Wat Pa Huai Khai Khiri
This is the thing at the far end of the Kho Ku So bamboo bridge, and that's really how you should think about it. Not a destination in its own right, not a temple that'll knock you sideways with gilded rooftops, but a small forest wat with a few traditional wooden buildings scattered around it and very little noise. People who go expecting spectacle come away shrugging. People who go expecting quiet come away happy.
The walk is half the point. You cross the bamboo bridge over open fields from the parking area and arrive on foot, which is a much better way to turn up at a temple than pulling in beside a coach. Scooters can get close, but you park before the gate and walk the last bit anyway. The grounds are compact and you'll be through in fifteen or twenty minutes unless you sit down and let the place work on you, which I'd recommend. Go in the morning, when the fields are still cool.
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Experience hints
Pair your visit. After Wat Pa Huai Khai Khiri, round out your day in Pai with contrasting stops nearby.
Reviews from Google
Wat Pa Huai Khai Khiri (วัดป่าห้วยคายคีรี) is a quiet forest temple near Pai with a very peaceful, “away from everything” atmosphere. What makes it special for visitors is the access: you typically reach it by walking across the Kho Ku So bamboo bridge through open fields, because vehicles don’t go all the way to the temple area. It’s simple, calm, and feels genuinely local—best for a respectful visit, slow walk, and scenery rather than “big temple” sightseeing.
You can get here by walking from the bamboo bridge Very peaceful and quiet here
not a spectacular temple but worth a visit after being on the bamboo bridge
A sample of visitor reviews from Google. Read all 34 reviews on Google.
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Wat Pa Huai Khai Khiri: Frequently Asked Questions
Is Wat Pa Huai Khai Khiri worth visiting?
Wat Pa Huai Khai Khiri holds a 4.3★ rating from 34 Google reviews — a strong rating for temples & culture in Pai.
When is the best time to visit Wat Pa Huai Khai Khiri?
The best months to visit Pai are November – February, with the most reliable weather. Crowds peak in December – January — going early in the day usually means fewer people. Months to think twice about: March – May (hot & hazy).
Where is Wat Pa Huai Khai Khiri located?
Wat Pa Huai Khai Khiri is at บ้าน แพ ม บก, หมู่ ที่ 6, ตำบล ทุ่งยาว อำเภอปาย แม่ฮ่องสอน 58130, Thailand, in Pai. Getting around Pai: Motorbike rental (essential — ฿150/day); Bicycle rental for town.
Visitor Information
Best time to visit
November – February
Avoid: March – May (hot & hazy)
Rainy season
June – October
Avg. temperature
12°C – 32°C(54°F – 90°F)
Crowds
Peak: December – January
Getting there
Minivan from Chiang Mai (3 hrs, ~762 curves, take motion sickness tablets). Small airport for charter flights only.
Getting around
- •Motorbike rental (essential — ฿150/day)
- •Bicycle rental for town
- •Walking in the town centre
Where to stay near Wat Pa Huai Khai Khiri
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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

Kho Ku So Bamboo Bridge
About 815 metres of bamboo walkway over rice fields, and the 30 baht buys you a whole afternoon.
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 Pa Huai Khai Khiri
Find hotels in Pai 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 (hot & hazy)
Rainy season
June – October
Avg. temperature
12°C – 32°C(54°F – 90°F)
Crowds
Peak: December – January
Getting there
Minivan from Chiang Mai (3 hrs, ~762 curves, take motion sickness tablets). Small airport for charter flights only.
Getting around
- •Motorbike rental (essential — ฿150/day)
- •Bicycle rental for town
- •Walking in the town centre
