The Guan Yin statue
Hillside, above the temple
A giant white statue of the Bodhisattva of compassion, visible from across the valley. A lift inside takes visitors up to look out from the head.
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Chiang Rai, Thailand
Wat Huay Pla Kang
A huge white statue of Guan Yin and a nine-tiered Chinese-style pagoda on a hill above Chiang Rai, with views over the valley.
Favourite places
The nine-tiered pagoda
Top of the hill
A tall Chinese-style pagoda with intricate carvings and dragon decoration, set high above the rice fields.
Open in Google Maps (opens in a new tab)The main hall
Temple grounds
A richly decorated Lanna-style hall with dragon and naga sculptures at the stairs.
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Terraces around the statue and pagoda
Wide views over the Kok River valley and the hills around Chiang Rai.
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Local food
Khao soi
Chiang Rai, Thailand
The signature noodle soup of northern Thailand: egg noodles in a rich coconut curry broth, usually with chicken or beef, topped with crispy fried noodles and served with pickled mustard greens, shallots and lime.
Khao man gai
Chiang Rai, Thailand
Poached chicken on rice cooked in chicken stock, served with a ginger and soy-bean sauce and a light soup.
Khanom jeen nam ngiao
Chiang Rai, Thailand
Fresh rice noodles in a tangy tomato and pork broth flavoured with dried red cotton-tree flowers — a Lanna favourite for breakfast or lunch.
Where to eat
Temple food stalls
Wat Huay Pla Kang grounds
Vendors near the car park sell drinks, snacks and simple vegetarian dishes.
Open in Google Maps (opens in a new tab)Chiang Rai Night Bazaar
Phaholyothin Road, near the bus terminal
Every evening a big food court of stalls sits in front of a stage with live music — hot pot (jim jum), grilled fish, noodles and northern dishes.
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Where to stay
Kok River riverside
Chiang Rai, Thailand
Resorts and quieter hotels along the Kok River on the north side of town — greener and calmer, a short drive from the centre.
Open in Google Maps (opens in a new tab)Chiang Rai town centre
Chiang Rai, Thailand
Around the clock tower and the Night Bazaar: guesthouses and hotels within walking distance of restaurants, the walking streets and the bus terminal.
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Culture
Guan Yin is revered in Chinese Mahayana Buddhism, and many Thai-Chinese worshippers come here; the temple shows how Thai and Chinese traditions mix in the north. Many visitors follow a vegetarian diet when praying to Guan Yin. Cover shoulders and knees, take your shoes off before entering a hall, and never point your feet at a Buddha image or a monk. Walk around a chedi clockwise, keeping it on your right. Women should not touch monks or hand things to them directly.
History
This hillside temple mixes Thai and Chinese styles. The giant Guan Yin, the Bodhisattva of compassion, can be seen from far around; a lift inside the statue takes visitors up to look out through its head.
Tour plans
Sunset at Huay Pla Kang
Half dayStep 1: Singha Park
Spend the early afternoon cycling among the tea fields.
Step 2: Wat Huay Pla Kang
Arrive in the late afternoon and go up inside the Guan Yin statue.
Step 3: Sunset from the pagoda
Watch the sun set from the hilltop.
Step 4: Dinner in town
Head to the Night Bazaar or the clock tower area.
Map
Travel information
Best time to visit
November to February for clear views; late afternoon into sunset is the most beautiful time, when the white statue turns golden.
How to get there
About 15 minutes north-west of the city centre by Grab or tuk-tuk.
Getting around
Chiang Rai's centre is small and easy to walk. For the temples outside town use Grab, a tuk-tuk or a hired car with driver; local buses from the old bus terminal (by the Night Bazaar) run north towards Mae Sai and south towards the White Temple. Keep the app open or ask your driver to wait — finding a ride back from the hill can take time.
Travel tips
Cover shoulders and knees and take your shoes off before entering the halls. Sarongs are usually available to borrow or rent at the entrance. Sunset is a beautiful time to visit.
