Wat Huay Pla Kang – The 9-Tier Temple You Must Visit
Wat Huay Pla Kang Temple will leave you spellbound. Known for its breathtaking designs and architecture, this magnificent site draws both devout believers as well as curious travellers alike.
Chiang Rai boasts several noteworthy attractions, including a massive white statue of Guan Yin and an 9-tier pagoda. Make sure that Chiang Rai is on your itinerary by including this stop!
1. The Guan Yin Statue
Wat Huay Pla Kang’s star attraction is its towering Guan Yin statue that towers an astounding 23 stories high. She represents compassion in Thai Buddhism as a female Bodhisattva and serves as a guardian deity that offers assistance throughout a person’s lifetime.
Wat Huay Pla Kang boasts an expansive temple complex featuring a nine-tier pagoda, as well as the giant Guan Yin statue encircled by a stairway with Nagas (snake/dragon-like mythological creatures) at its base. Though relatively new, Guan Yin’s presence at Wat Huay Pla Kang has quickly become an iconic attraction that draws both believers and curious tourists alike.
Wat Huay Pla Kang stands out as an exceptional temple that blends Lanna and Chinese architectural styles seamlessly, making it a must-visit location in Chiang Rai. Visitors should dress modestly when visiting this sacred site to show respect to Buddha images and statues residing here, and don’t forget your camera to capture this magical atmosphere! Wat Huay Pla Kang provides visitors with an extraordinary cultural immersion experience along with spiritual awakening. A trip there offers spirituality, cultural immersion, breathtaking vistas, and fascinating architectural styles all in one visit!
2. The 9-Tier Chedi
If you are traveling to Thailand, don’t miss the chance to see one of its most eye-catching temples. Though slightly off the beaten path for most visitors from abroad, this attraction still draws many domestic visitors and should be on anyone’s itinerary who want an unmissable Thai experience.
Wat Huay Pla Kang stands out from its surroundings by its remarkable architecture and breathtaking scenery, drawing people in from all around Chiang Rai to visit its main attraction: Guan Yin (bodhisattva of compassion). A giant white statue of this goddess draws immediate attention at this temple.
Another feature of this remarkable temple is the 9-tier chedi, which stands out from other temples due to being inspired by Chinese architecture. You’ll find this beauty located behind Naga staircase; take some time to look around it – its beauty alone makes it worth your while! Climb the stairs for breathtaking views of the city below from its summit!
3. The Naga Staircase
Wat Huay Pla Kang welcomes visitors with a large staircase lined with nagas that leads up to the base of its iconic Guan Yin statue, where you can either climb it manually or pay 40 baht to ride an elevator up and enjoy stunning views from there.
Wat Huay Pla Kang stands out with its exquisite Naga Staircase and 9-story pagoda, both constructed in Chinese-Lanna style, which houses many sacred statues for guests to pay their respects to as well as serving as a scenic viewpoint offering panoramic views of its nearby village.
Wat Huay Pla Kang’s remarkable temple complex blends Thai and Chinese architecture in one stunning sight, making it an intriguing attraction worth visiting. You can seek spiritual enlightenment, cultural immersion or breathtaking vistas; whatever your reason may be; Wat Huay Pla Kang provides an experience you won’t soon forget – visiting is free-of-charge; donations towards supporting its maintenance are gratefully received.
4. The White Thai Style Viharn
Wat Huay Pla Kang, located on a mountain outside Chiang Rai and revered as both an impressive temple and pilgrimage destination, will impress both seasoned visitors and new pilgrims. At its center lies Guan Yin (an influential Chinese and Vietnamese bodhisattva who represents compassion), but its architecture also showcases Lanna and Chinese styles harmoniously fused together.
Notice Chinese influences immediately when entering the main hall with two fearsome nagas and a 9-tier pagoda guarded by magnificent dragons, then ascend a steep staircase leading up to a white viharn (assembly hall) with exquisite stucco patterns and a stunning sandalwood Guanyin statue.
