Overlooking Chiang Rai’s lush landscapes, Wat Huay Pla Kang is home to an immense statue often mistaken for a giant Buddha. In reality, it represents Guan Yin, the Goddess of Mercy, standing at nearly 90 meters tall. Completed in the early 2000s, visitors can take an elevator inside the statue to the top, where windows offer breathtaking panoramic views. The temple complex also features a striking nine-story pagoda and a main hall adorned with intricate designs blending Thai and Chinese styles.

Surprising Detail: If you visit during Chinese New Year, you might see the statue illuminated with thousands of lanterns, turning the serene goddess into a glowing beacon visible from miles away.