Wat Phra That Doi Wao Temple
Border hilltop temple near Myanmar with shrine complex
Near the Thailand-Myanmar border at Mae Sai, Wat Phra That Doi Wao features a prominent chedi and borderland views; visitors pair the temple visit with the Mae Sai market.
Wat Phra That Doi Wao at a Glance#
Hours: Daily dawn-dusk
Admission: Free (donations welcome)
About Wat Phra That Doi Wao#
This temple sits on a hill and offers dramatic views of nearby Myanmar, especially the town of Tachileik. Look for a steep, narrow lane turning off to the west of Phaholyothin Road just before the bridge, and walk the gauntlet of souvenir vendors to reach the temple on the hill-be warned, it is a steep climb.
If you have visited many temples in Thailand you will notice that this one does not follow the usual template. There are several halls for worship, some in Burmese style, alongside many Hindu statues. The most striking image is a giant scorpion, after which the temple is named. The chedi here is thought to date back over two millennia.
Best Time to Visit Wat Phra That Doi Wao#
The best time to visit is during the cool, dry months (November-February) when outdoor exploring is most comfortable.
Weather & Climate near Wat Phra That Doi Wao#
Wat Phra That Doi Wao's climate is classified as Tropical Savanna - Tropical Savanna climate with hot summers (peaking in May) and warm winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 13°C to 35°C. Abundant rainfall (1838 mm/year), wettest in August with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 13°C. The driest month with just 8 mm and mostly sunny skies.
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February
February is mild with highs of 31°C and lows of 14°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.
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March
March is warm with highs of 34°C and lows of 17°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.
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April
April is hot, feeling like 29°C. Regular rainfall (88 mm).
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May
May is the hottest month, feeling like 31°C due to high humidity. Heavy rain (227 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is hot, feeling like 31°C due to high humidity. Heavy rain (229 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is hot, feeling like 30°C with oppressive humidity. Heavy rain (370 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 23°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (397 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is warm with highs of 31°C and lows of 22°C. Heavy rain (282 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 21°C. Significant rainfall (129 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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November
November is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 18°C. Moderate rainfall (56 mm).
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December
December is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 14°C. Light rainfall.
