Big White Buddha (Wat Phra That Mae Yen): Pai Sunset Views

The Big White Buddha (Wat Phra That Mae Yen) is one of Pai’s most iconic landmarks, perched peacefully on a hill overlooking the Pai valley. This impressive seated Buddha statue offers stunning panoramic views, especially at sunset. Reached by climbing a long staircase, the temple is a serene place for reflection and photography. A must-visit for travelers seeking spiritual vibes, scenic beauty, and one of the best viewpoints in Pai.

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Pai’s famous Temple on the Hill

The Big White Buddha has many names. For the Thai themselves this temple is called the Wat Phra That Mae Yen. But many tourists also refer the Big White Buddha as “that Temple on the Hill”. You can see the Big White Buddha from miles away, the enormous white Buddha stands on a mountain east of the village of Pai. An impressive sight from far, but certainly also from up close! The Big White Buddha is definitely in our must five to visit spots in Pai!

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The road to the Big White Buddha in Pai

To get to the Big White Buddha you drive from Pai center towards Tambon Mae Hi. After a few minutes you cross the Pai river over a bridge. As you approach the White Buddha when it gets bigger and bigger. After about seven minutes driving you see the vegan restaurant Earth Tone on your right. Opposite the restaurant is a gate where you turn left. You now have two options: Option nr #1 Put your scooter or car down the stairs at the very bottom of the mountain and you start a climb of hundreds of steps up. We suggest option nr #2 Drive another minute to the square where you can park your vehicle and take the stairs to the Big White Buddha.

Below the Big White Buddha

On the square there are a few eateries and in front of the stairs to the White Buddha there is a stand where you can rent a sarong for 20 baht. A sarong is a garment that is used as a wrapped skirt around you. You’ll need one if you wear tight pants, your knees or shoulders are not covered or if you wear translucent clothing. In addition to a voluntary donation, there is very little cost to enter the temple or Buddha.

Attention!

The Big White Buddha (Wat Phra That Mae Yen) is a holy place. Keep this in mind and be quiet and calm.

The Big White Buddha itself

After climbing the 353 steps of Pai’s Big White Buddha you’ll end up on a large tiled platform where the White Buddha looks down on you. Don’t forget to take off your flip-flops or shoes. The view from the platform is truly phenomenal! You can see the rice fields and the village of Pai and maybe you recognize several places you visited the days before. Besides the immense White Buddha there are also two safes where you can donate some baht. On the base of the Big White Buddha there are also various gifts such as incense and garlands of flowers.

Wait till sunset!

Have you seen the sunset at the Pai Canyon or are was it too busy over there? Then the Temple on the Hill is a nice alternative. Go at least half a day before sunset. That way you still have time to look around and find a nice spot. By the way, the White Buddha looks to the west where the sun sets. So take a look and enjoy together with the White Buddha the setting sun over the mountains and the village of Pai.

Sunset view over a valley with mountains, village houses, and people on stairs in foreground — vivian_arzabe (instagram)

Sunset over a mountainous landscape with scattered clouds and green valleys below — vivian_arzabe (instagram)

The Wat Phra That Mae Yen (Temple on the Hill)

On the main square is also the Wat Phra That Mae Yen. We only found out when we were back in the center of Pai. The Wat Phra That Mae Yen is a temple with some golden chedi. Nice to look at while you’re around.