How to Visit Thailand’s Sky Temple in Lampang in 2025

Everything you need to know to visit the incredible Sky Temple in Lampang!

What to expect when you visit, how to get there from Chiang Mai, entrance costs, dress code and photography tips to help you plan your visit to this unique and beautiful temple in Thailand!

There are thousands of temples to be explored in Thailand but we are sure none are as unique and stunning as the Sky Temple, Wat Chaloem Phra Kiat.

If you want a memorable experience in Thailand, love mountains and culture and enjoy a little adventure, then you must visit Thailand’s Floating Pagodas!

The temple pieces perched on top of the dramatic mountains are breathtaking.

And you will encounter a fraction of the crowds you will see elsewhere in Thailand.

We had this place almost entirely to ourselves!

You are also guaranteed to capture some truly remarkable photographs during your visit.

Spending three weeks in Northern Thailand we discovered so many hidden gems that are perfect for photography!

The Sky Temple in Lampang was one of the most impressive!

But what can you expect when visiting Wat Chaloem Phra Kiat?

And is it worth the journey from the neighbouring and much busier Chiang Mai?

What is the “Sky Temple”?

Thailand’s Sky Temple, Wat Chaloem Phra Kiat is quite simply a Buddhist Temple which has been built at the very top of a mountain.

The temple pieces can be seen glistening on top of the green mountain peaks from miles around which make for not only an extremely unique place to visit.

But it is also a perfect location for travel photography!

We soon discovered when researching this amazing location that the Sky Temple in Lampang is referred to by a few different names which got a little confusing!

Its official name, Wat Chaloem Phra Kiat / Wat Chalermprakiat (วัดเฉลิมพระเกียรติฯ in Thai). 

Also referred to online (and on Google Maps) as Wat Phraphutthabat Sutthawart (Wat Chalermprakiat).

To add to the confusion even more, it is additionally known as  “The Floating Pagodas”, the “Temple in the Sky”, “Sky Temple” or the “Sky Pagoda”.

What to expect when visiting Wat Chaloem Phra Kiat, the Sky Temple in Lampang

Arriving at Thailand’s Floating Pagodas

We arrived at the Sky Temple at 7 am in the hope that perhaps we would be able to gain access a little earlier than the confirmed opening time Google (7.30 am) to make the most of the golden hour. 

But we can confirm that this is highly unlikely as the ticket counter does not open until 7.30 am on a weekday.

If you can visit during the weekend, then the ticket office opens at 7 am, giving you an extra half hour of golden light!

There is lots of parking available for your car or motorbike, a coffee and snack shop, and toilets that are very close to the ticket counter. 

As you arrive, you can see the glistening floating Pagodas and sky temple in the distance at the top of the jagged limestone mountain.

Seeing it for the first time even from the car park was incredible!

Once you have purchased your entrance tickets (490 baht for a foreigner and 100 baht for a Thai national) you will be loaded onto wooden benches in the back of an open-air truck.

The truck seats around 6-8 people, and at 7.30 am, it was just the two of us and three other visitors who were brave enough to opt for the early start. 

This will take you to the drop-off point where the stairs to Wat Chaloem Phra Kiat are located. 

Here, the adventure begins!

Songthaew ride to the top of the mountain

The truck ride up the mountain and to the Wat Chaloem Phra Kiat drop-off point lasts around 10-15 minutes and is the bumpiest, but most fun truck ride we have ever experienced! And we have experienced a few!

The best advice we can give you is to secure all of your belongings between your legs or on your body and hold on tight! 

Steffan almost lost two camera batteries that were flung from his pockets when hitting a particularly dramatic bump in the road.

And a fellow passenger opposite us was clutching onto the bars for dear life with the biggest grimace I have ever seen! 

But we all exchanged nervous laughter between us and it was a very memorable experience!

Flying a drone at Thailand’s Sky Temple in Lampang

The most important thing to be aware of if you are considering flying a drone in Thailand is that you have to ensure you have the correct approval and licences. 

