Thailand has no shortage of temples, but Wat Sri Don Chai holds a special place in our hearts. It sits on the backroads, away from the busier parts of Pai and the usual tourist spots. It’s very much more of a neighborhood temple.
What really captured our attention was the mural on the main hall depicting a scene of people carrying out an image of the Buddha during Songkran. It’s a moment captured on the temple’s wall, but it gives the place its own unique character.
In this guide, I’ll share what you need to know before visiting the Wat Sri Don Chai Temple in Pai, including how to get there and what to expect when you arrive.
Wat Sri Don Chai Complete Guide
Wat Sri Don Chai is believed to be the first temple in Pai. It’s often overlooked by most tourists, but in my opinion, it’s one of the more interesting spots in the area.
The temple itself is beautiful. Its exterior is lined with gold trim, and I took a long moment to look at the mural on the back of the building. It’s set against a backdrop of palm trees, creating a scene that embodies the essence of a tropical temple.
This 700-year-old temple has a blend of Burmese and Lanna architectural styles, and the temple grounds have plenty of shade so you can escape the sun on hot days.
You can also make a donation to receive a temple offering that’s based on your zodiac sign. And if you’re looking for another fun activity, you can buy fish food to feed the fish in the large pond on the property.
How to get to Wat Sri Don Chai Temple
Wat Sri Don Chai is about a 10-minute drive north of Pai town. The easiest and most flexible way to get there is by motorbike. That’s how we got there.
It’s located in a quieter neighborhood of Pai, and I also recommend riding your motorbike around the backroads and exploring the farms in the area.
The map location below for Wat Sri Don Chai is accurate and can be used to navigate there.
Wat Sri Don Chai Temple: Our Experience
As we went up the dust-covered back roads of Pai, I wasn’t so sure we were even going the right way. The entire area felt more like a residential neighborhood, like we were going to someone’s house rather than a temple. But once I spotted two large white lion statues guarding an entrance, I knew we were in the right place.
We pulled up and parked on the temple grounds. At first, it felt like no one else was around. But after a few minutes of wandering, a friendly monk appeared and greeted us with a warm smile. He looked a little surprised to see visitors, but genuinely happy we had found our way there and taken the time to come to his temple.
We noticed a bright blue mural on the temple’s exterior. I usually expect golden serpents and intricate carvings, but this temple’s painting stood out from anything else we’d seen in Thailand. It was one of the more unique things about this temple.
We kept wandering toward the back and found the entrance to the temple itself. Two golden serpents stood at the entrance, with elephant statues resting at the base in front.
Temples in Thailand always catch me off guard, these intricately designed white and gold buildings that contrast so deeply with the tropical landscape. It’s those kinds of details you never forget.
