Huay Pla Kang: Frequently Asked Questions
Is Wat Huay Pla Kang free?
Yes, the grounds are free. Only the elevator inside the Guan Yin statue costs money, ฿40 for foreign visitors and ฿20 for Thais.
How tall is the Guan Yin at Wat Huay Pla Kang?
About 69 meters, roughly a 25-story building, according to Thai sources. Many English-language guides give 79 meters. Thailand's tourism authority calls it the country's largest Guan Yin.
Can you go inside the Guan Yin statue?
Yes. An elevator runs from 07:00 to 18:00 up to a viewing deck near the top, ฿40 for foreign visitors. Go before 09:00, since the line can pass 30 minutes at midday.
What are Wat Huay Pla Kang's opening hours?
The grounds are open daily from 07:00 to 21:00, and the statue is lit after dark, but the elevator stops at 18:00.
How long should you spend at Wat Huay Pla Kang?
About an hour covers the statue, the elevator and the pagoda, longer if the elevator line is long.
What should you wear to Wat Huay Pla Kang?
Cover your shoulders and knees and take your shoes off where signs ask you to. It's a working temple.
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.
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: Mid-February – April (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 center); Songthaews.
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