Wat Huay Pla Kang, also known as the Big Buddha Temple, is a stunning temple located in the heart of Chiang Rai, Thailand. The temple is situated on top of a mountain and surrounded by lush green mountains, providing visitors with breathtaking views of the region.
The main attraction of Wat Huay Pla Kang is the impressive 40-meter tall white statue of Guan Yin, the bodhisattva of compassion. The statue, with feminine features, sits on a lotus flower and holds a jade vase in her left hand while pointing her right hand towards the sky. Visitors can climb up to the top of the statue and enjoy the panoramic views of the surrounding area.
Aside from the impressive statue, Wat Huay Pla Kang also features a Chinese-style pagoda and a white temple. Visitors can explore the temple grounds and admire the intricate details of the architecture. The temple also has a museum that showcases Buddhist artifacts and offers insight into the history and culture of the region.
History
Wat Huay Pla Kang is a Chinese styled temple located in the northern outskirts of Chiang Rai city. The temple was built in 2004 on a hill that was previously an abandoned temple ruin. The temple was founded by a monk named Phop Chok Tissuwaso.
Wat Huay Pla Kang was designed by a true visionary, which explains its unusual stylistic and structural choices. The temple is dominated by a 25-meter tall statue of Guan Yin, the Chinese Goddess of Mercy. The statue is visible from miles away and is a popular attraction for tourists.
The temple is also home to a large pagoda that houses Buddhist relics. The pagoda is seven stories tall and is adorned with intricate carvings and colorful mosaics. Visitors can climb to the top of the pagoda for a panoramic view of the surrounding countryside.
The temple complex also includes a museum that showcases the history of Buddhism in Thailand and China. The museum has a collection of ancient artifacts, religious texts, and artwork. Visitors can learn about the history and culture of Buddhism while exploring the exhibits.
Overall, Wat Huay Pla Kang is a beautiful and unique temple that is worth a visit. The temple’s history, architecture, and artwork make it a fascinating destination for travelers who are interested in Buddhism and Chinese culture.
Architecture
Wat Huay Pla Kang is known for its unique architecture, which blends Chinese and Lanna styles. The temple complex is dominated by a towering statue of Kuan Im, the Goddess of Mercy, which stands at 25 meters tall. The statue is visible from afar and is one of the most striking structures of the temple. The exterior of the chedi is built in a contemporary architectural style. The exterior is built in layers, and every floor is roofed in a Chinese style decorated with dragons. The white walls of the temple are adorned with intricate carvings and paintings depicting the life of Buddha. Inside the temple, visitors can see a large Buddha statue in a meditation pose, surrounded by smaller statues of Buddha’s disciples. The walls of the temple are decorated with colorful murals depicting the life of Buddha and other Buddhist stories. Overall, the architecture of Wat Huay Pla Kang is breathtaking and is a must-see for anyone visiting Chiang Rai. The intricate details and unique blend of styles make it a one-of-a-kind temple that is sure to leave a lasting impression on visitors.
Highlights
Wat Huay Pla Kang is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Chiang Rai. It is a beautiful temple complex that is sure to leave a lasting impression on visitors. Here are some of the highlights that you shouldn’t miss:
The Big White Statue of Guan Yin
The most striking feature of Wat Huay Pla Kang is the big white statue of Guan Yin, the Goddess of Mercy. This statue is 25 meters tall and is visible from miles away. Visitors can climb up to the top of the statue for a breathtaking view of the surrounding area.
The Nine-Floor Pagoda
The temple complex also features a nine-floor pagoda that is decorated with intricate Chinese-style artwork. Visitors can climb to the top of the pagoda for a panoramic view of the surrounding countryside. The pagoda is especially beautiful at night when it is lit up with colorful lights.
The Dragon Staircase
The Dragon Staircase is another highlight of Wat Huay Pla Kang. This staircase is decorated with two giant dragon sculptures that are sure to impress visitors. The staircase leads up to the big white statue of Guan Yin and is a great place to take photos.
