Wat Tham Phra
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 travellers 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.
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Experience hints
Pair your visit. After Wat Tham Phra, round out your day in Chiang Rai with contrasting stops nearby.
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.
Also Popular in Chiang Rai
Golden Triangle
Stand where three countries meet on the Mekong, then decide if the 1.5-hour drive was worth it.
Chiang Rai Night Bazaar
Come hungry, grab a table near the stage early, and treat it as a whole evening rather than a quick browse.
Singha Park Chiang Rai
A 30,000-rai tea estate you tour by golf cart or bike, but mind the rental time limits.
Chivit Thamma Da Coffee House, Bistro & Bar
A colonial-style house on the Kok River where the garden, the food and the prices all run higher than average.
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: March – May (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 centre); Songthaews.
Location Info
404 Sankhongluang Soi 7, Tambon Rop Wiang, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Rai, Chang Wat 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). 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 Tham Phra
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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
Mae Fah Luang Art and Cultural Park (Rai Mae Fah Luang)
A beautifully landscaped cultural park preserving Lanna heritage through gardens, museums, and traditional pavilions.
Hor Kham
A serene cultural park in Chiang Rai featuring traditional Lanna architecture, gardens, and art installations set around a historic teak structure.
King Bhumibol Adulyadej's-Footprint Pavilion
A revered hilltop pavilion in Chiang Rai enshrining a footprint associated with the late King Bhumibol, offering views over the surrounding countryside.
Oub Kham Museum
A private collection of northern Thai antiques and Lanna artifacts, guided by knowledgeable staff in Chiang Rai.
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 Tham Phra
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)