Wat Phra That Mae Yen is a pleasant temple located on top of a low hill a couple of kilometers to the east of Pai.
There is not all that much to look at but the temple is a nice walk from the town and offers fantastic views over the Pai Valley from a little-discerned perspective.
There are over 300 steps from the bottom of the hill to the temple, though there’s also a road to the top if you don’t feel like walking. The tiny temple features some graphic murals portraying local lifestyles, and there’s also a cluster of small, gold-colored pagodas.
Sunset is the best time to visit this temple, when you can enjoy views back over Pai and maybe a sundowner at the nearby Sunset View@Pai.
Getting There
Cross the bridge to the east of town, follow signs and look out for the steep set of steps leading to a hilltop temple, a walk of about 30 minutes. Alternatively, it’s a short ride to the top by motorbike. Pai is a 3-hour minibus ride from Chiang Mai.
Need to Know
- What is it? A small temple with good views of the valley.
- Opening hours: 06:00-18:00.
- Entrance fees: free.
- Where: A couple of kilometers to the east of town (across the Pai River).