Thai AirAsia operates flights from Hat Yai to Chiang Rai. If you want to travel overland then take either a bus or train to Bangkok and then either a train to Chiang Mai and a connecting bus service from there, or a direct bus from Bangkok to Chiang Rai.
Flight schedule from Hat Yai to Chiang Rai
- Click on the Hat Yai – Chiang Rai link in the timetable below for more information and to buy tickets.
Hat Yai - Chiang Rai ฿ 1,823–2,679 4h 10m – 13h 10m | |
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Hat Yai Airport
Flights from Hat Yai to Chiang Rai depart from Hat Yai International Airport, 99 Moo 3, Khlong La, Khlong Hoi Khai District, Chang Wat Songkhla 90115, Thailand.
Chiang Rai Airport
Flights from Hat Yai to Chiang Rai arrive at Chiang Rai Airport, Mae Fah Luang – Chiang Rai International Airport, 404 moo 4 Ban Du – Rim Kok Ban Du – Rim Kok Amphoe Chang Wat Chiang Rai 57000, Thailand.
About Wat Huay Pla Kang in Chiang Rai
Wat Huay Pla Kang is a large Buddhist temple complex located 6.9 km by road to the north west of Chiang Rai town centre. Wat Huay Pla Kang stretches across a massive 24,000 square metre site with three very large structures built there:
- Guan Yin Statue: Erroneously referred to locally a s the ‘Big Buddha’ this giant statue, which you can go inside of all the way to the top by elevator (26 levels), is in fact a statue of the Buddhist Goddess of Mercy Guan Yin). Guan Yin is worshipped by many Buddhists across South East Asia particularly Vietnam.
- Pagoda: Near to the Guan Yin Statue is a 9 tier Pagoda which you can also go inside. The lobby of the pagoda features an impressive large wooden Guan Yin statue.
- Viharn: The very recently completed viharn, or assembly hall, is a large and ornate building with an all white interior, reminiscent of the more famous White Temple to the south of Chiang Rai.

Wat Huay Pla Kang is open every day from 08:00 to 18:00 and entrance to the temple complex is free, although you do need to pay 40 THB to take the elevator up to the top of the statue. Wat Huay Pla Kang is a very popular tourist attraction, particularly since the viharn and the grand staircase up to the statue were completed. We advise getting up early to see this temple and definitely before tour groups start arriving from Chiang Mai from 11:00 onward.