Chalermchai Kositpipat’s masterpiece temple dazzles visitors with its white facade decorated with glittering mirror fragments. At 7, 8 and 9 pm each day there is also an incredible light show which illuminates its facade and should not be missed!
5. The Phop Chok Dhamma Chedi
At Wat Huay Pla Kang is the Phop Chok Dhamma Chedi (or nine-tier pagoda). Standing majestically tall from sandalwood carving, its circular pyramid shape stands in stark contrast to more traditionally square or round Thai or Chinese pagodas. Inside each of its nine floors resides carvings of Buddha and Chinese divinities adorning each floor while visitors will also find bags of rice donated as an act of goodwill from individuals as an offering at its base.
Between the large Guan Yin statue and multi-tiered pagoda sits a white Thai-style viharn or assembly hall – guarded by two huge Naga serpents at its staircase – and decorated with carvings depicting mythical creatures.
Wat Huay Pla Kang Temple Complex offers an amazing blend of Thai and Chinese influences, boasting captivating structures and magnificent statues that leave visitors completely beguiled and provide deeper understanding into Buddhism’s principles. A day spent here will leave you in awe!
6. The Giant Statue of Kuan Im
Wat Huay Pla Kang’s grand central buddha is more than an impressive sight; it also serves as a place of worship where visitors can pay their respects and offer prayers. Visitors should respect this sacred structure by adhering to certain rules such as refraining from taking pictures or touching any buddhas on site.
This large statue depicts Guanyin, the Goddess of Mercy and Compassion who is revered throughout China and several Asian countries. She epitomizes grace and serenity with an immense size and pure white surface which draws believers as well as tourists to her serene presence.
This iconic attraction can easily be reached via taxi or songthaew, providing easy access to its tranquil ambiance and avoiding crowds. Admission to the temple is free; however a 40-baht fee applies if taking an elevator ride up to Guan Yin’s massive statue; those not up for the climb may opt for stairs covered with dragons and other mythical creatures from Buddhist mythology instead.
7. The Chinese Lanna Style Pagoda
As its name implies, this remarkable temple combines Lanna and Chinese design elements into an unrivalled masterpiece. With its nine-tier pagoda and grand white statue offering spirituality, cultural immersion and artistic craftsmanship; this white temple truly stands out.
Misleadingly known as Big Buddha of Chiang Rai, this enormous white statue actually represents Guan Yin – the Goddess of Mercy. Her immense size and flawless white surface attract both devotees of religious belief as well as curious tourists alike, drawing many tourists into its temple complex that boasts 9-tier pagodas, grand staircase guarded by dragon statues, traditional Thai temple halls adorned with intricate carvings, and other attractions that draw in both locals and visitors alike.
Wat Huay Pla Kang is widely revered for both its magical beauty and social welfare work, with monks and nuns dedicating their lives to providing aid for the needy from food distribution to medical assistance for the underprivileged. As you explore this sublime temple, dress modestly to show respect for its spiritual importance – remember to cover your shoulders and knees to show respect.
8. The 9-Tier Temple You Must Visit
Wat Huai Pla Kang, or Wat Huay Pla Kang as it is commonly known, is one of the country’s most captivating temples. Famed for its extraordinary architecture that blends Chinese, Thai and Burmese influences; as well as various gardens dedicated to different sentiments associated with Buddha; Wat Huai Pla Kang stands out among all other Buddhist structures for its grandeur and stunning design.
Attractions at this temple include its 23-story high white statue of Guan Yin (Big Buddha). Surrounded by impressive dragon sculptures, this striking landmark makes for an amazing photo op! Plus it offers panoramic views over the city from its elevated floors!
Highlights of the temple include its Chinese Lanna Style pagoda that houses sacred objects on each of its nine floors. As it’s relatively new attraction and often included on local day trips, make sure to visit during sunrise when sunlight hitting statue creates an incredible scene.