The Bell Tower
The Bell Tower is another beautiful feature of the temple complex. Visitors can ring the bell for good luck and to make a wish. The bell tower is also a great place to take photos.
Overall, Wat Huay Pla Kang is a beautiful temple complex that is definitely worth a visit. Make sure to bring your camera and wear comfortable shoes, as there is a lot of walking involved. Also, be respectful of the temple’s rules and customs, such as removing your shoes before entering the temple buildings.
Festivals and Events
Wat Huay Pla Kang is not only a stunning temple to visit, but it also hosts a variety of festivals and events throughout the year. If you’re lucky enough to be in Chiang Rai during one of these celebrations, it’s definitely worth checking out.
One of the most popular events is the Chinese New Year celebration, which takes place in January or February. The temple is decorated with lanterns and there are dragon and lion dances, as well as cultural performances and food stalls.
Another festival to look out for is the Songkran Festival, which takes place in April. This is the Thai New Year and is celebrated with water fights and a lot of fun. At Wat Huay Pla Kang, there are also traditional Thai dances and music performances.
For those interested in meditation and spirituality, the temple also hosts a meditation retreat in November. This is a great opportunity to learn more about Buddhism and to deepen your practice.
It’s important to note that during these festivals and events, the temple can get quite crowded. Be prepared for large crowds and plan accordingly. It’s also a good idea to dress modestly and respectfully, as this is a religious site.
Overall, visiting Wat Huay Pla Kang during one of these festivals or events is a great way to experience Thai culture and to learn more about Buddhism. If you have the opportunity to attend, it’s definitely worth it.
How to Get There
Wat Huay Pla Kang is located about 6 kilometers outside of Chiang Rai, Thailand. Here are a few options for getting there: By Car: If you have access to a car, this is the easiest way to get to the temple. From Chiang Rai town, take Route 1 (Phahonyothin Road) north for about 4 kilometers, then turn right onto Route 1211. Continue for about 2 kilometers and you will see the temple on your left. By Taxi: Taxis are readily available in Chiang Rai and can take you directly to the temple. A Grab taxi should cost around 150 THB from town to Wat Huay Pla Kang. By Songthaew: Songthaews are a popular form of transportation in Thailand. These shared taxis can be found at the Chiang Rai Bus Station and can take you to the temple for a reasonable price. Just be sure to negotiate the fare before getting in. By Tuk Tuk: Tuk Tuks are also available in Chiang Rai and can take you to the temple. However, they can be more expensive than other options. Once you arrive at the temple, you will need to walk up a number of stairs to reach the Quan Yin temple base. The stairs are guarded by white dragons and can be quite steep, so be sure to wear comfortable shoes and take your time. The climb is worth it for the stunning views from the top. Overall, getting to Wat Huay Pla Kang is relatively easy and can be done by car, taxi, songthaew, or tuk tuk. Just be sure to negotiate the fare and wear comfortable shoes for the climb up to the temple.
Tips for Visitors
Visiting Wat Huay Pla Kang can be an incredible experience, but it’s important to come prepared. Here are some tips to make the most out of your visit:
- Wear comfortable shoes: The temple grounds are expansive, and you’ll be doing a lot of walking. Make sure to wear comfortable shoes that you can walk in for an extended period of time.
- Bring sunscreen and water: The temple is located on a mountain top, and there isn’t much shade. Make sure to bring sunscreen and water to stay hydrated and protect your skin from the sun.
- Respect the dress code: As with most temples in Thailand, there is a dress code that visitors are expected to follow. Make sure to wear clothes that cover your shoulders and knees, and avoid tight or revealing clothing.
- Be prepared for stairs: The temple is built on a hill, and there are quite a few stairs to climb to reach the top. If you have mobility issues, be prepared for a challenging climb.
- Visit early in the day: The temple can get quite crowded later in the day, so it’s best to visit early in the morning to avoid the crowds. Plus, the morning light makes for some stunning photos.
Overall, visiting Wat Huay Pla Kang is an incredible experience that you won’t want to miss. By following these tips, you can ensure that you have a comfortable and enjoyable visit.
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