The White Buddha
Overlooking the Pai valley.
Christophe95 — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Christophe95 — CC BY-SA 4.0 · ElonggnolE — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Christophe95 — CC BY-SA 4.0
A hilltop temple east of Pai that visitors know for its big White Buddha, a huge seated white statue overlooking the whole valley and visible from town. A long white stair of about three hundred and fifty steps climbs to it, guarded by mythical serpent sculptures in Thai style, and a road leads to the top for those who prefer not to climb. The statue's terrace has the widest view over the Pai valley: the little town, rice fields, the river and the mountains closing in on every side, at their best at sunset when golden light covers the valley. The older temple halls and monks' quarters stand near the statue. Entry is free and the temple is open all day, though staying after dark is not advised as the stair is poorly lit. Modest dress is expected: shoulders and knees covered, and shoes off inside the halls. The finest months are November to February, with cool clear mornings; March and April are the field-burning season, when smoke fills the valley. Come an hour before sunset and bring water, as the stair is in full sun. It is a few minutes by scooter from the town centre and pairs well with Pai's hot springs on the same road.
Overlooking the Pai valley.
Guarded by serpent sculptures.
Golden light on the fields.
On a hill east of Pai town, Mae Hong Son province
No: you can drive or ride to the statue terrace; the stair is for those who like the walk.
