By bus the journey from Nakhon Phanom to Chiang Rai is scheduled to take 18 hours.
Bus Timetable from Nakhon Phanom to Chiang Rai
Click on the Nakhon Phanom – Chiang Rai link in the timetable below for more information and to buy tickets.
Nakhon Phanom - Chiang Rai āļŋ 941–1,098 18h | |
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Bus Stop in Nakhon Phanom
Bus services to Chiang Rai depart from Nakhon Phanom Bus Station, Fueang Nakhon Nai Mueang, Amphoe Mueang Nakhon Phanom, Chang Wat Nakhon Phanom 48000.
Arrival in Chiang Rai
Bus services from Nakhon Phanom terminate at Sombat Tour Chiang Rai, San Sai, Mueang Chiang Rai District, Chiang Rai 57000.
About Wat Huay Pla Kang
Wat Huay Pla Kang is a new temple 8 km by road to the north of Chiang Rai. Wat Huay Pla Kang is a temple complex on a immense scale similar to some of the major temple complexes in Vietnam and China. The main feature of Wat Huay Pla Kang is its giant statue of Guan Yin, the Goddess of Mercy in Mahayana Buddhism. Visitors can go inside the Guan Yin statue which has 26 levels. The 25th level has is an observation platform where you can look out through the eyes of the statue. Entry to the temple is free although there is a fee of 40 THB to take the elevator to the top of the statue, as opposed to walking up the stairs.

Wat Huay Pla Kang also has an impressive prayer hall and a 9 story Chinese style pagoda. The prayer hall is similar in style to the White Temple to the south of Chiang Rai town. The inside of the prayer hall is all white with a white porcelain Buddha statue which is very similar to the famous Phra Phuttha Chinnarat statue at Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat in Phitsanulok. The pagoda is similarly impressive. Particularly noteworthy is the large wooden statue of Guan Yin in the lobby.