More information on which licences and approvals you need and how to do this can be found here in the Drone Travellers blog. 

Once you have this, it will then depend on whether each temple or landmark allows drones to be flown overhead. 

Thankfully, in Thailand, we have found that there is usually very clear signage at each landmark if they do not allow drones to be flown.

We checked for signs at Wat Chaloem Phra Kiat, at both the entrance/ticket area and the drop-off point.

But none mentioned that flying was prohibited so we chose to fly our drone from the truck drop-off point near the toilets.

As you can see from the photographs we kept a fairly long distance away from the temple itself. 

Be aware that once we had climbed the stairs to the Pagodas and temples there were signs stating that you should not fly your drone from the upper Pagodas.

Climbing the stairs to the Sky Temple

The wooden stairs up to the top of the mountain and Floating Pagodas took around 15-10 minutes to ascend with lots of panoramic views along the way! 

There are lots of little seating areas to take a few minutes and soak it all in on the way up, as well as signs about some of the resident animals in the area. 

On the way up, you will see a few signs numbering different areas.

Areas four and five are where you should head as these are where the Pagodas and temples of Wat Chaloem Phra Kiat are located. 

When you come to an option to go right or left on the boardwalk, go right. 

If you go left, it leads to a small hole in a cave and some incense and offerings, but this is a dead end. 

It is worth taking a look on the way back down but for now, keep heading upwards to reach the top during golden hour!

Exploring the Pagodas and Temple of Wat Chaloem Phra Kiat 

Exploring the Sky Temple in Lampang from the top of the mountain was such an incredible experience and for the majority of the time we spent here, we rarely saw another person. 

The temples and Pagodas are in a very small area once you reach the top.

But given it’s truly a hidden gem and not many people know about it, combined with the fact we started early, meant we had the place almost to ourselves!

We spent around 90 minutes wandering the viewing platforms, photographing the Pagodas up close and exploring the walkways decorated with gong bells and colourful flags. 

There are plenty of benches to sit and take a pause and it was so quiet up there except for the occasional sound of wind chimes.

Our favourite spot was the main platform and Temple, which, after removing your shoes you can wander around soaking in the gorgeous 360-degree mountain and landscape views! 

From here, you can view some of the Pagodas extremely close up, which, after viewing them from the bottom of the mountain, felt quite surreal.

The views were breathtaking, and it was so peaceful!

It was also humbling and quite amazing to think how this temple had been built and how these heavy Pagodas had been carried up the mountain piece by piece over many years.

Making your way down from The Floating Pagodas

After we had finished exploring we started our ascent back down the stairs and upon reaching the drop-off point we realised that we had no idea whether we were supposed to walk back to the entrance or if we should wait to be collected again!

We started walking and after ten minutes we reached the Visitors Centre where there was a truck waiting.

There is also a drinks and snacks stand on the way down if you have built up an appetite!

We luckily started talking to a really friendly Tour Guide who mentioned that behind the Visitors Centre, there is the Buddha’s Footprint.

Despite reading as much information as I could find online before visiting the Sky Temple in Lampang, this had not been mentioned. 

As it’s a little hidden off the main road up and down the mountain, it’s relatively unknown but worth exploring before you head back down!

The Buddha’s Footprint and Visitors Centre

You will see a little path just behind the Visitors Centre signboard and if you walk for around five minutes down a beautifully decorated pathway you will reach a white temple in front of you and a huge Buddha statue on the right-hand side.

Around the Buddha’s footprints are lots of pink and red beautiful woven decorations, flowers and incense as well as photographs and some history about the footprints and the temple. 

It’s not a huge area so allow 15-20 minutes to walk around and then head back t the Visitors Centre to make your way back down to the entrance.

To see a snapshot of our visit to the Floating Pagodas in Lampang you can check out our shot video below!

Amazing UNDISCOVERED LOCATION in northern Thailand! #watchloemphrakiat #lampang #chiangmai #thailand

Wat Chaloem Phra Kiat’s opening hours

Google will tell you that the opening hours are 24 hours and seven days a week. 

