Wat Huai Pla Kang ‘See the Chinese-inspired pagoda.’

Temples in Chiangrai aren’t only decorated in Lanna style of art, but also others. There have been a lot of inspired foreign culture in Thailand ever since the past. It is no wonder if some of our architectures are going to appear in various styles. 

Same at this place, Wat Huao Pla Kang, this is no ordinary temple. It is not like any other temples. If you want to know why, let’s see the information below.

First, Wat Huai Pla Kang is located on a high mountain in Muang County, Chiang Rai. There are trees and local communities around. That makes it a very beautiful religious place.

Huai Pla Kang temple is medium large, with about 24,00 square metres. It was built in the year 2001. At first, it had been only a minor house of Buddhist monks, before it was renovated and developed into a glorius place as you can see nowadays. The place was appointed for a temple and named as ‘Huai Pla Kang’ by National Office of Buddhism, just 4 years after the very first day of establishment.

There are many tourists at the temple, both Thai and foreign. They love to pay respect to the place. Some of them even practice Dhamma and make merit there. This is some kind of a heart-warming centre for everyone, especially all Buddhists. 

However, the best part of the temple is not its beautiful scenery, but its style of decoration. Wat Huai Pla Kang is decorated with Lanna-Chinese art!

If you hear the words ‘Chinese art’, you will know that everything must be very colorful. Yes, it is. The whole temple looks so sparkling with many tones of colors. There are many interesting architectures around. It has to be said that Lanna art and Chinese art are really valuable together. And that makes the place looks different from other temples.

The examples of the architectures are, Naga-shaped handrails, the statue of Goddess Guanyin, other Chinese figures, and, of course, ‘the 9-storied pagoda’ as the most outstanding one!

The 9-storied pagoda is gigantic. You will want to make a little stop and take some of its photos. You must have never seen a thing like this before. Just imagine a big architecture being decorated in two different styles of arts, Lanna and Chinese. Just thinkg how incredible will it be. Don’t just take a look at the outside. You should walk inside too. Inside the pagoda, there is a big hall along with wide walking ways and Chinese statues, including Goddess Guanyin statues, which you can even pay respect to.

How to get there 

Wat Huai Pla Kang is located at 553, Area 3, Rim Kok District, Muang County, Chiang Rai Province.

Try to drive along Pahonyothin Road and find your way to Chiang Rai. After entering Chiang Rai, you have to pass the junction of King Mengrai Monument and cross the bridge of Kok River. Then keep going and turn left at the junction at the first traffic light you see. Not so long, you will see the restaurant named ‘Aek Ocha’ before another junction. That is where you should turn right to Mae Yao District. Lastly, be patient. Drive for the last 1 kilometre and you will find the sign that leads you to the temple.

Nearby Places 

Let’s see where else you can go, beside of the temple.

• Wat Rong Khun

This is another glorious and unique temple. The whole temple looks really sparkling in white-colored carvings, which makes it not like any other temples. It was designed and built by Chalermchai Kositpipat, one of the most well-known and skilled national artist of Thailand. Some of foreign tourists even call Wat Rong Khun ‘The White Temple’. It is a beautiful place, located only about 20 kilometres from Wat Huai Pla Kang. Don’t forget to visit it.

• Singha Park

Only about 17 kilometres away from Wat Huai Pla Kang, this is a very popular tourist attractions that most everyone hate to miss. In fact, it is an agricultural tourist attraction own by Singha Corporation Co.,Ltd. You will see many plantations and lovely animals. Also, some fun activities like balloon adventure and zipline adventure are wating for you. Don’t hesitate to go.

• Oub Kham Museum

This place is located just about 6 kilometres away from the temple. It is one of the best resources for the learning of Lanna history. You will find many ancient exhibitions there, for examples, costumes, utensils etc. All stuffs are reallt old. So, be careful when you admire them. Don’t touch them.

• Rai Mae Fa Luang

The Mae Fah Luang Art and Cultural Park was established in 1977 as Rai Mae Fah Luang, by the Princess Mother, as a training camp for hilltribe youths appointed to lead their communities in royal development projects. The training camp was turned into an art and culture park four years ago to house collections of Lanna art.