The Guanyin statue and the temple at Wat Huay Pla Kang, also known as “Big Buddha” of Chiang Rai
The Guanyin statue and the temple

Wat Huay Pla Kang

“Big Buddha” of Chiang Rai

Name
Wat Huay Pla Kang
“Big Buddha of Chiang Rai”
Date
Early 21th century
Location
Ban Huay Pla Kung
Chiang Rai

Wat Huay Pla Kang in Chiang Rai, also known as “Big Buddha of Chiang Rai”, is known for its enormous white statue of Guanyin. The recently built temple sits on a hill in the rural area North of Chiang Rai town.

Wat Huay Pla Kang is a mix of Thai Lanna and Chinese styles. On the grounds are a huge statue of Guanyin, a nine tiered pagoda and a Thai temple.

Surrounded by green hills, Big Buddha of Chiang Rai is a great place to watch the sunset. Visit early morning or late afternoon to enjoy the serene, peaceful atmosphere.

A free shuttle bus from the car park takes visitors to the base of the Guanyin statue.

The White Temple or Wat Rong Khun in Chiang Rai
Wat Huay Pla Kang, better known as Big Buddha of Chiang Rai

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  • Blue Temple
  • Big Buddha of Chiang Rai
  • Wat Saeng Kaeo Phothiyan
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Giant Guanyin statue

The temple is known for its enormous white statue of Guanyin, often referred to as “Big Buddha of Chiang Rai”. The image represents Guanyin, the Chinese Goddess of Mercy.

The statue sits of top of a mound. A flight of stairs lined with Chinese dragons leads to the image. Seated on a pedestal of Lotus flower petals, the Guanyin statue rises 90 meters into the air.

Guanyin

Guanyin is the “Chinese Goddess of Mercy”. She is the bodhisattva of compassion, a bodhisattva being anyone on the path to becoming a Buddha. Sometimes Guanyin is depicted having a thousand arms. Having a thousand arms and a thousand eyes enables her to help more people at the same time.

Thai temple building with the 90 meter tall image of Guanyin
90 Meter tall image of Guanyin

Lift to the top

Once inside the Guanyin statue, visitors can take a lift 25 floors up to the top. The walls of the top floor are covered with white stucco depictions of Guanyin, mythical creatures and trees.

Great views

Looking out from the 25th floor, you will have great views of valleys, mountains, forests and Chiang Rai town.

9 Tiered pagoda

On top of another mound stands a nine tiered Chinese style pagoda. The stairs leading to the pagoda is lined with ferocious looking Chinese dragons. At the bottom of the stairs stands a large bowl where people burn incense sticks.

The platform on which the pagoda stands is surrounded by small golden chedis.

Visitors can climb the stairway to the top of the pagoda. On each of its nine floors are statues of the Buddha, Guanyin and monks, carved out of wood. From the top floor there are great views of the Guanyin statue.

Nine tiered Chinese pagoda at Wat Huay Pla Kang
Nine tiered Chinese pagoda

Buddhist temple

The only Thai style building on the grounds of Wat Huay Pla Kang is the viharn, the assembly hall. The building is guarded by large Naga serpents on either side of the stairs. The all white viharn has a multi tiered roof adorned with sculptings of mythical creatures.

The interior walls are adorned with depictions of Buddhist stories. The principal Buddha image and a smaller one in front of it face the entrance.

The assembly hall of Wat Huay Pla Kang in Chiang Rai
The assembly hall (viharn)

Food & drinks

On the grounds are stands where you can get food and snacks, drinks, coconut ice cream and souvenirs.

Dress code

As in any Thai temple, please dress modestly, meaning no revealing clothes. Take off your shoes before going inside a building.

Opening hours

Wat Huay Pla Kang opens daily from 7 am until 9:30 pm.

Entrance fee

Entrance is free.
There is a 40 Baht fee for the lift to the 25th floor of the Guanyin statue.

Location

Wat Huay Pla Kang or “Big Buddha of Chiang Rai” is located about eight kilometers North of the center of Chiang Rai town in the Ban Huay Pla Kung area of Muang district, Chiang Rai.

Getting there

To get there, hire a songthaew or tuk tuk in Chiang Rai town. The driver will wait for the return trip to the city. Agree on price and duration before getting in.

Book a half day or full day tour to also visit other attractions in the area like the White Temple, the Blue Temple and the Black House.


Big Buddha images around Thailand


Attractions in Chiang Rai
The main building of the White Temple in Chiang Rai
The temple and Big Buddha of Wat Huay Pla Kang in Chiang Rai

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  • Private tour with driver, guide & lunch
  • Duration about 13 hours
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Chiang Rai tours

  • From Chiang Mai or Chiang Rai
  • Choose private or group tour
  • Visit Golden Triangle, Hill Tribes, White Temple, Blue Temple, Big Buddha, Black House & more
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