Wat Huay Pla Kung, often mistakenly called the "Great Buddha of Chiang Rai" because its large white statue depicts the Goddess of Mercy, is a relatively new temple. Located six kilometers outside of Chiang Rai, it has quickly become a must-see for visitors. The temple is also known as the "Nine-Story Temple" because its nine-story pagoda can be climbed for panoramic views. A staircase adorned with impressive dragon heads leads up into the pagoda, where another carved wooden Guan Yin statue sits at the center. A white hall lies between the large white statue on a small hill and the nine-story pagoda. The stairs to the Guan Yin statue were still under construction during my visit (December 2017), but small buses shuttled visitors there from the parking area. Alternatively, the statue can be easily reached via the path behind it. Visitors can take an elevator inside the statue and touch its forehead. Inside, there are lovely white stucco decorations, and you can glimpse the view through an opening. In my opinion, the view from the statue's left eye is the most interesting.

No entrance fee. Entrance fee to visit the statue inside: 40 THB. I recommend combining this visit with a visit to the Blue Temple.

To my knowledge, there is no public transport from the city to this temple. You have to arrange transport or hire a tuk-tuk or one of the small blue vans that are common in Chiang Rai.

Wat Huay Pla Kung (Great Buddha) is a temple. When visiting a temple in Thailand, there are some rules to observe: appropriate clothing (knees and shoulders should be covered), remove shoes upon entering the building, be quiet, no hugging or kissing, do not point your feet at the Buddha statue, and do not smoke.

How to get there

How do you get to Wat Huay Pla Kung (Great Buddha)? To my knowledge, there is no public transport from the city to this temple. You have to arrange transport or hire a tuk-tuk or one of the small blue vans that are common in Chiang Rai.