As my flight was about to land at Chiang Rai’s airport, I spotted what I assumed was a Big Buddha statue. Later on I learnt that it’s actually the goddess of Mercy. Either way, I knew that I wanted to go and see it because of its majestic size and because it was something different for a change.

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The temple complex has the Guan Yin image right at the top of a hill. There’s a wide and long staircase leading to the base of the figure. From there you get to admire the view of the temple and 9-tier pagoda. There’s also a viewing deck from the inside of the statue for a small fee to take you up inside the structure in an elevator.

The pagoda was quite special too and there was no cost to enter. Once inside, you can climb up the staircases. On each floor there’s are other statues carved from wood.

It was hard to believe that visiting this complex came at no extra cost, except for donations if you wanted. I would recommend it as a must-see attraction in Chiang Rai, along with The White Temple & The Clock Tower. Just make sure to take a hat or umbrella with to protect you from the sun! 🙂

Where to find it?