• Search
  • HOME
  • ABOUT US
  • BLOG
  • RESOURCES
    • TRAVEL GEAR
  • KETO LIFESTYLE
    • ECO LIFESTYLE
  • DESTINATIONS
    • BALI TRAVEL GUIDE
    • VIETNAM TRAVEL GUIDE
    • JAPAN TRAVEL GUIDE
    • THAILAND TRAVEL GUIDE
    • CAMBODIA TRAVEL GUIDE
    • MALAYSIA TRAVEL GUIDE
    • AUSTRALIA TRAVEL GUIDE
  • WORK WITH US
  • ABOUT US
  • PRIVACY POLICY
  • AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE
  • Menu
  • Skip to right header navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to secondary navigation
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Gadsventure

Lifestyle Blog, Adventures all around the world and at home with a family of six. We will share our stories, travel tips, travel destinations, lifestyle choices and sustainable living to help you build a better life.

  • Search
  • HOME
  • ABOUT US
  • BLOG
  • RESOURCES
    • TRAVEL GEAR
  • KETO LIFESTYLE
    • ECO LIFESTYLE
  • DESTINATIONS
    • BALI TRAVEL GUIDE
    • VIETNAM TRAVEL GUIDE
    • JAPAN TRAVEL GUIDE
    • THAILAND TRAVEL GUIDE
    • CAMBODIA TRAVEL GUIDE
    • MALAYSIA TRAVEL GUIDE
    • AUSTRALIA TRAVEL GUIDE
  • WORK WITH US
You are here: Home / All / A Visit to Wat Huay Pla Kang Temple (Big Buddha!)
Wat Huay Pla Kang Temple

A Visit to Wat Huay Pla Kang Temple (Big Buddha!)

Updated February 24, 2020 By //  by Kris. This post contains affiliate links. This means we may make a small commission, at no extra cost to you.

Wat Huay Pla Kang temple, where is that?

We didn’t even know of this amazing attraction until we visited beautiful Chiang Rai and were lucky enough to meet some cool expat locals who showed us around.

It is a massive 23 stories tall big white Buddha sitting on top of a green hill overlooking the lands of Thailand.

This is a must-see attraction when visiting north Thailand. Read on to find out more.

Where is Wat Huay Pla Kang

Huay Pla Kang is 6 kilometres out of Chiang Rai and is best visited by car or catch a Grab taxi. It should cost around 150 THB from town to temple.

See Map for location of the Buddha.

What is the Wat Huay Pla Kang Temple?

Often referred to as Chiang Rai’s Big Buddha, the large statue is a representation of the God of Mercy or Compassion.

Wat Huay Pla Kang Temple
Visiting Wat Huay Pla Kang Temple

The sitting Buddha statue stands at 90 meters high and can be seen from miles away. A large beautiful pagoda also has been built here called the 9 Tier Pagoda.

Wat Huay Pla Kang Chiang Mai Opening Hours

The temple is open from 7 am to 9.30 am every day. So visiting this Thai wonder has never been easier.

Wat Huay Pla Kang Temple
Wat Huay Pla Kang Temple is watching over you!

Huay Pla Kang Parking

There are plenty of carparks at the base of the temple grounds to park your vehicle for free.

Huay Pla Kang Entrance Costs

Entrance into the temple grounds is absolutely FREE! So there is no excuse not to visit.

Wat Huay Pla Kang Temple
The Ticket booth to pay for lift to the top, do it!

But if you would love to go up the 23 stories and see what is inside the Big Buddha head then that is going to cost 40 THB per person.

You don’t need to walk upstairs because they have very new lifts. Just pay at the desk then head up in the lift.

Such a special place, they even have very well dressed lift attendants.

The Big Buddha is also wheelchair accessible with an access ramp

Wat Huay Pla Kang Temple
It is so worth visiting the temple. One of our highlights in Chiang Rai

Wat Huay Pla Kang Dress Code

Like all temples in Thailand, you need to follow the codes of conduct.

Wat Huay Pla Kang Temple
At least cover your shoulders and bare legs at Wat Huay Pla Kang Temple

Be respectful and make sure you:

  • Cover your knees and shoulders (respectfully dressed)
  • Be as quiet as possible
  • Take your shoes off when entering buildings
  • No smoking, drinking or spitting
  • No public affection such as hugging and kissing
  • Do not point your feet at Buddha

Wat Huay Pla Kang History

This particular temple is very new so it doesn’t have too much history attached to it. I just know it is one of the coolest temples I have visited in Thailand.

Wat Huay Pla Kang Temple
Wat Huay Pla Kang Temple sat right there

Our Huay Pla Kang Temple Experience

From the moment we laid eyes on this majestic temple I knew it was going to be impressive.

You just can’t take your eyes off this mammoth statue. You wonder to yourself, “How on Earth did they build this thing?”

Entrance is free so you are allowed to wander all around the grounds. You climb a series of hundreds of steps guarded by white dragons right up to the base of the statue. The dragons are gilt with inset crystals all the way to the top.

