The three imposing structures of the Wat Huay Plak Kung in Chiang Rai
Wat Huay Plak Kung in Chiang Rai (Chirawan Thaiprasansap / Shutterstock.com)
If you think that Thailand already has enough temples, then you are wrong. On a new temple site, Wat Huay Plak Kung, in the province of Chiang Rai, you can admire no less than 3 special buildings: an image of Guan Yin (the Goddess of Mercy), a golden Chinese Pagoda and a white Buddhist temple.
Wat Huay Plak Kung is a remarkable and relatively new addition to the many unique and historic temples in Northern Thailand's Chiang Rai Province. Also known as the Goddess of Mercy Temple, this temple attracts visitors with its impressive architecture, serene atmosphere and its iconic, huge statue of the Goddess of Mercy, Guanyin. The most striking feature of Wat Huay Plak Kung is the nine-story pavilion and the 25-story giant white statue of Guanyin, the Goddess with a Thousand Arms. This massive construction is visible from afar and acts as a symbol of protection and mercy.
The nine-story pavilion, also known as the "Pagoda of 9 Levels" or "9 Tier Temple", can be entered and offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, including Chiang Rai's vast rice paddies and mountains. Inside the temple you will find beautiful art and decorations that are a mix of different Buddhist and Chinese influences. The atmosphere is calm and invites to meditation and reflection. In addition, there is a significant space dedicated to teaching and learning, underscoring the temple's significance as a place of spiritual growth.
Despite being a relatively new addition, Wat Huay Plak Kung has earned its spot as one of the must-see destinations in Chiang Rai. The combination of spectacular architecture, spiritual significance, and the peaceful, serene landscape makes it a unique and unforgettable experience for both local and international visitors.
Wat Huay Plak Kunligt about 6 kilometers north of Chiang Rai on a hill. The large white image immediately attracts attention. In the image there are stairs and an elevator with which you can go up, even up to the forehead. You can admire beautiful engravings there and look outside through the eye.
The Golden Pagoda is also an impressive 9-storey structure. Once at the top you can enjoy a fantastic view. At night the Golden Pagoda is lit up, you must have seen that. Makes for beautiful photos. To the right of the Pagoda you will find the white Buddhist temple.
A visit to the Wat Huay Pla Kung is free, only if you want to enter the Guan Yin statue it costs 40 baht.
sure turned out beautiful! go see that…
Very impressive from the outside. But especially inside it is fantastically beautiful. Highly recommended, worth more than a detour. A trip in itself.
I visited the Wat Huay Plak Kunglit in 2017.
It was still being restored at the time.
The inside, especially at the top, is highly recommended.
The impressive, visible from afar 79 meter high statue at Wat Huay Pla Kang (that's what the name says on the signs here in CR) is currently closed. I cycle past it regularly and I've also visited the 9-storey pagoda, but I've never been up in the statue.
As soon as it opens again I will go upstairs with the camera to capture the view. On a clear day it must be very nice. If the pictures are worth it I will share them here on Thailandblog.
I was there in 2019, and it was impressive. Inside, at the very top, you are in Quan Yin's head.
Been there in 2019 it's a nice spacious whole of the statue itself, you can see for miles from the top and that's not sick there's an elevator that takes you up so you don't have to walk the whole ride (which is a big problem for me) you can also drive up to the statue by car so that the whole is also accessible for disabled people
It is Wat Huay Pla (and not Plak) Kung. In Thai วัดห้วยปลากั้ง Wat Huay Pla Kang (tones: high, falling, middle, falling. Wat is a wat, huay is a river, pla is a fish and kang is a type of shrimp (praying mantis shrimp).
I went there this summer (July 2024). It made a big impression on me. Very beautiful inside and above (both in the temple and in the statue) you have a beautiful view of the surroundings. Definitely recommended!