Thailand
With its larger-than-life Guanyin statue, the Huay Pla Kang temple in the northwest of Chiang Rai warmly embraces Chinese influences. A must-visit on any journey through northern Thailand!
While exploring Chiang Rai, most travelers focus on admiring the White Temple, Blue Temple, and Black House, known for their modern and exotic touches that break away from traditional Thai art. Yet another extraordinary Buddhist monument well worth a visit stands out. Atop a rocky hill sits Wat Huay Pla Kang, literally translating to "temple of the Channa stream." A glance at the immense Guanyin statue, the bodhisattva of compassion, explains the site's tourism success. Open to all visitors, blending Chinese and Lanna styles in its stupa, and offering the unforgettable experience of ascending to Guanyin's head, Wat Huay Pla Kang is a must-include in your travel itinerary. A standout monument that will truly enhance your vacation in Chiang Rai.
Historical notes
Compared to other northern temples with over a century of history, this monastery is relatively recent. It was conceived by a monk named Phra Ajarn Phob Chok, who entered monastic life at age 38 in 1986. Revered for his advanced astrological knowledge used for divination and oracles, Phob Chok gained favor with the Thai monarchy. Construction began in 2001 and lasted 4 years, transforming from a small monastic pavilion into the remarkable temple-monastery you see today.
Today: a surprising Buddhist temple
Given its youth, Wat Huay Pla Kang lacks historical narratives but is architecturally fascinating. Buddhist devotees visit to pray for health or financial troubles, attributing blessings to the Mercy Goddess, the majestic white statue next to the ordination hall. A pilgrimage site for Buddhists and an architectural marvel for enthusiasts, the Mercy Goddess is chiefly associated with the Chinese Buddhist pantheon. Other temple buildings borrow heavily from Chinese religious art as well as Siamese art, resulting in a hybrid design unique to Chiang Rai.
Visiting the Sanctuary
A brief climb is required to enter the sanctuary grounds, nestled amidst beautiful greenery on a hill. Here are the three main parts of the sanctuary, listed in order of priority:
The Guanyin Statue, Chiang Rai's Grand Buddha
The awe-inspiring Guanyin statue captivates all visitors, regardless of their religious beliefs. Standing at 40 meters tall, this bodhisattva with feminine features sits on a lotus flower, holding a jade vase in her left hand and pointing her right hand towards the sky. Often mistaken for the "Grand Buddha," the statue actually represents the Goddess of Mercy. Opting to delay enlightenment to aid mortals, the bodhisattva's mission is to guide mortals towards wisdom and free them from the cycle of reincarnation. Before entering, take a moment to admire her milky-white complexion, elaborate chignon, and radiant robe covering her head to toe.
For an inside view, visitors can pay a nominal fee to take an elevator and view the delicate stucco motifs adorning the walls. The head of the statue is located on the 25th floor, featuring three windows corresponding to the goddess's three eyes, with the third eye located in the center of her forehead. Visitors admire white dragons, mythical beings of the Buddhist saga, and a picturesque view of rice fields and farmhouses below through Guanyin's left eye, considered the best viewpoint.
The Nine-Story Chedi
It's challenging to classify this nine-story pagoda's artistic style. The entrance is guarded by dragons instead of the usual serpent-like nagas. The profusion of colors—yellow, green, red, and pink—suggests a Chinese chedi. However, the chedi's plan doesn't fit into any specific architectural movement, lacking both the square configuration of Chinese chedis and the rounded configuration of Thai chedis. Its terminal tip mimics a bell shape.
After capturing its pyramidal facade in photos, visitors can explore the ground floor to view another majestic Guanyin statue flanked by her two attendants. Notably, this statue is crafted from sandalwood, unmatched throughout Thailand, and reaches up to the pagoda's second floor.
The Ubosot
Between the statue and the nine-story pagoda lies the temple's ordination hall. Designed entirely in white, it follows Thailand's academic architectural style but doesn't match the White Temple's execution quality. Beautiful bas-relief sculptures adorn its exterior.
As an unconventional and unclassifiable monument, Wat Huay Pla Kang remains relatively unknown compared to other Buddhist temples in Chiang Rai. Visiting is a true delight, offering peace, artistic innovations, and a unique perspective on Buddhism. It's rare in Thailand to encounter a temple dedicated to Mahayana Buddhism, making Wat Huay Pla Kang exceptional.
Practical information
Price and opening hours
Entry is free for all visitors, residents, or foreigners, though voluntary donations are appreciated. Additionally, there's a fee of 40 baht if you wish to use the elevator and explore inside the statue. Wat Huay Pla Kang is open daily from 7 AM to 9:30 PM, with potential schedule changes on public holidays.
The best time to visit
The best months are from November to February, when rainfall is low and temperatures are pleasantly warm without being scorching.
How to get there
Located at 6 kilometers outside Chiang Rai city, the temple isn't served by public transport from downtown. The easiest way to reach it is by hiring a cyclo-pousse or a blue songthaew or using a private car.
Nearby attractions
Did the tour of Wat Huay Pla Kang leave a lasting impression? You'll likely enjoy exploring other sacred sites in Chiang Rai: the Blue Temple, White Temple, or Wat Phra That Doi Pu Khao overlooking the Mekong River. Enhance your stay in Chiang Rai with a visit to the Opium Museum.
