Wat Tham Phra
A cave temple on the Mae Kok River, blending natural rock formations with Buddhist shrines and river views.
Plan your visit
- Hours
- Open 24 hours daily
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.
Details
Full opening hours
Tours that include Wat Tham Phra
Guided visits and day-tour combos that include Wat Tham Phra.
Why go, and how to do it well
Tucked into the side of a hill near the Mae Kok River in Chiang Rai's Mueang district, this Buddhist cave temple offers something genuinely different from the region's more polished attractions. Natural rock formations create the walls and ceilings of the shrine spaces within, where Buddhist imagery and sacred objects are housed in atmospheric cave chambers. A large Buddha statue overlooking the river sits at one end of the site, while the cave itself — notable for its dramatically high ceilings and resident bats — extends into the hillside. The temple grounds stretch between these two focal points, rewarding visitors who take the time to explore the full area rather than stopping at the entrance.
The site draws both local worshippers making merit and travelers on motorcycle or bicycle tours passing through the region. A hidden riverside spot tucked into the base of the mountain is frequently mentioned by visitors as a quiet highlight worth seeking out. The atmosphere is modest and unhurried, making it well suited to those looking for a more authentic, crowd-free temple experience.
Written by Mac Kiley · Updated Sep 2026
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Tours that include Wat Tham Phra
Guided visits and day-tour combos that include Wat Tham Phra.
Around here, on foot
Well-rated places within a short walk of Wat Tham Phra, nearest first. Minutes are at an easy pace in the heat.
Reviews from Google
This place is definitely cool! You'll be leaving your shoes down below so plan to go barefoot up the staircase and the very high ceilings and even the bats hanging out in segments of the cave. There were Buddhist monks down below tending to the property also and it's right next to the river with another Big Shiny Buddha along the river make sure you walk around the back side to find it! This is free and well worth it
Perfect stopped for our motorcycle tour and bicycle tour group. Great opportunity to make a merit to temple. Mae Kok river view 💙
To be honest, there are much better Buddha caves that you can find around all of Thailand. This one might be cool, but since I came during rain season, most of it was blocked off.
A sample of visitor reviews from Google. Read all 521 reviews on Google.
404 Sankhongluang Soi 7, Tambon Rop Wiang, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Rai, Chang Wat Chiang Rai 57000, Thailand
Open in Google MapsMore temples & culture nearby
All within 3.1 km of Wat Tham Phra.
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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 Tham Phra: Frequently Asked Questions
Is Wat Tham Phra worth visiting?
Wat Tham Phra holds a 4.2★ rating from 521 Google reviews — a strong rating for temples & culture in Chiang Rai.
What are the opening hours of Wat Tham Phra?
Wat Tham Phra is open 24 hours a day — 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 Tham Phra?
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 Tham Phra located?
Wat Tham Phra is at 404 Sankhongluang Soi 7, Tambon Rop Wiang, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Rai, Chang Wat Chiang Rai 57000, Thailand, in Chiang Rai. Getting around Chiang Rai: Grab (available in city center); Songthaews.
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