Wat Phra That Mae Yen (White Buddha)
Hilltop temple with a large white Buddha statue and a sweeping panorama over the Pai valley.
- Category
- Temples (Wat)
- Entrance fee
- Free; donation appreciated (as of 2026)
- Hours
- Approx 06:00-18:00 daily (confirm locally)
- Best time
- Sunset for the valley panorama, or early morning for cooler climbing
- Time needed
- 45 min - 1 hour
- Difficulty
- Easy-Moderate: 353 steps up, or drive to the upper car park
About Wat Phra That Mae Yen (White Buddha)
The big white Buddha you can spot from town sits on a hill just east of the river, and the climb up the staircase rewards you with one of the best valley panoramas around Pai. It's free, it's an active temple rather than a tourist prop, and it never feels as mobbed as the canyon.
If the stairs aren't your thing, there's a back road that drives you most of the way up. Either way, sunset here is quietly spectacular, the whole Pai valley spread out below you.
Remember it's a working temple, so cover your shoulders and knees. Come at sunset for the view or early morning if you'd rather climb in the cool.
Highlights
- Large white Buddha visible from across town
- Panoramic sunset view over the entire Pai valley
- 353-step staircase climb, or drive to the top
- Calm, uncrowded feel compared to the canyon
Tips
- Dress modestly, shoulders and knees covered, it's an active temple
- Climb early morning to beat the heat, or come at sunset for the view
- Skip the stairs and take the back road up if you'd rather not climb
- Bring a bit of cash for a donation
How to get there
About 3 km east of town; cross the Pai River bridge and follow signs. ~5-10 min by scooter or bicycle, then climb the ~353-step staircase (or drive the back road to the top).