Wat Phra That Mae Yen

Temple

Above the town of Pai in northern Thailand, Wat Phra That Mae Yen features a hilltop stupa and a large Buddha image; visitors hike the steps for panoramic views of the Pai valley and local worship.

Wat Phra That Mae Yen BangkokChiang MaiPhuketKrabiKo SamuiKo Phi PhiAyutthayaChiang RaiKo TaoPaiSukhothaiKanchanaburiHua HinPattayaWat Phra That Mae Yen
In this guide

Wat Phra That Mae Yen essentials

Country: Thailand
Driest months: Dec-Feb
Pay in: Baht (฿)
Language: Thai
Emergency: 191

Wat Phra That Mae Yen at a Glance

About Wat Phra That Mae Yen

Wat Phra That Mae Yen is a pleasant temple set on top of a low hill a couple of kilometres east of Pai. There is not a great deal to see at the temple itself, but it makes a nice walk from the town and offers fantastic views over the Pai valley from a rarely seen perspective.

Over 300 steps climb from the bottom of the hill to the temple, though there is also a road to the top for those who would rather not walk. The tiny temple features some graphic murals portraying local life, along with a cluster of small, gold-coloured pagodas. Sunset is the best time to visit, when you can enjoy the views back over Pai and perhaps a sundowner at the nearby Sunset View@Pai.

Things to Do
When to Go

Best Time to Visit Wat Phra That Mae Yen

Late autumn through early spring (Nov-Feb) is ideal for clear views over Chiang Mai and comfortable conditions for the stairway climb.

Cool season
November-February · 15-28°C (59-82°F)
Clear mornings and pleasant temperatures-best for climbing and views.
Hot season
March-May · 25-36°C (77-97°F)
Hotter days; go early to avoid heat buildup during the climb.

Weather & Climate near Wat Phra That Mae Yen

Climate

Wat Phra That Mae Yen's climate is classified as Tropical Savanna - Tropical Savanna climate with hot summers (peaking in April) and mild winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 12°C to 36°C. Abundant rainfall (1138 mm/year), wettest in August with a pronounced dry season.

Air Quality: AQI 84 Moderate
Best Time to Visit
FebruaryJanuaryDecember
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
40°
Warmest Month
4°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January Ideal 12° - 27° 20° 3 mm mostly sunny 69% 0.8 m/s 1.5 high 11.0h
February Ideal 14° - 31° 22° 6 mm clear 57% 1.0 m/s 1.8 very high 11.4h
March Excellent 18° - 34° 26° 23 mm mostly sunny 54% 1.1 m/s 1.9 very high 11.9h
April Very Good 21° - 36° 30° 50 mm some cloud 58% 1.0 m/s 2.1 extreme 12.5h
May Acceptable 22° - 33° 31° 167 mm overcast 76% 1.4 m/s 2.2 extreme 12.9h
June Acceptable 23° - 31° 27° 134 mm overcast 83% 1.1 m/s 2.0 extreme 13.2h
July Good 22° - 30° 26° 190 mm overcast 86% 1.1 m/s 1.9 very high 13.1h
August Good 22° - 30° 26° 224 mm overcast 89% 1.0 m/s 1.9 very high 12.7h
September Good 22° - 30° 26° 180 mm overcast 89% 0.8 m/s 1.9 very high 12.1h
October Very Good 20° - 29° 25° 100 mm partly cloudy 87% 0.7 m/s 1.7 very high 11.6h
November Excellent 18° - 28° 23° 45 mm some cloud 83% 0.9 m/s 1.6 very high 11.1h
December Ideal 14° - 27° 20° 16 mm mostly sunny 78% 0.7 m/s 1.4 high 10.9h
Getting There & Around

How to Get to Wat Phra That Mae Yen

Wat Phra That Mae Yen is approximately 2-3 km north of central Pai in Mae Hong Son province, accessible by foot from town (a steep uphill walk of 30-45 minutes), by motorbike, or by tuk‑tuk. The temple sits alongside Doi Suthep-Pui Road and is well signposted from Pai’s main roads.

Tips for Visiting Wat Phra That Mae Yen

  • Climb the many steps to the temple early in the morning to catch the sunrise over Chiang Mai valley-views are usually clearer and temperatures are cooler.
  • Use the northern entrance from the main road (Doi Suthep-Pui Road) to avoid heavy tourist traffic at the southern approach.
  • Respect the monastic precinct: modest dress is required inside the ordination hall and slippers should be removed.