Wat Huay Pla Kang Guan Yin Temple
A breathtaking temple complex in Chiang Rai featuring a colossal White Goddess statue and an impressive 9-floor pagoda with stunning views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Avoid heat & crowds
Wat Huay Pla Kang Guan Yin Temple
Best Time
Avoid heat & crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A breathtaking temple complex in Chiang Rai featuring a colossal White Goddess statue and an impressive 9-floor pagoda with stunning views.
"The sheer size and artistic skill of the Buddha statue and pagoda are truly awe-inspiring."
Elevator to Buddha's Head
A 100 Baht elevator ride offers views inside the statue, but some find the Pagoda offers better vistas. :ticket:
Free Shuttle Bus
Use the free pink shuttle bus from the car park to reach the main statue, especially helpful for kids and elderly. :bus:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Giant White Buddha Statue
Main temple grounds
A colossal white Buddha statue that inspires awe with its sheer size and intricate craftsmanship.
9-Floor Pagoda
Adjacent to the Buddha statue
Climb this impressive pagoda for amazing panoramic views of the temple complex and Chiang Rai city.
Inside the Buddha Statue
Within the Giant White Buddha
Take an elevator to the top of the Buddha statue for unique, albeit restricted, views and beautifully decorated interiors.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Getting There: Plan Your Transport
Beat the Heat & Crowds
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
OC wat huay pla kang temple in chiang rai, Thailand
Elevator to Buddha's Head
A 100 Baht elevator ride offers views inside the statue, but some find the Pagoda offers better vistas. :ticket:
Free Shuttle Bus
Use the free pink shuttle bus from the car park to reach the main statue, especially helpful for kids and elderly. :bus:
Noodle Shop Nearby
Don't miss the delicious noodles at a shop across the street – a local favorite! :ramen:
Tips
from all over the internet
Elevator to Buddha's Head
A 100 Baht elevator ride offers views inside the statue, but some find the Pagoda offers better vistas. :ticket:
Free Shuttle Bus
Use the free pink shuttle bus from the car park to reach the main statue, especially helpful for kids and elderly. :bus:
Noodle Shop Nearby
Don't miss the delicious noodles at a shop across the street – a local favorite! :ramen:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors are consistently impressed by the immense scale and artistic beauty of the Giant White Buddha and the 9-floor pagoda. The panoramic views from the pagoda are a major highlight, and the free shuttle bus makes access easy. Some find the elevator fee for the Buddha statue less worthwhile than the pagoda views.
"Beautiful temples to visit,I really appreciated the experience on the statue in particular.
With 10 baht you can use the lift and go in the head of the statue where you got a great views of the temple and the surrounding area.
The internal of the statue is really well decorated aswell.
Another good experience!"
Stefano Niespolo
"The walk up the 9 Floor Pagoda was impressive and would recommend. You can get an amazing view from up there.
For the white statue, you can get an elevator for 100 Bhat, it was not worth it as the view is restricter and can get a better view from outside or from the Pagoda next door. Don’t forget to get the free pink shuttle bus from the car park up to monument if you don’t want to walk up the steep hill. Good for kids and the elderly."
Drew
"The Buddha statue showcasing the artist's incredible skill. Its sheer size commands attention, inspiring awe in all who behold it. The craftsmanship is a testament to the rich artistic traditions. This magnificent work of art and the huge size have to be appreciated"
Akhil
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
There is no direct public transport. The most convenient options are ride-sharing apps like Grab, Bolt, or Indrivie. The temple is about 8.5 km from Chiang Rai city.
Yes, there is a car park available. From there, you can take a free pink shuttle bus up to the main statue if you wish to avoid a steep walk.
While possible, it's an 8.5 km journey from Chiang Rai city, and the walk up to the main statue from the car park is steep. Ride-sharing is recommended for ease.
The complex is quite spread out. Walking is the primary way to explore, but the free shuttle bus helps with the initial ascent to the Buddha statue.
Besides Grab, Bolt, and Indrivie, local songthaews might be an option if you're familiar with local routes, but ride-sharing is generally more straightforward for tourists.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Visiting the temple grounds and the 9-floor pagoda is generally free. However, there is a fee to use the elevator inside the Giant White Buddha statue.
The elevator ride inside the Giant White Buddha statue typically costs around 100 Baht per person.
The temple complex is usually open daily from early morning until late afternoon or early evening. It's best to visit during daylight hours to fully appreciate the site.
No advance booking is required for general entry. Tickets for the elevator inside the Buddha statue can be purchased on-site.
As with most temples, it's respectful to dress modestly. Cover your shoulders and knees. Avoid overly revealing clothing.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire complex offers stunning photo opportunities. The base of the Giant White Buddha, the 9-floor pagoda, and the panoramic views from the pagoda are prime locations.
Yes, you can take photos inside the Buddha statue, including the decorated interior and the views from the top.
Drone usage is typically restricted at religious sites to respect the sanctity of the place and for safety reasons. It's best to check local regulations or signage on-site.
Early morning offers soft light and fewer crowds, ideal for capturing the grandeur of the statues and pagodas. Golden hour in the late afternoon can also provide beautiful lighting.
Be mindful of other visitors and avoid intrusive photography. Respect any designated no-photo zones within the temple buildings.
🍽️ 🍜 Food & Dining
While there might be small vendors selling snacks or drinks within the complex, the most recommended dining experience is a noodle shop located directly across the street from the temple.
The noodle shop across the street is highly praised for its delicious Thai noodles, often cited as some of the best experienced in Thailand.
It's generally acceptable to bring your own water, especially given the heat. However, consuming meals within the temple grounds might be discouraged; it's best to enjoy food at designated areas or nearby eateries.
The most notable dining spot mentioned is the noodle shop directly opposite the temple. For a wider variety, you would likely need to return closer to Chiang Rai city center.
The highly recommended noodle shop across the street is known for offering great value and delicious food, suggesting it's an affordable option.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
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Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Architecture and Artistry
The 9-floor Pagoda stands as another architectural highlight. Its design is distinct and offers a different aesthetic compared to the main statue. Climbing its floors provides not only a sense of accomplishment but also increasingly impressive panoramic views of the surrounding landscape and Chiang Rai city. The contrast between the modern grandeur of the White Goddess and the more traditional pagoda design adds to the complex's unique appeal.
Inside the White Goddess statue, an elevator offers access to its upper levels. This experience allows visitors to appreciate the internal structure and see the surrounding area from a different perspective. While some reviews suggest the views from the pagoda might be superior or less restricted, the interior of the statue is also noted for being well-decorated, offering a unique glimpse into the artistic vision behind its creation.
Navigating Your Visit: Practicalities and Views
Once you arrive, the steep hill leading up to the main White Goddess statue can be a challenge, especially in the heat. Fortunately, a free pink shuttle bus operates from the car park, making the ascent accessible for everyone, including families with children and the elderly. This thoughtful service ensures that more visitors can comfortably experience the main attractions.
When it comes to experiencing the views, visitors have a couple of key options. The 9-floor Pagoda offers excellent, unobstructed panoramic views of the temple grounds and the wider Chiang Rai area. Alternatively, the elevator inside the White Goddess statue provides access to higher points, offering a unique perspective from within the monument itself. While the elevator has a fee (around 100 Baht), some visitors find the views from the pagoda to be more expansive.
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