Wat Tham Pla (Fish Cave Temple) Travel Guide

Free Guide: Discover tranquility at Wat Tham Pla, the Fish Cave Temple in Chiang Rai, where spirituality meets stunning nature in a serene setting.

A brief summary of Wat Tham Pla (Fish Cave Temple)

Discover tranquility at Wat Tham Pla, the Fish Cave Temple in Chiang Rai, where spirituality meets stunning nature in a serene setting.

Nestled in the lush hills of Mae Sai District, Wat Tham Pla, also known as the Fish Cave Temple, is a captivating Buddhist sanctuary that offers visitors a tranquil escape and a glimpse into local culture. Known for its stunning natural surroundings and the unique experience of feeding the temple's famous fish, this site is a must-visit for tourists seeking both spiritual enrichment and natural beauty.

4.2 Very good · 1,007 Google reviews
Plan your visit

Opening hours

  • Every day6 am–6 pm

Opening hours as listed on the venue’s Google Business Profile. Hours can change for services and special events, so check with the venue before you go.

Address
ถ้ำลิง วัด ถ้ำปลา Pong Ngam, Mae Sai District, Chiang Rai 57130
Phone

Getting there

Car

If you're driving from the center of the Golden Triangle, head north on Route 1 (also known as Pahonyothin Road) towards Mae Sai. Continue for about 25 kilometers until you reach a junction near Mae Sai. At the junction, take a right onto Route 1290, which leads you directly towards Wat Tham Pla. Follow the signs for Wat Tham Pla (Fish Cave Temple) as you drive about 10 kilometers. The temple is located in Pong Ngam, Mae Sai District, Chiang Rai. There is ample parking available near the temple.

Public Transportation (Songthaew)

From the center of the Golden Triangle, you can take a local songthaew (shared taxi) towards Mae Sai. These songthaews usually depart from designated stations or can be flagged down along the road. The fare should be around 30-50 THB per person. Inform the driver that you want to go to Wat Tham Pla. The journey will take approximately 30-40 minutes depending on traffic. Once you reach Mae Sai, you may need to take another songthaew or a motorbike taxi for the final 10 kilometers to the temple.

Motorbike Rental

For those feeling adventurous, renting a motorbike is a great way to explore the area. In the Golden Triangle, there are several rental shops. Prices typically start from 150 THB per day. After renting a motorbike, follow the same route as if you were driving a car: head north on Route 1, turn right onto Route 1290, and follow the signs to Wat Tham Pla. The ride offers beautiful scenery and gives you the freedom to stop at other attractions along the way.

Discover more about Wat Tham Pla (Fish Cave Temple)

Overview

Wat Tham Pla, or Fish Cave Temple, is a hidden gem located in the scenic Mae Sai District of Chiang Rai, Thailand. This Buddhist temple is set against a backdrop of lush green hills and tranquil waters, creating an idyllic atmosphere for meditation and reflection. As you explore the temple grounds, you’ll encounter the famous fish that thrive in the nearby caves, a sight that draws both locals and tourists alike. The temple's serene setting and vibrant natural environment provide a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. One of the highlights of visiting Wat Tham Pla is the opportunity to feed the fish, which adds an interactive element to your experience. The locals believe that feeding the fish brings good luck, and it’s a delightful way to engage with the natural beauty surrounding you. The temple grounds are adorned with intricate Buddhist statues and colorful murals, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the region. Be sure to take your time to wander around, as each corner reveals something unique and captivating. The temple is open daily from 6 AM to 6 PM, making it accessible for early risers and those looking to enjoy the serene evening ambiance. Whether you seek spiritual solace or simply a picturesque spot to admire nature, Wat Tham Pla offers an enriching experience that will linger in your memory long after your visit.

Evendo Review Centre

Reviews from Google
By star rating

Guest reviews

Explore Wat Tham Pla (Fish Cave Temple) on the map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Wat Tham Pla (Fish Cave Temple), mapped for you.

Get your free copy of our complete guide to Wat Tham Pla (Fish Cave Temple), delivered straight to you.

Everything on this page, from opening hours and how to get there to Eve’s tips and the best time to go, in one PDF you can read offline, print or share.

Already have an account? Sign in

By clicking Create account, you accept the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

Unlock the best of Wat Tham Pla (Fish Cave Temple)

Skip-the-line tickets, guided tours with entry, and walking tours of the area, booked in a few clicks.

Other nearby places you may find interesting

The closest places of the same kind, if this one is not quite what you had in mind.

More to explore near Wat Tham Pla (Fish Cave Temple)

Do you manage this location?

Take control to get all the benefits, like improved information, better appearance, and stronger visibility across AI-powered discovery.

Activate your presence Learn more about listing your business on Evendo

Explore more

Golden Triangle
More of the region

Explore more of Golden Triangle

Discover the Golden Triangle in Thailand, where history, culture, and natural beauty converge at the meeting point of Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar.

Explore Golden Triangle
Thailand
More of the country

Explore more of Thailand

Discover Thailand: A land of diverse landscapes, rich culture, and warm hospitality, where ancient traditions blend seamlessly with modern attractions.

Explore Thailand
The Evendo app on two phones

Evendo: Your Ultimate Travel Guide to Golden Triangle, Thailand

Discover Golden Triangle like never before with Evendo, the 100% free app-based travel guide covering top attractions, landmarks, hotels, restaurants, and more.

  • Detailed information on attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, and restaurants
  • Rich set of images, descriptions, local tips, maps, and contact details
  • Easy booking for hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences
Download on the App Store Get it on Google Play
More about the Evendo app

Experience the best of Golden Triangle, Thailand with Evendo – a comprehensive travel guide offering detailed insights, local tips, and easy booking options for hotels, tours, and activities, all in one free app.

  • History of Golden Triangle
  • Travel essentials for visiting Golden Triangle
  • Curated local tips for an authentic experience
  • User-friendly navigation and 'Near Me' feature
  • 100% free with no in-app purchases

Welcome to Golden Triangle, Thailand – a land rich in culture, history, and breathtaking scenery. Make the most of your visit with Evendo, your ultimate travel guide. Whether you’re planning to explore the famous Wat Phra That Doi Tung, the scenic viewpoint at Sop Ruak, or the fascinating Hall of Opium Museum, Evendo has got you covered.

Evendo provides detailed information on a myriad of attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, and restaurants. Savor local flavors at renowned eateries like Mekong Pizza and Sala Mae Nam Restaurant. Find the best hotels and discover exciting tours and experiences, all with rich descriptions, images, local tips, maps, and contact details to make your trip seamless and memorable.

Say goodbye to the hassle of searching for what to see, do, and experience. With Evendo, you can easily book hotels, tours, tickets, and more – all in one place. The app's intuitive navigation and 'Near Me' feature ensure that you’re always in the know about nearby attractions and amenities. Download Evendo today and unlock the secrets of Golden Triangle, while also having access to over 7,000 other global destinations!

Get the latest from Evendo

Hand-picked travel deals, new destination guides and trip ideas, straight to your inbox.