Wat Than Pla, Buddhist temple complex in Mae Sai District, Chiang Rai Province, Thailand.
This temple complex features multiple limestone caves with underground streams flowing through carved passages, creating natural pools where fish and turtles live in the clear waters beneath towering rock formations.
Built in 1939 under the Maha Nikaya Buddhist order, the temple underwent major renovations in 1983 when Phra Sam expanded the cave entrance and constructed stairs, halls, and monk quarters to accommodate religious activities.
Local Buddhist traditions include the belief that Buddha once visited this site to bless the fish, giving the temple its name, while the caves house Burmese-style Buddha statues and serve as meditation retreats for monks.
The temple opens daily from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM, accessible by car or public transport along the main Chiang Rai highway, with nearby restaurants and rest areas available for visitors.
The cave system includes Tham Plao Plong Fa with a natural skylight opening to the surface, and Tham Ku Kaew extending 509 meters deep with elaborate stalactite and stalagmite formations throughout its passages.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
