Wat Huay Pla Kang – A Gorgeous Temple of Chiang Rai

There are many lovely temples in Chiang Rai. Each temple has its own unique and distinctive style and architecture, such as Wat Rong Khun and its magnificent white color or Wat Rong Suea Ten and its colorful blue-gold colors. In addition to the beautiful exterior, these temples are also sacred places for those looking to receive blessings. One of such famous temples of Chiang Rai that many tourists love to visit to pray for blessings and admire the beauty is Wat Huay Pla Kang.

Location: 553, Moo 3, Tambon Mae Yao, Mueang District, Chiang Rai, 57100
Google Map: Check Direction
Plus Code Map: 7MFXWRX4+98
Latitude: 19.948437
Longtitude: 99.805813
Opening hours: from 7:00 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Entrance fee: Free
FB Official Page: Wat Huay Pla Kang
Start year of construction: 2005
Official temple status year: 2009
Founder: Abbot Phop Chok Tissuwaso

History of Wat Huay Pla Kang

As for the history of Wat Huay Pla Kang, the place was originally an abandoned temple ruin on the hills. Then, Phop Chok Tissuwaso, a monk staying at Rong Than temple, wished to restore it. He moved to stay at the restored temple for the first time on November 19th, 2005, with the people of Huay Pla Kang village helping with the restoration. Then, he founded a Buddhist monastery, which was eventually permitted to be converted into an official temple on July 24th, 2009, with Phop Chok Tissuwaso as the first abbot.

After arriving at the temple, it is highly recommended that you first explore Phop Chok Dhamma Chedi, named after the abbot. It is a cone-shaped pagoda the height of a 9-story house, surrounded by 12 tiny chedis around the building. It is said that the pagoda was built according to Phop Chok’s idea, which occurred to him when he was on top of the hill. An engineer from Bangkok then offered his services to build the pagoda, and a Taiwanese businessman named Chen Xian Pao provided the funding for the construction.

Each floor of the chedi contains many sacred objects. For example, the first floor has an image of Guanyin in a posture of giving blessings and pardons, made from sandalwood imported from 3 countries – China, Myanmar, and India – and took 108 days to sculpt. The image is 7 meters wide and 7 meters tall.

The second floor has an image of Guanyin in a standing posture. The third floor has an image of Guanyin in a sitting posture. The fourth floor has a replica image of Buddha Sothon (a famous Buddha image in Thailand, with the original being in Chachoengsao province). The fifth floor has a Thousand-Hands Guanyin image. The sixth floor has images of Somdet To Brahmaramsi and Luang Pu Thuat (two famous Buddhist monks). The seventh floor has a Buddha image in the attitude of being sheltered by Nagas. This floor is compared to the Trāyastriṃśa heaven in Buddhism, where devas help protect the realms. The eighth floor has an image of Katyayana or the Maitreya Buddha, considered the god of success and wealth and believed to grant prayers treasures, and blessings. Finally, on the ninth floor is another image of Lord Buddha, elegantly carved from precious wood.

After exploring the pagoda, you can find a large, all-white Phra Ubosot (a hall where Buddhists gather for prayer) in all its majestic beauty. The entrance is limestone steps flanked by elegant Naga statues. The building is decorated with lovely stucco patterns from the top of the roof to the Ubosot below. A large white Buddha image is situated within the building, with the interior walls also decorated with white stucco patterns.

Don’t forget to visit Singha Park if you travel to Chiang Rai.

Why is Guan Yin called the Big Buddha?

Another important highlight of the temple is the large Guan Yin Statue, about 79 meters tall, situated on a hill according to Phop Chok’s vision. This a Guanyin statue has a “Fortune Found” posture. It is considered one of the most giant Chinese-style Guanyin statues in Thailand.

By mistake, some foreigners think that the big white statue is a statue of Buddha. These people even call this statue by no other name than Big Buddha. But this statue is of the goddess Guan Yin, who is not Buddha. Nevertheless, Guan Yin is known as “the one who hears the cries of the world.”

She is one of the most beloved bodhisattvas of Buddhism, and holds a special place in the hearts of people of other religions, including Taoists and Confucians.

Within the Guanyin statue, visitors can take an elevator up to the 25th floor to admire the city of Chiang Rai at an elevated position. As soon as they step out of the elevator, they can see a view that spanned far and wide. This viewpoint is located at none other than the eyes of the Guanyin statue.

From the 25th floor, visitors can take the stairs to the 26th floor. Both floors contain impressive white stucco patterns on the walls and ceilings, with paintings of the goddess Guanyin in various postures, several Chinese deities, as well as mythical creatures and tales, guaranteeing an enjoyable walking tour.

Come to Wat Huay Pla Kang. Not only will you be able to unwind, pay respects, and make offerings to Guanyin, but you can also admire the gorgeous vista of the city of Chiang Rai from an elevated location, as well as the magnificent beauty of various buildings in the temple itself. It is especially beautiful here after sunset.

If you’ve come to the North of Thailand to vacation with family or friends and haven’t yet chosen where to go, check out our list of the most popular Chiang Mai attractions.