However, we can confirm that the ticketing office does not open until 7.30 am on a weekday and 7 am on a weekend.

So this is the earliest you can gain access.

Wat Chaloem Phra Kiat closes at 4.30 pm seven days a week. 

How much is the entrance fee for Wat Chaloem Phra Kiat?

The cost to enter The Sky Temple in Lampang is 490 baht (11.60 GBP / 14.50 USD) for a foreigner and 100 baht ( 2.40 GBP / 3 USD) for a Thai national. 

Be sure to bring enough cash with you as well as some extra money for snacks and drinks.

Or you can book a guided tour which will likely include the entrance cost.

How much time do you need at Wat Chaloem Phra Kiat?

While the Floating Pagodas in Lampang is not a huge site, we would recommend allowing 3- 4 hours to make your way up the mountain top, explore and make your way back down again. 

If you are short on time but are determined to visit the Sky Temple, then you could get up and down within a few hours.

But you may miss the Buddha’s Footprint and not have as much time to soak it in or take photographs.

What is the dress code for visiting Wat Chaloem Phra Kiat?

There are no signs stating a dress code for the Sky Temple, but it’s important to remember that you are indeed visiting a Temple when you visit. 

Despite the lack of crowds and unique location, Wat Chaloem Phra Kiat is a Temple first and foremost.

And a landmark or tourist attraction second. 

Although a dress code is not enforced here, we always ensure that we dress appropriately and are aware of customs and culture as we travel.

We always choose to adhere to dress codes our of respect, even when they are not stated or enforced.

So be sure to dress modestly covering your knees and shoulders. 

This means no shorts above the knee and no strappy vest tops or tank tops. 

If you do not have anything appropriate then a shawl or wrap to cover up will be sufficient.

When is the Best time of year to visit the Sky Temple in Lampang?

The best time of year to visit anywhere in Northern Thailand is during the winter months of November to February as temperatures are cooler and skies are clear.

It’s also important to note that visiting anywhere in Northern Thailand between February and April is NOT recommended due to the burning season.

During this time the skies are often smokey and air quality is low which not only makes for a rather unpleasant trip but creates difficult conditions for photography as the landscape views are often clouded by smoke.

What is the Best time of day to visit the Sky Temple near Lampang?

The best time to visit Wat Chaloem Phra Kiat is in the morning. 

As photographers, we always aim to visit anywhere in the golden hour to get the best light and the best chances of beautiful photographs. 

However, if you are not worried about a golden hour or photography, we would still recommend getting here early because having this incredible Temple and site to yourself except for three other people made the experience so much more magical!

8 Visiting Tips for Wat Chaloem Phra Kiat

1. If using Google Maps to navigate to the entrance you will need to enter the location as “Wat Phraphutthabat Sutthawart (Wat Chalermprakiat)” – any other variation will not bring up the location.

2. Bring enough cash for your entrance ticket, snacks and drinks as there was no card machine available on our visit.

3. Wear comfortable shoes. You will be climbing several steps so walking boots, walking sandals or trainers would be best!.

4. Be sure to dress modestly. While no dress code is enforced Wat Chaloem Phra Kiat is a Temple so it is important to ensure your knees and shoulders are covered at all times out of respect for Buddhist custom. 

5. As you explore the grounds, keep your voice lowered and be mindful of any signs asking you to remove your shoes before entering sections of the temples. 

6. Pack some toilet tissue and antibacterial gel for the toilets.

7. Bring some spare camera batteries because you will not want to run out of juice halfway through exploring this amazing place!

8. Pack some water! There are some stalls selling snacks and water on the way back down to the car park but at the top of the mountain there are no vendors. And climbing those stairs is thirsty work!

Five Photography Tips for the Sky Temple in Lampang 

1. Watch for clouds drifting over the mountains when you are up on the main temple platform.  The atmospheric clouds create a moody shot and mysterious atmosphere. 

