Wat Phra That Doi Wao

Temple

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.

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In this guide

Wat Phra That Doi Wao essentials

Hours: Daily dawn-dusk
Admission: Free (donations welcome)
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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.

Things to Do
When to Go

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.

Cool / Dry (best)
November-February · 15-30°C
Pleasant days and cooler nights in the far north make outdoor temple visits more comfortable; this is the region's high season.
Hot
March-May · 28-38°C
Very warm conditions - seek shade and visit outside midday heat.
Rainy
May-October · 23-33°C
Monsoon rains can make access to hilltop sites slippery and reduce visibility; tourist numbers drop during heavy rain periods.

Weather & Climate near Wat Phra That Doi Wao

Climate

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.

Air Quality: AQI 90 Moderate
Best Time to Visit
FebruaryJanuaryDecember
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
41°
Warmest Month
3°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January Ideal 13° - 28° 20° 8 mm mostly sunny 69% 0.6 m/s 1.4 high 10.9h
February Ideal 14° - 31° 23° 15 mm mostly sunny 58% 0.8 m/s 1.7 very high 11.4h
March Excellent 17° - 34° 25° 20 mm mostly sunny 54% 1.0 m/s 1.8 very high 11.9h
April Very Good 21° - 35° 29° 88 mm some cloud 58% 1.3 m/s 2.1 extreme 12.5h
May Acceptable 23° - 33° 31° 227 mm overcast 71% 1.3 m/s 2.2 extreme 13.0h
June Acceptable 23° - 32° 31° 229 mm overcast 77% 1.0 m/s 2.0 very high 13.2h
July Acceptable 23° - 31° 30° 370 mm overcast 82% 0.9 m/s 1.9 very high 13.1h
August Good 23° - 30° 27° 397 mm overcast 84% 0.9 m/s 1.8 very high 12.7h
September Good 22° - 31° 27° 282 mm overcast 82% 0.8 m/s 1.8 very high 12.1h
October Very Good 21° - 30° 25° 129 mm partly cloudy 80% 0.7 m/s 1.6 very high 11.6h
November Excellent 18° - 28° 23° 56 mm some cloud 77% 0.7 m/s 1.5 high 11.1h
December Excellent 14° - 26° 20° 17 mm some cloud 74% 0.7 m/s 1.3 high 10.8h