Wat Chaloem Phra Kiat Phrachomklao Rachanusorn: A Complete Guide to Thailand’s Floating Pagodas

Last Updated on 13/09/2023 by Doctor Gillians Travels

Wat Chaloem Phra Kiat Phrachomklao Rachanusorn is a stunning temple located in Lampang Province, Thailand. The temple is known for its unique and breathtaking location, situated among the mountains, and has become an increasingly popular tourist destination. Wat Chaloem Phra Kiat is also known as Thailand’s floating pagodas due to its location on a mountaintop and the illusion created by the surrounding clouds.

Despite its growing popularity, there is limited information available in English online about Wat Chaloem Phra Kiat. However, it is a must-see for anyone visiting Thailand, especially if you’re going to be staying in Chiang Mai. It’s a long  (and beautiful) drive but it is well worth the effort to get there. You can enjoy the stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, as well as the architecture of the temple itself. This complete guide to Wat Chaloem Phra Kiat will provide all the information you need for a memorable visit to this hidden gem of Thailand.

Panoramic view from one of the pagodas

Origins

Wat Chaloem Phra Kiat Phrachomklao Rachanusorn is a relatively new temple in Thailand, built just over ten years ago by a revered monk from Lampang. The temple is located in the Phra Bat Huai Tom area of Lampang province and is situated on a mountain peak, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The temple is also known as the “Glorify Grand Temple” and is famous for its floating pagodas.

Significance in Thai Culture

Despite its relatively recent construction, Wat Chaloem Phra Kiat Phrachomklao Rachanusorn holds great significance in Thai culture and religion. This Buddhist temple is dedicated to the late King Rama V and is a symbol of the King’s dedication to the Thai people. The temple is also a testament to the hard work and dedication of the local people who built it, using traditional methods and materials.

The temple is also famous for its floating pagodas, which are built on the side of a steep cliff and appear to be floating in the air. The pagodas are constructed from wood & stone and are decorated with intricate carvings and paintings, making them a true work of art. The construction of the pagodas was a feat of engineering, requiring the use of scaffolding and ropes to transport the materials up the steep cliff.

Wat Chaloem Phra Kiat Phrachomklao Rachanusorn is a must-see destination for anyone interested in Thai culture and history. The temple’s unique architecture and stunning location make it a truly unforgettable experience.

The Floating Pagodas

Wat Chaloem Phra Kiat Phrachomklao Rachanusorn is known for its unique and breathtaking location, nestled among the mountains in Lampang Province, Thailand. The temple is home to a series of stunning floating pagodas, which appear to be suspended in mid-air. The pagodas are connected by a series of walkways and staircases that wind up the mountain. You’ll need to climb a total of 1,200 steps to reach the top of the temple but will be rewarded with panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

The floating pagodas are a testament to the ingenuity and skill of the temple’s builders. Despite their precarious appearance, the pagodas are actually quite sturdy and have withstood the test of time. You can climb to the top of the pagodas and take in the stunning views, or explore the intricate carvings and decorations that adorn the structures.

The Floating Pagodas

Unique Design Elements

In addition to the floating pagodas, Wat Chaloem Phra Kiat Phrachomklao Rachanusorn is home to a number of other unique design elements. The temple’s main prayer hall, for example, features a stunning golden Buddha statue that is over 100 years old. The hall is also decorated with intricate carvings and murals that depict scenes from Buddhist mythology.

Another highlight of the temple is the series of caves that are located behind the floating pagodas. These caves are home to a number of smaller shrines and statues, as well as a natural spring that is believed to have healing properties.

The architecture of Wat Chaloem Phra Kiat Phrachomklao Rachanusorn is a testament to Thailand’s rich cultural heritage and the skill of its artisans and builders. Visitors to the temple are sure to be awed by its beauty and unique design elements.

Buddha statue in the temple

Location

Wat Chaloem Phra Kiat Phrachomklao Rachanusorn is located in the Chae Hom district of Lampang province, in the northern part of Thailand. The temple is situated on top of a mountain, which offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.

The geographical location and landscape of Wat Chaloem Phra Kiat Phrachomklao Rachanusorn make it a unique and breathtaking destination for everyone who is looking for an off-the-beaten-path experience in Thailand.