2. While we flew the DJI Mavic 3 from the drop-off point, it may be better to fly it from the car park as we lost signal a few times once we were up on the mountain. Which was less than ideal and a little nerve-wracking!

3. If you want to level up the quality of your photos consider purchasing a compact camera. They offer optical zoom which will look way way better than the zoom on your phone. Basically your photos will go from “nice” to “wow did you take that photo”.

4. A wide-angle lens is helpful as when you reach the top of the Pagodas there is not much space to work with and a wide lens will help you get everything in the shot and ensure you can explore different compositions. (Mobile phones have a pretty wide angle lens as standard so you don’t need to change anything)

5. To capture the mountains from the car park it would be best to use a zoom lens (or zoom setting on your mobile phone) to capture the mountain top without the car park in the foreground.

How to get to the Floating Pagodas from Chiang Mai?

The journey from Chiang Mai to the Floating Pagodas takes around 2.5 hours by car or bike.

Getting to Wat Chalermprakiat from Chiang Mai is not the easiest journey as there are no direct transport routes that take you through the entire journey.

But this is why it remains a true hidden gem and our favourite photography spot in North Thailand.

But that said, visiting as a day trip from Chiang Mai is very achievable if you are willing to make a little extra effort and in our opinion, it’s entirely worth it!

To arrive for the opening time of 7-7.30 am you would need to hire a car or motorbike and drive yourself. 

But if you are happy to arrive later in the day then you could consider travelling to Lampang via public transport or booking a tour online which includes transport to and from Chiang Mai.

We have outlined the various options below to get from Chiang Mai to Lampang.

It’s important to note that Wat Chaloem Phra Kiat is not in the city of Lampang itself, it’s in the Lampang Province.

The Sky Temple is a little way out of the city making it harder to reach than other temples in Thailand. 

Hiring a car or motorbike from Chiang Mai 

We visited Wat Chaloem Phra Kiat as part of our Northern Thailand road trip and so we chose to hire a car.

This gave us the freedom to travel further north to Phu Chi Fa and Mae Salong which are beautiful photography locations surrounded by mountains and tea plantations!

Renting a car in Thailand is a fairly affordable option and very straightforward if you have an international driver’s permit.

International Driving Permits are usually inexpensive, but you must apply for this before travelling, depending on your country.

In the UK, we have to apply for this in person, and it costs just £10 and lasts one year.

Hiring a car cost £22 a day ( 29 USD) with the highest level of insurance possible, and fuel was fairly affordable, making this the best option for our three-week road trip. 

That said, you can just hire a car for a day or two from Chiang Mai if you are not looking to go further afield.

We found the process very simple and booked online.

Hiring a motorbike in Thailand is an extremely popular option given the low rental cost (from around £4 / 6 USD a day) and adventure factor. 

But unless you have a motorbike licence in your home country, your travel insurance will not cover you if you have an accident.

For this reason, we always choose to hire a car rather than a motorbike.

The journey from Chiang Mai to Wat Phraphutthabat Sutthawart (Wat Chalermprakiat) takes around 2 hours and 35 minutes by car or motorbike and we would suggest sticking to the main roads. 

While other online resources may recommend that you take the rural route (smaller roads), we attempted this and had to turn back as our hire car could not get up the mountainside! 

The views may have been beautiful but they were not worth the 90 minutes spent retracing our steps back to find a main road.

So, if you do choose to travel by train from Chiang Mai to Lampang then we would recommend purchasing tickets directly from the train station in Chiang Mai. 

Given it is not a busy route, you should have no issue securing tickets a few days before, unlike some of the busier journeys in Thailand, such as Bangkok to Chiang Mai, which are notorious for selling out!

Bus from Chiang Mai to Lampang

Buses run daily from Chiang Mai Arcade to Lampang bus station with the earliest bus being at 7.30 am. 

Tickets cost around between 100- 600 baht depending on the time and bus company.

The journey takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes – 2 hours. 

While we have not used this company before to book bus tickets, busonlineticket.co.th seems to be used fairly often by travellers if you want to pre-book your seats. 

