Wat Huay Pla Kang , Chiang Rai Thailand #SMSnotes

Wat Huay Pla Kang sits on a mountaintop surrounded by an array of green hills in the heart of Chiang Rai. Wat Huay Pla Kang, also known as the Big Buddha Temple, is a prominent and striking Buddhist temple located in Chiang Rai, Thailand. The temple is famous for its massive statue of the Great Buddha, which stands at an impressive height and is adorned in resplendent white marble. The serene expression of the Buddha exudes tranquility and wisdom, attracting visitors and devotees alike seeking spiritual solace and inspiration.

It is an impressive site to behold from far away that only grows more interesting as you come closer.
Location: Google MAP
Wat Huay Pla Kang was designed by a true visionary, which explains its unusual stylistic and structural choices. It began as a small monk's office designed by a monk named Phra Ajarn Phob Chok, and grew over 4 years into the temple that you see today. The temple complex features various intricate and ornate architectural elements, reflecting a fusion of traditional Thai and Chinese artistic styles. Surrounding the Big Buddha statue are vibrant gardens, elaborate sculptures, and meticulously designed structures that showcase the temple's devotion to both religious and artistic aesthetics.

the ambitious temple is a fusion of international influences with palpable attention to craft, detail, and Buddhist devotion. A noteworthy aspect of Wat Huay Pla Kang is its interior, which houses numerous religious artifacts, murals, and artifacts depicting Buddhist teachings and stories. Visitors can also climb to the top of the statue, where an observation deck offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and Chiang Rai city.

Wat Huay Pla Kang is known for its unique architecture, built in Chinese-Lanna style with white walls. Nearly all other temples in the region are built in traditional Thai or Thai-Lanna style, while Wat Huay Pla Kang blends Lanna and Chinese elements so thoroughly that the temple is really nothing like either. The elements of Chinese architecture shine through in the color scheme, boasting bright hues of red, yellow, gold, or green.


If you’re in the area it’s worth a quick stop. It’s a new temple that I feel was more built to impress tourists with the large goddess statue than a religious site. Also like other temples no dress code was enforced. It’s worth a visit though and if you are prepared to climb the steps then great views.


Stunning temples here, highly recommended a visit. I would recommend spending anytime between 1 or 2 hours here, especially if you wish to climb the stairs


This is a Buddhist religious site with a big white statue of Guan Yin, the Goddess of Mercy. It is situated north across the Kok River about 8.2 km from the center of town. There are three main buildings in the compound- the large white Quan Yin temple, a 9-tier pagoda, and a white-colored temple.


Amazing to see the height of the Buddha, 26 stories high. Can go up in a lift to look out through Buddha's eye. Great views, and great intricate carvings throughout. Also, a beautiful white temple and a Pagoda to visit as well

Huay Pla Kang Temple is another must-see in Chiang Rai. The Big Buddha is seriously impressive and so is the adjacent pagoda, the latter most beautifully crafted. Less famous than either the White or Blue temples, Huay Pla Kang is definitely worthy of a visit.


Not many places mention this, but this should be in everyone's top 3 along with the Blue Temple & White Temple.


Set on a hillside about 15 minutes from Chiang Rai is Huay Pla Kang Temple
With a huge statue of the goddess of mercy - Guan Yin, although its known as Chiang Rai's Big Buddha (damn those lazy tourists!)


It is quite new in terms of temples, but it is still amazing!


Wat Huay Pla Kang, the Temple of Mercy


The Temple of Mercy: Introduction
Wat Huay Pla Kang (วัดห้วยปลากั้ง) is in Chiang Rai, north of the Kok River. It is easy to find as the immense statue of Kuan Im, the Goddess of Mercy, dominates the landscape. It is one of my favorite temples in Chiang Rai because it is a center of social welfare.

The story goes that there was an old temple at this location. A monk, called Phop Chok Tissuwaso, chose this place and founded a new temple. He constructed the first building in 2007. This is the 49-meter-high Phop Chok Dhamma Chedi.

The design of this pagoda shows influences from Thailand, China, and Europe. It’s a building unlike any other in Chiang Rai. Beyond its religious significance, Wat Huay Pla Kang has become a popular tourist destination, drawing visitors from around the world who are captivated by its grandeur and spiritual ambiance. The temple complex not only offers a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of Thailand but also provides a serene sanctuary for contemplation and reverence.

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