How to Get There

Wat Chaloem Phra Kiat Phrachomklao Rachanusorn is located in Lampang Province, Thailand. There are several ways of getting there, you can rent a car or motorbike in Chiang Mai or hire a taxi if you’re not comfortable driving yourself. The journey takes about two hours to four hours, and the road is quite steep and winding in some places. However, the journey is well worth the effort as the temple offers a unique and unforgettable experience. The journey to the temple takes you through beautiful landscapes and mountain roads.

A few safety tips to consider when driving yourself: 

1. Be sure to leave early as it’s a long day trip and driving back in the dark can be dangerous as it will be pitch black in the mountains. 
2. Do not rent a scooter/automatic motorbike as this can be very dangerous on the way back to Chiang Mai. Automatic bikes can’t use the engine to brake and the brakes can overheat when driving downhill for an extended period of time. This can be extremely dangerous!! For this reason I recommend getting a manual motorbike and don’t ride with a passenger on the back as the extra weight makes this scenario much more likely. 

If you’re well prepared it will be a beautiful scenic ride/drive and you’ll end up at a parking area at the foot of the mountain on which the temple is located. After that you must climb over 1,200 steps to reach the top. It’s not a hard hike but make sure to bring enough water, take your time and enjoy the views!

Views hiking up to the temple and statues on the foot of the mountain

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Wat Chaloem Phra Kiat Phrachomklao Rachanusorn is during the dry season, which runs from November to February. During this time, the weather is cool and dry, and the views from the top of the mountain are spectacular. The temple is open all-year round, so don’t worry if you’re unable to visit in the perfect month. Just find a dry day with clear skies to plan the trip.

Tips

Wear comfortable shoes and clothing, as the climb to the top can be quite strenuous. I recommended bringing a hat, sunscreen, and plenty of water, as there are no facilities on the mountain. Always be respectful when visiting religious sites, dress modestly and avoid making loud noises or littering.

Also, be aware that the temple is only open from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, and that there is an entrance fee of 40 baht ($1.5). It is also important to note that you should not touch or climb on the pagodas, as they are considered sacred objects.

Wat Chaloem Phra Kiat Phrachomklao Rachanusorn is a cultural and historical treasure of Thailand. The temple has been recognized by the Thai government as a national heritage site, and as such, it is protected by the law. The government has also allocated funds for the restoration and upkeep of the temple.

The temple is located in a remote area of Lampang Province, and the local community has played a vital role in preserving the temple. The community has been involved in the maintenance of the temple, including cleaning, repairing, and restoring the buildings and structures. They have also been involved in promoting the temple as a tourist destination, which has helped to raise awareness about the temple’s cultural and historical significance.

In recent years, there have been concerns about the impact of tourism on the temple and the surrounding environment. To address these concerns, the government and the local community have implemented measures to promote sustainable tourism. For example, visitors are required to follow a set of rules when visiting the temple, such as not littering, not climbing on the structures, and not disturbing the wildlife.

The government has also implemented measures to protect the environment around the temple. The area around the temple has been designated as a non-hunting zone to protect the wildlife, and there are plans to plant more trees and vegetation in the area to prevent soil erosion.

Overall, the conservation efforts for Wat Chaloem Phra Kiat Phrachomklao Rachanusorn have been successful in preserving the temple’s cultural and historical significance while promoting sustainable tourism and protecting the environment.

Wat Chaloem Phra Kiat Phrachomklao Rachanusorn is a must-see destination for anyone visiting Thailand. It is a stunning temple that offers a unique and breathtaking experience that cannot be found anywhere else in the world.

The temple’s location in the mountains of Lampang Province makes it a bit difficult to access, but the journey is worth it. You can enjoy the beautiful scenery and the peaceful atmosphere of the temple.

The highlight of the temple are the floating pagodas, which are a marvel of engineering and architecture. The pagodas are built on top of a cliff and appear to be floating in the air, giving you a sense of awe and wonder.

The temple is also a symbol of Thailand’s rich cultural heritage, and you can learn a lot about the country’s history and traditions by visiting it.Wat Chaloem Phra Kiat Phrachomklao Rachanusorn is a hidden gem that is definitely worth visiting. It offers a unique and unforgettable experience that will stay with you for a long time.

Do you have any questions or comments? Feel free to reach out, I’m always happy to help.