temples & architecture
Wat Huay Pla Kang, the Temple of Mercy
Jul
Wat Huay Pla Kang, the Temple of Mercy
Table of Contents
The Temple of Mercy: introduction
Wat Huay Pla Kang (วัดห้วยปลากั้ง), the “Temple of Mercy” is on the outskirts of Chiang Rai, north of the Kok River. It is easy to find as the immense statue of Kuan Im, the Goddess of Mercy, dominates the landscape. It is one of my favorite temples in Chiang Rai because it is a center of social welfare for the disadvantaged, such as orphans and elderly people.
The story goes that there was an old temple at this location. A monk, called Phop Chok Tissuwaso, founded a new temple here, dedicated to Kuan, the Goddess of Mercy. He constructed the first building in 2007. This is the 49-meter high Phop Chok Dhamma Chedi, pagoda that shows influences from Thailand, China, and Europe. It’s a building unlike any other in Chiang Rai.
The White Viharn
Between the giant statue of Kuan Im and the Phop Chok Dhamma Chedi is the white Thai style viharn. The interior of the viharn is also white and houses, you guessed it right, a white Buddha image.
Kuan Im, the Goddess of Mercy
The most striking structure of Wat Huay Pla Kang is the immense statue of Kuan Im, the Buddhist Goddess of Mercy. It is visible from afar. A naga staircase leads to the entrance of this impressive building. You can take the elevator to the 25th floor inside the building. You end up in a small space decorated with statues and trees, all in white. Then you can take a narrow staircase to the 26th floor from where you can enjoy the view through small windows. The staff who operate the elevators wear uniforms of Chinese design.
Who is Kuan Im?
Kuan Im is also known as Guanyin and Quan Am. Guan Yin is the Chinese name of Avalokiteshvara, the Bodhisattva of compassion and mercy. A Boddhisattva is a being who could have gone to nirvana but instead returned to be among mortals. It is a compassionate person who is focused on the helping others. Guanyin originated in India and brought to China allegedly in the fifth century.
People sometimes call here a divine woman or goddess, to whom people look for guidance, fertility and protection. In times of despair, uncertainty and fear, people go to Kuan Yin for assistance and help.
Kuan Im in Chiang Rai
It is likely that Kuan Im/Guanyin came to Thailand from China. it would explain the Chinese influence in the architecture of the Phop Chok Dhamma Chedi building and the Chinese-style dress of some of the staff. In China Mount Putuo is a center of Guanyin worship. You will find images of Kuan Im/Guanyin in many East Asian countries such as South Korea, Vietnam, Japan, Myanmar, Nepal and so on. In Thailand there are other temples and shrines dedicated to Kuan Im, such as one in Bangkok. Wat Huay Pla Kang is, as far as I know, the biggest temple dedicated to this divinity in Thailand.
Fantastic views
The Phop Chok Dhamma Chedi also offers nice views but there is no elevator. Twice I walked up the nine floors of the and enjoyed the view from there. On the ground floor is a sandalwood statue of Kuan Im, the Goddess of Mercy. “Chao Mae Kuan Im” (เจ้าแม่กวนอิม) the Thai people call her respectfully: Goddess or “female guardian spirit” Kuan Im.
On every floor, there are more, beautiful carved wooden statues of Buddhas, monks, and gods. On the ground floor, I donated a bag of rice for orphans and elderly people and placed it at the foot of the statue of the Goddess of Mercy. Staff told me that the temple takes care of 543 orphans.
The temple of Mercy
I visited Huay Pla Kang three times during my last Chiang Rai trip. I noticed the orphans and abandoned children. Boys were playing on the grass next to the pagoda, girls were helping in the open kitchen of the small restaurant. I suppose most of these children are from hilltribe villages in the mountains of Chiang Rai province. I enjoyed a delicious meal for only 20THB and observed life at this temple.
The Hospital of Wat Huay Pla Kang
Over the years I have witnessed the construction of a hospital, that was finished in 2022. Phra Ajaan Phop Chok funded this hospital with donations. It offers free healthcare to disadvantaged groups of the population. In the past the temple raised funds by offering free car wash to all vehicles parked at the temple compound. A donation though is expected. I had never seen this kind of fundraising before but on my last visit this services was not available anymore.
Spiritual Wat Huay Pla Kang
This temple has a very special atmosphere. It is unlike any other temple I know in North Thailand. Wat Huay Pla Kang has a fantastic location and some spectacular structures and I felt totally at ease. It is maybe the soothing music that is with you everywhere you go. There is an inherent beauty in this place, that is hard to put into words. I just felt a lot better when I went back to my hotel. Below are some of the photos I took in June 2022.
Some facts about Wat Huay Pla Kang
To get to the temple just cross the Kok River via the Mae Fah Luang bridge and continue until you reach the traffic lights of the new 131 bypass road. Turn right and you will see Wat Huay Pla Kang on your left hand. Just follow the signs.
The temple is open from 0700 until 2130. There is no entrance fee. You will have to pay for the elevator in the Chao Mae Kuan Im statue: 40THB per person for foreigners, 20TH per person for Thai nationals.
There is a coffee shop and a small restaurant where they serve simple but delicious meals for only 20THB per plate.
You can donate in kind in the pagoda and in the Kuan Im building: you can buy sacks of rice or a shirt for 100THB for orphans and elderly.
Please dress respectfully.
References for this article
I visit Huay Pla Kang regularly. At first I thought this was merely a tourist attraction but it is much more than that. It has a merciful and spiritual mission, which is wonderful. Besides that it is a place of beauty.
I found a lot of information on the Facebook page of the temple.
Where is Wat Huay Pla Kang?
Wat Huay Pla Kang features in these tours
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