Wat Phra That Mae Yen Pai Thailand
Iconic hilltop temple with a large White Buddha, offering stunning panoramic views of Pai Valley. Climb the stairs for unforgettable vistas.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the heat & crowds
Wat Phra That Mae Yen Pai Thailand
Best Time
Beat the heat & crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Iconic hilltop temple with a large White Buddha, offering stunning panoramic views of Pai Valley. Climb the stairs for unforgettable vistas.
"The view is next level for Pai. You can see everything with a very short drive and walk."
👟 Conquer the Stairs
Wear comfortable shoes for the 300+ steps. Going early beats the heat! :athletic_shoe:
🌅 Sunrise/Sunset Views
The panoramic views are spectacular during golden hour. Check closing times! :sunriseovermountains:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Big White Buddha
Summit of the hill
A towering white Buddha statue offering a spiritual presence and iconic landmark.
Panoramic Pai Valley Views
Top of the hill
Breathtaking 360-degree vistas of Pai Valley, especially stunning at sunrise or sunset.
The Stairway to Serenity
Base of the hill to the temple
A significant climb of approximately 300-350 steps, rewarding your effort with incredible views.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Climb for the Views
+1Buddha Under Renovation
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Conquer the Stairs
Wear comfortable shoes for the 300+ steps. Going early beats the heat! :athletic_shoe:
🌅 Sunrise/Sunset Views
The panoramic views are spectacular during golden hour. Check closing times! :sunriseovermountains:
🚗 Scooter Recommended
While walkable, a scooter is recommended for the drive up. :motorcycle:
🙏 Respectful Attire
Dress modestly to show respect at this sacred Buddhist site. :pray:
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Conquer the Stairs
Wear comfortable shoes for the 300+ steps. Going early beats the heat! :athletic_shoe:
🌅 Sunrise/Sunset Views
The panoramic views are spectacular during golden hour. Check closing times! :sunriseovermountains:
🚗 Scooter Recommended
While walkable, a scooter is recommended for the drive up. :motorcycle:
🙏 Respectful Attire
Dress modestly to show respect at this sacred Buddhist site. :pray:
📸 Photo Opportunities
Capture stunning shots of the Buddha and the valley, even with ongoing restoration.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the breathtaking panoramic views of Pai Valley from Wat Phra That Mae Yen, calling them 'next level' and 'breathtaking.' The climb up the stairs is seen as a rewarding challenge, and the temple's serene atmosphere is appreciated. However, many note that the iconic White Buddha is currently under reconstruction, which impacts its appearance.
"The view is next level for Pai. You can see everything with a very short drive and walk. The Buddha itself is under reconstruction with restoration work part way, which was still interesting to see though the view White Buddha faces out to, is what makes this spot so special. No entry fee required. A local advised walking but I took a scooter, and after seeing the drive in I wouldn't recommend to walk this. The entrance is a large gate on the road, leading further up a driveway to the beginning of the stairs, the road continues to the right for cars and scooters."
Azzurro Batic
"The Buddha is under construction and repairs. It's not white at the moment and some pieces are broken. Not sure how long it's going to take, so be aware...
Been said that, the viewpoint is just breathtaking! And another reason to go, is that good feeling you climed 300 stairs and survived 😃😃"
Shy Gaz
"I went here to meet the sunrises, unfortunately, the entrance close at 06:00 pm — so keep this in mind before visiting,
there is a gorgeous view of the valley
And very nice temple
And not too much tourists — especially early morning (but maybe because it’s low season)
In September- October 2025 the Buddha statue is being reconstructed here"
Elena Melchakova
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Wat Phra That Mae Yen is located about 2 km east of Pai town. You can rent a scooter, hire a taxi, or arrange a songthaew. The drive is scenic, and a scooter is often recommended for flexibility. +1
While technically walkable, it's a significant distance and uphill. A local advised against walking due to the drive, and a scooter is generally more practical.
Renting a scooter is a popular and convenient option for reaching the temple for sunset, allowing you to control your timing.
Yes, there is a driveway leading to the stairs where cars and scooters can park.
Yes, using GPS on your phone or a dedicated device will help you navigate to the temple's location. Search for 'Wat Phra That Mae Yen'.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there is no entry fee required to visit Wat Phra That Mae Yen. It's a free-to-access temple.
The temple is generally open from 6 AM to 6 PM. However, it's advisable to check locally as hours can sometimes vary.
Yes, visiting early in the morning is highly recommended to avoid the heat and enjoy fewer crowds.
The temple typically closes at 6 PM, so it is not accessible at night for viewing the sunset or stars.
No booking is required as there is no entrance fee. You can visit anytime during opening hours.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You'll need to climb approximately 300 to 350 steps to reach the Big White Buddha statue. +1
The White Buddha is currently undergoing reconstruction and restoration, with bamboo scaffolding visible. It may not be its pristine white appearance.
Expect breathtaking panoramic views of the Pai Valley, especially stunning during sunrise and sunset. +1
Crowds are generally lower in the early morning and during the low season. Mid-afternoon and sunset can be busier.
Basic facilities might be available, but it's best to come prepared. Some reviews mention cute dogs hanging around.
📸 📸 Photography
Early morning for soft light and fewer crowds, or late afternoon for the golden hour and sunset views.
Drone usage policies can vary. It's best to check local regulations or observe if others are flying drones before attempting.
The Big White Buddha itself, the panoramic views of Pai Valley, and the staircase leading up to the temple are all popular photo spots.
Yes, you can still take photos, but be aware of the scaffolding. The views remain spectacular.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive valley views, and a standard zoom is versatile for the Buddha and surrounding details.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the Buddha is under renovation, the open space at the top and the surrounding views can still be engaging. Remember to dress modestly and bring water. There are often friendly dogs around the temple grounds, which can be an added bonus for animal-loving kids.
🚶 Budget Travelers
Pack your own water and snacks to save money. The experience of climbing the stairs and enjoying the incredible views is priceless and offers great value for money.
📸 Photographers
+1 Aim for the golden hours of sunrise or sunset for the most dramatic lighting and atmospheric shots. Consider bringing a wide-angle lens to capture the expansive landscapes and a telephoto lens for details of the Buddha or distant scenery. The staircase itself also provides interesting photographic lines. Remember to be respectful of the religious site while capturing your shots.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Iconic White Buddha
Many visitors find the Buddha to be a symbol of peace and serenity. The ongoing work, while perhaps disappointing for some expecting a pristine white statue, also offers a unique perspective on the temple's maintenance and preservation efforts.
It's worth noting that the Buddha faces outwards, offering a commanding view over the valley, which is a major draw for visitors.
Breathtaking Valley Vistas
+2This viewpoint is particularly magical during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset. The soft, warm light bathes the valley in a breathtaking glow, creating a truly unforgettable spectacle. Many visitors recommend timing their visit to coincide with these times for the most dramatic and photogenic scenery.
Even with the Buddha statue under renovation, the expansive views remain a significant draw. The sheer beauty of the natural landscape makes the climb worthwhile for many travelers seeking scenic beauty and a sense of tranquility.
The Stairway Challenge
While the number of steps might seem daunting, most visitors find them manageable, especially if they take their time and pause to enjoy the surroundings. Wearing comfortable shoes is highly recommended to make the climb easier.
Going early in the morning is a popular strategy to avoid the midday heat and humidity, making the climb more comfortable. The effort is well worth it, as the top offers not only the Buddha statue but also the spectacular valley views.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit