Wat Huay Pla Kang is a Chinese-style temple located just beyond the man ring road to the North-West of Chiang Rai City. The compound is dominated by a statue of Guan Yin, the Goddess of Mercy and an impressive 9-level pagoda.
Because of the red roof tiles of the Pagoda, the whole temple complex is sometimes referrred to as the Red Temple – a nod to the other color-themed tour attractions in Chiang Rai.
This temple compound gets very busy, but donations from the constant stream of visitors fund the maintenance and ongoing construction program. A multi-level hospital has been built as an act of charity, and local people and pilgrims may access free (vegetarian) meals.
Jumbo golf-carts are provided as a free service, and make frequent shuttle-runs between the main carpark and the base of the Guan Yin statue.
There is an elevator (ticketed entry) that takes you to the top of the statue for panoramic views of the pagoda and surrounding countryside. There are windows and viewing platorms spaced over several floors within the head of the statue.
Within the viewing level itself, the interior is decorated with an elaborate stucco. The staff limit the number of people within the structure, but even so the space at the viewing levels can become quite crowded. Please closely supervise children when visiting.
Long skirts or trousers are required at the temples. Shoulders must also be covered.
