Wat Phra That Doi Wao Mae Sai
Ancient temple with stunning panoramic views of Mae Sai and Myanmar, famous for its scorpion statue and spiritual ambiance.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Golden light makes temple shine
Wat Phra That Doi Wao Mae Sai
Best Time
Golden light makes temple shine

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Ancient temple with stunning panoramic views of Mae Sai and Myanmar, famous for its scorpion statue and spiritual ambiance.
"Feels like standing between two worlds, where one country lies just behind you, and another unfolds before your eyes."
🌅 Sunset Spectacle
Visit at sunset for breathtaking views as the golden light illuminates the temple and border landscape.
⬆️ Ascend with Ease
If main stairs are closed, use the road access. Local transport is recommended for a 30 Baht round trip.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Panoramic Border Views
Temple summit
Gaze across Mae Sai and into Myanmar, especially magical during sunset. A truly surreal experience.

Scorpion Statue
Temple grounds
An iconic and imposing statue that draws many visitors. A unique photo opportunity.

Purple Pagoda
Temple grounds
Also known as the Purple Pagoda, this striking structure adds to the temple's unique charm.

Glass Skywalk
Temple summit
Walk on air with a fee-based skywalk offering thrilling, unobstructed views of the surrounding landscape.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Border Views & Spiritual Vibes
Getting to the Top
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🌅 Sunset Spectacle
Visit at sunset for breathtaking views as the golden light illuminates the temple and border landscape.
⬆️ Ascend with Ease
If main stairs are closed, use the road access. Local transport is recommended for a 30 Baht round trip.
🚶♀️ Skywalk Thrills
Experience unique perspectives from the glass skywalk (fee applies) for incredible photo ops.
🙏 Respectful Visit
This is an active temple with monks; maintain a solemn and respectful demeanor during your visit.
Tips
from all over the internet
🌅 Sunset Spectacle
Visit at sunset for breathtaking views as the golden light illuminates the temple and border landscape.
⬆️ Ascend with Ease
If main stairs are closed, use the road access. Local transport is recommended for a 30 Baht round trip.
🚶♀️ Skywalk Thrills
Experience unique perspectives from the glass skywalk (fee applies) for incredible photo ops.
🙏 Respectful Visit
This is an active temple with monks; maintain a solemn and respectful demeanor during your visit.
🅿️ Parking Alert
Onsite parking can be limited, so plan your arrival accordingly.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors are captivated by the surreal and emotional experience of Wat Phra That Doi Wao Mae Sai, particularly its stunning panoramic views of the Thai-Myanmar border, especially at sunset. The unique scorpion statue and the spiritual ambiance are frequently praised, though limited parking and potential stair closures are noted drawbacks.
"The place is rich with emotion, solemn and surreal. It feels like you're standing between two worlds, where one country lies just behind you, and another unfolds before your eyes. They're only steps apart, yet their stories feel miles away.
May the people of Myanmar find peace beyond the silence, strength in the struggle, and hope that rises with every sunrise. The world sees you, and prays for the day your hearts can rest. 🙏🫂"
Princess Dianne Arnado
"one of the iconic place in Chiang rai, it is located near the border. You need to go to the top of the hill. it is alo known as purple pagoda."
Phương Duy Nguyễn
"Beautiful temple compound, lots of sculptures, lots of visitors alike, including piligrims. Views are great from there 360° to both Thai and Myanmar sides of border, with mint picturesque views on the Burmese side. Well worth visiting fir a good view and good photo, let along the chance to walk on their glass skywalk."
V K
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Wat Phra That Doi Wao Mae Sai is located near the Thai-Myanmar border in Mae Sai. You can reach the temple by car or local transport. If the main stairs are closed for renovation, you can use the road access, and a round trip on local transport costs approximately 30 Baht.
Onsite parking is available, but it can be limited, especially during peak times. It's advisable to arrive early or consider using local transport options.
While walkable, the climb to the top can be strenuous, especially if the main stairs are closed. Using local transport is generally recommended for convenience.
The temple is situated on a hill. While there are stairs, if they are under renovation, you can use the road. Local transport is a convenient option to reach the summit.
Access to the very top might involve stairs or inclines. While there's road access, it's best to inquire about specific accessibility options upon arrival or check recent visitor updates.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
While the temple itself is free to enter, there is a fee to access the glass skywalk.
The temple is generally open from early morning until late evening, allowing visitors to experience both daytime views and the magical sunset. Specific hours can vary, so it's good to check locally if possible.
No advance booking is typically required for temple entry. Tickets for the glass skywalk can usually be purchased on-site.
As it is a Buddhist temple, it's respectful to dress modestly. Avoid revealing clothing. Shoulders and knees should be covered.
The temple is often open until late, making it a popular spot for sunset views. Check locally for exact closing times if you plan a late visit.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Key attractions include the panoramic views of Mae Sai and Myanmar, the iconic scorpion statue, the purple pagoda, and the glass skywalk. The spiritual atmosphere is also a significant draw.
The large scorpion statue is a unique and memorable landmark of the temple, often serving as a focal point for photos and a symbol of the site's distinctiveness.
From the viewpoint, you'll get stunning 360-degree vistas of Mae Sai town on the Thai side and the Burmese landscape across the border. Sunset views are particularly spectacular.
Many visitors find the glass skywalk offers a unique and thrilling perspective of the border region and the temple grounds, making it a worthwhile experience for the views and photo opportunities.
The atmosphere is described as rich with emotion, solemn, and surreal, offering a sense of peace and spirituality, especially with monks residing there.
📸 📸 Photography
The panoramic viewpoints, especially at sunset, offer incredible backdrops. The scorpion statue and the purple pagoda are also popular photo subjects. The glass skywalk provides unique angles.
Photography rules can vary within active temple areas. It's always best to observe local customs and signage, and be respectful when taking photos, especially of monks or religious artifacts.
Sunset is highly recommended for its dramatic lighting that enhances the temple's beauty and the border scenery. Early mornings offer softer light and fewer crowds.
Drone usage is often restricted at religious sites and near international borders. It's advisable to check local regulations before flying a drone in the area.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive views and temple architecture. A telephoto lens can be useful for details across the border. A tripod can help with low-light sunset shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
📸 Photographers & View Seekers
🙏 Spiritual Seekers & Reflective Travelers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Unique Border Experience
Travelers often describe the feeling of standing 'between two worlds,' where the serene temple grounds contrast sharply with the geopolitical realities visible just beyond the horizon. This emotional depth adds a significant layer to the visit, making it more than just sightseeing. It's an opportunity for reflection and empathy, a sentiment frequently shared in online discussions. The temple's location makes it a powerful symbol of peace and a place for contemplation on global affairs.
Navigating the Ascent and Temple Grounds
Once on the temple grounds, you'll find a variety of attractions. The iconic scorpion statue is a must-see, as is the striking purple pagoda. For an added thrill and unique perspective, the glass skywalk offers breathtaking, unobstructed views over Mae Sai and into Myanmar. While there's a fee for the skywalk, many find it to be a memorable part of the experience. Be aware that onsite parking can be limited, so planning your transport is key.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit