Chedi Phra That Mae Yen

A must visit when in Pai. Spectacular views of surrounding landscapes. The Buddha is slightly unkept but it has character. Women should cover shoulders and knees when visiting. There's sarong rental at the bottom of the stairs. Bring water and a hat if coming here in the heat of the day. Also bring sunglasses as the entire monument is painted blinding white and can cause headaches.

A big white Buddha statue overlooking Pai, amazing views and a great place to watch the sunset!
But please be aware of religious customs and make sure to wear pants and shirts, nothing that’s showing too much skin.

Thailand is my " Land of Superlatives " , and so my 5 Star reviews are consistent with superlative experiences, special beauty, gracious Thai people. So start with placing flags as markers all over the mountains surrounding Pai and allow for Supreme guidance leading to the location here for this surreal shrine. That process is worth 5 Stars and this location is beyond belief. The setting Sun is eye level across a long valley and what a spectacular way to Segway into dusk and darkness 🌟. Walk the stairs, the steps, get to the top and feel a rare transformation of self on the upper level/ uppermost landing

In the hills of Mae Hong Son, a sacred site stands tall,
Chedi Phra That Mae Yen, a beacon for all.
Ancient roots bind its tale to legends untold,
A history rich, in golden threads it's enfold.

Built with devotion, atop the Yen mountain's crest,
The chedi whispers stories, a spiritual quest.
Generations past, their faith left a trace,
In the heart of Northern Thailand, a tranquil grace.

Overlooking the valleys, a serene silhouette,
Chedi Phra That Mae Yen, where time and reverence met.
Each brick, a witness to pilgrims' silent prayer,
A sanctuary of peace, suspended in mountain air.

A relaxing place for meditation or freeing your mind. Reachable by foot, bikes or scooters. There are a lot of stairs to walk up.

We would come up here everyday for admiring the view.

The best thing in Pai, without a doubt.

It sits like a distant dream in the mountains, and you can’t help but be attracted to it.

As you ascend the white steps, each step has a fantastic carved animal into the railing which then transforms into these mythical Buddhist and seemingly Hindu symbols.

At the top the beauty sits and is growing a shrub bush in between its fingers. It’s quite a sight to see.

There’s a place for rentals for women’s skirts. And there’s no fee to enter but you should definitely remove your shoes at the top, as with all temples.

Best spot to view sunset in Pai! High stairs with awesome sightseeing. Highly reccommended for that activity!

Phra That Mae Yen consists of two buildings and a few small golden chedis. In front of the temple entrance and the big Buddha that can be seen all over Pai . It is also said to be where you can see a spectacular view of Pai especially during sunset or sunrise.

Phra That Mae Yen has a peaceful, serene atmosphere, suitable for admiring a vast panoramic view of Amphoe Pai. The perfect time to appreciate the scenery is during the dawn, and the sunset. There has been no evidences on when Phra That was built. Within the temple area, there are only Phra Ubosot, and a 3 meter high white bell shaped chedi, with a round pedestal, and the outstanding umbrella shaped top in Burmese style.

About 2000 years Buddha statue, located up hill and watches over Pai little city.
You need to climb about 300 stairs up there, but the view and air worth it.

It's a long climb up for the unfit but the view! Just an observation, but this is considered a sacred ground, so while it might look like a nice wide floor area and the hike up might have been tiring, respect the place enough not to sprawl all over the floor. Oh, and you need to remove your footwear at the top of the stairs.

I walked here from Pai town, it is definitely doable. There are a lot of stairs and a little temple area at the bottom. You can rent wraps to walk up to the Buddha if you are not covered. The views are nice. You can also do this as part of a full day or half day tour.
I read a book for over an hour in the meditation area under the shade in the temple grounds

Little Greece with Thailand vibes🇹🇭🇬🇷
Rooms are comfortable, nice balcony and staff is very friendly. Delicious breakfast 🍳 they have transfer from the hotel to the Night market which is very convenient. Good impression!

Huge white Buddha sitting on top of 295 steps staircase. But the more impressive view is of Pai and the valley if you go early morning, the clouds/fog of the morning will be still visible beneath to disappear gradually in front of your eyes. Very nice view where you can also take very good pictures.

The stairs that greet you when the sun is setting is pretty impressive, with the white paint reflecting the sun brilliantly. View for the sunset is beautiful, but if you only have 1 evening in Pai, the Pai Canyon has the better view

Ufff great to close your fitness activity with the steps up! Beautiful peace! To visit and maybe even do a quick meditation and express gratitude ♥✨

This temple very nice on top the mountain in Pai all tourists can come visit

This spot is really special. You can either walk from Pai which takes around 25 min or you take your scooter. After the last 200 stairs you have a beautiful view over the valley, you might even spot your Hostel!
Be aware that the sun will set on the other side of the valley behind the mountains, so sunset will be around an hour earlier.

Beautiful view and very impressive White Buddha. I decided to walk there, which was not so bad, just careful with the cars, as there is not always a sidewalk. The temple itself is not so impressive, comparing to Chiang Mai and Bangkok, but the Buddha is and the view is breathtaking. Totally worth to climb all those stairs :)

Please dress respectfully & take your shoes off for the last step before approaching the statue.

Thoroughly enjoyed the steps & the quiet morning after an early breakfast. I went at around 9am & it was very empty.

Unfortunately, it was hazy, so I couldn't see much of the view - but it's still peaceful & a lovely time to meditate.

If you need a bathroom, there's one before the second round of stairs to the statue. I recommend always carrying a small pack of tissues & a little shower gel/shampoo to wash your hands with - since most bathrooms in Thailand may not have them (like this one).

Open hours: 6am to 6pm. No entrance fee. It's a great place to see the sunset. But it has 300 steps to get to the big Buddha, so bring water.