Wat Huay Pla Kang Temple Artwork
Beautiful artwork at Wat Huay Pla Kang Temple

From here you can buy lift tickets and take the lift up into Buddha’s head. The lifts appear very safe and modern.

Once you are at the top floor you will be blown away by both the height and the elaborately decorated interior of the temple. White sparkling dragons, trees and Buddha statues built into the walls that are simply stunning to see.

A set of stairs takes you to the third eye of the big Buddha where you will have breathtaking views of Chiang Rai and the temple grounds.

You can even see what Buddha sees himself by gazing out of his eyes.

Wat Huay Pla Kang Temple
Wat Huay Pla Kang Temple view through the third eye

You are up very high, so don’t drop your camera.

After taking in the gorgeous view and decorated temple it’s time to take the lift back to ground zero. (Check out the lift attendants, very professional)

If you still feel like visiting the 9 tier pagoda next door feel free to check it out also.

9 tier pagoda
The other attractions to check out is the 9 tier pagoda

Verdict on Visiting the Big Buddha Chaing Rai

Make sure you put this on your list of must-see things in Chiang Rai.

We absolutely loved it, so did the kids. So glad we got experience Wat Huay Pla Kang, the memories are etched into my mind forever.

Wat Huay Pla Kang stairway
Wat Huay Pla Kang stairway

What Hotels are Near Wat Huay Pla Kang

Thinking of sticking around Chiang Rai? Then here are some terrific hotels and guesthouses for you to check out. Remember Chiang Rai is generally cheaper than Chaing Mai, so spend more time up here.

Budget

Bed and Bike Poshtel – Perfectly positioned for everything Chiang Rai city has to offer. Airconditioned double rooms for only $25.

Check the Latest Price and Book Bed and Bike Poshtel Here

Mid-range

Blue Lagoon Hotel – only 5 minutes walk from the centre of town and the bus terminal, this perfectly located hotel boasts 2 gorgeous swimming pools and great value rooms around $50 per double.

Check the Latest Price and Book Blue Lagoon Here


Phowadol Resort and Spa – Romantic Thai themed rooms with beauty treatments, hydrotherapy, massage and a fantastic restaurant serving authentic Northern Thai cuisine.

Check the Latest Price and Phowadol Here

Luxury

The Legend Chiang Rai Boutique Resort and Spa – Chiang Rai luxury but still only $140 a night, this beautiful hotel will make you never want to leave.

Check the Latest Price and Book The Legend Here

Wat Huay Pla Kang Temple
Visit the Wat Huay Pla Kang Temple with your family

Families

Huan Kawin Lanna Home – Families will love staying at this authentic Thai style house just out of town. It takes 10 minutes to walk to the night market from here and breakfast is included. Awesome quiet, budget, family-friendly choice.

Check the Latest Price and Book Huan Kawin Lanna Here


Na Na Doo Homestay – This place is just such an experience. What an excellent homestay and our favourite place to stay in Chiang Rai! With a swimming pool, treehouse, swings, toys and hammocks to relax in after a day of exploring, the homestay also provides amazing food too. Your kids will absolutely love staying here! They also have a daily shuttle bus to the city and free bicycles.

At Na Na Doo you are a mere 2.8 km from The Big Buddha and only about 3.3 km from the Blue Temple.

Check the Latest Price and Book Na Na Doo Here

Other Amazing Temples to Visit in Chiang Rai

Here is a list of all the amazing temples you have to see before leaving amazing Chiang Rai:

  • White Temple
  • Blue Temple
  • Black Temple

How to Get to Chiang Rai

We self drove to Chiang Rai from Chiang Mai. It was such a great way to experience this beautiful part of the world. Find out more here:

  • Renting a car in Thailand

Have you Been to Chiang Mai?

  • Getting a Sak Yank in Chiang Mai
  • Visiting the Chiang Mai Zoo
  • Doi Sutthep Temple
  • Things to do in Chiang Mai
  • The most Ethical Elephant Sanctuary in Chiang Mai
  • How to Get to Chiang Mai

Filed Under: All, Thailand

Previous Post: «Cheapest Ways to travel Cheapest Way to Travel (16 Money Saving Ideas)
Next Post: How to Avoid the Coronavirus? ( Safety Travel Tips) How to Avoid the Coronavirus»

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Primary Sidebar

Meet the Family

Gadsventure

Welcome, We are the Gadsventure Team! Our family of 6 is constantly seeking fun and adventure …

Follow Our Journey!

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • TikTok
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Find Flights


Find Hotels



Booking.com

Find Deals


Discounts on Tours


15% Off Asia

Find Tours


real food


Footer

 

 

“Travel, as much as you can, as far as you can, as long as you can…………. Life’s not meant to be lived in one place.”

Find Out How

  • ABOUT US
  • PRIVACY POLICY
  • AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE

Site Footer

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Copyright © 2023 · Mai Lifestyle Pro On Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in

This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish.Accept Read More
Privacy & Cookies Policy

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Non-necessary
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
SAVE & ACCEPT
0 shares