Wat Phra That Mae Yen

Wat Phra That Mae Yen is a hilltop temple on the eastern side of Pai valley, reached by a staircase of 353 steps from the base. The temple is visible from throughout the town and valley, marked by a large white Buddha statue. The climb takes about 15 minutes and the views from the top over Pai town, the river, and the surrounding mountain ring are the best available without going further afield.

The temple itself is a working Buddhist site with monks in residence. The atmosphere is more contemplative than the busy sights in town, particularly in the morning before tour groups arrive. Dress appropriately for a temple visit: shoulders and knees covered. A path through the bamboo forest at the base can extend the walk.

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A story
The white Buddha visible from across the valley was completed in 1999 and required 353 steps to reach from the base. Local belief holds that climbing the steps barefoot and ringing the bells at the temple is meritorious, and on Buddhist holidays the steps fill with worshippers carrying offerings. The view of Pai town and the surrounding valley from the top — a broad patchwork of fields, river, and forested hills — is the clearest panorama available in the district.

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