Image source: bonvoyagethailand.com

THAILAND

Chiang Rai’s Temple in the Sky

In the north of Thailand, a serene temple sits on a mountain top surrounded by an array of green fields. Interesting from afar – this temple becomes even more impressive the closer you get.

Wat Huay Pla Kang started life as small building for a monk, Phra Ajarn Phob Chok , and over the years it grew into the temple we see today. It is located about six kilometres out of Chiang Rai and has quickly become a must-see place for both tourists and locals.

The temple is different from others as it was built in Chinese-Lanna style with white walls, rather than in the traditional Thai style adopted by most other temples. The elements of Chinese architecture shine through in the colour scheme, boasting bright hues of red, yellow, gold and green.

The temple is known for its enormous white statue of Guanyin, the Chinese Goddess of Mercy – yet it is often referred to as the ‘Big Buddha of Chiang Rai’! Seated on a pedestal of lotus flower petals, the Guanyin statue rises 90 metres into the air. A flight of stairs lined with Chinese dragons leads to the statue, and once inside, visitors can take a lift 25 floors up to the top for panoramic views over rice paddies, mountains and forest.

The temple can visited on tours to Chiang Rai, usually on the way from the city to Chiang Saen.