However, given that this is not a very busy route, it may be better to purchase your tickets directly from the bus station in Chiang Mai.

Mini Van from Chiang Mai to Lampang

Another option is to travel by minivan. 

Minivans historically ran from Chiang Mai Arcade to Lampang Bus station and could be booked through 12go.asia.

However as of January 2025, we can confirm that the support team at 12go have informed us that mini vans are no longer bookable through their site.

You may be able to book this direct at the bus station.

But we have been unable to find confirmation of this online, so if time allows its worth popping in and asking.

If you are set on taking a mini van and you would rather book inadvance, then you can book this service on Get Your Guide.

Its more pricey than regular bus but if you are travelling as a group is fairly affordable.

Booking a Tour to visit the Sky Temple near Lampang

If you are not keen on hiring a car or motorbike during your stay in Thailand and the public transport options seem a little too much fuss, then another option is to book a tour from Chiang Mai.

If you choose to book an organised tour from Chiang Mai then we recommend the one below, as it’s all-inclusive of transport, lunch and all entrance fees as well as offers free cancellation.

Where to stay in Lampang to visit Wat Chalermprakiat

While the Sky Temple near Lampang can be visited in one day, if like us you are planning a Northern Thailand road trip or you just want a slower pace then staying overnight is a great option. 

We stayed as close as possible to Wat Chaloem Phra Kiat so that we could drive to the entrance early in the morning and not have to worry about traffic or getting lost on the way. 

We were unable to find hotels on the usual booking sites that were close enough to the Temple to make it worth an overnight stay.

So we searched by location on Google Maps and came across Happiness Resort Chae Hom (สุขใจรีสอร์ทแจ้ห่ม).

We called the owner and they spoke enough English (our Thai is non-existent!) that we were able to book the room over the phone with no issues. 

There was parking available, the owners were very friendly, and the most stunning views of rice terraces were just from the door. 

From here, the scenic drive to the car park of Wat Chaloem Phra Kiat was just ten minutes, making the journey very easy the next morning.

History of Wat Chaloem Phra Kiat 

Unlike many temples in Thailand finding accurate history about the build of the Floating Pagodas has proven somewhat difficult. 

Some sources say that the Pagodas took ten years to complete, and some say that it took two years to complete. 

However, what is known is that the Wat Chaloem Phra Kiat was completed in 2004 and that the building was led by a local monk along with 50 Buddhist worshippers who carried the Pagodas up the mountain piece by piece. 

A huge and admirable act and the result is this stunning temple of devotion that we all now know as Wat Chaloem Phra Kiat.

Final thoughts on visiting Wat Chaloem Phra Kiat

Visiting the Sky Temple near Lampang has to be one of the most unique and special experiences that we have had during our extensive travels around the world! 

Not many places in the world (if any) have a Temple perched on top of a mountain that you can see glistening from miles away. 

If you are wondering if it’s worth visiting the Floating Pagodas in Thailand, then we think it is 100% worth visiting. 

We believe that you will struggle to find any Temple that is more unique and off the beaten path in Thailand.

And if you are a photographer then this is a great place to capture some breathtaking drone photos. 

A truly remarkable experience and one we are sure you will thoroughly enjoy!

Where to go after Lampang?

Northern Thailand has so much more to discover than just Chiang Mai and Pai. 

The dramatic mountains, epic landscapes and unique temples do not bring the busy crowds that other parts of Thailand do.

So we highly recommend you allocate some time to exploring this beautiful part of Thailand.

So where next?

Doi Mae Salong  – Epic green mountain views, a rich Chinese history and sweeping tea plantations. Another Northern Thailand hidden gem.

Phu Chi Fa  – Breathtaking mountain views, the mysterious blanket of fog at sunrise and 360 views across into Laos.

Doi Inthanon National Park – One of the most popular day trips from Chiang Mai – Epic waterfalls, nature walks and mountain views and just 90 minutes from the city of Chiang Mai. There are so many things to see and do here you will be spoilt for choice!

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