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All Thailand Chiang Rai Tham Tu Pu

Tham Tu Pu

This elegant carving of the Buddha guards a small Buddhist temple within a cave.

Chiang Rai, Thailand

Added By
Max Cortesi
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Tu Pu.   Max Cortesi / Atlas Obscura User
Tu Pu.   Max Cortesi / Atlas Obscura User
Tu Pu.   Max Cortesi / Atlas Obscura User
Statue of monk.   Max Cortesi / Atlas Obscura User
Steps to the cave.   Max Cortesi / Atlas Obscura User
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About

Thailand has breathtaking sites, but there are also tiny, unassuming places that can win you over with their simplicity. Tham Tu Pu definitely belongs to the latter.

Set in the countless shades of green in the farmland around Chiang Rai is an elegant sculpture of Buddha that looks as if it were rising from the thick vegetation at its base. This dusty white figure of the Buddha stands out against a limestone formation, making it easy to spot.

The site consists of a rundown building housing the only monk on site (and his cats), a small temple, a set of intriguing statues, a dingy cave, and the large image of the Buddha that looms over the compound. A set of steep steps cuts through the limestone cliff and leads to the cave, within which is a small table with a statue of Buddha mounted on top. The statues by the temple depict monks praying with their hands covering their faces.

Related Tags

Sculptures Buddhism Temples Monks Caves Ecosystems

Know Before You Go

Although it is no more than about half a mile (two kilometers) from the center of Chiang Rai by crow’s flight, all the possible routes wind and intersect through farmland, adding a good mile or so (about four kilometers) to the distance, which makes for a great bike or motorbike outing. Take the main road heading north of Chiang Rai. Take the first left after crossing Kok River and head west.

Community Contributors

Added By

Max Cortesi

Published

November 9, 2018

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Sources
  • https://www.lonelyplanet.com/thailand/chiang-rai/attractions/tham-tu-pu-buddha-cave/a/poi-sig/1243173/357668
  • https://www.travelblog.org/Asia/Thailand/North-West-Thailand/Chiang-Rai/blog-805185.html
Tham Tu Pu
Unnamed Road
Tambon Rim Kok
Chiang Rai
Thailand
19.925519, 99.803572
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Nearby Places

Baan Dam (Black House)

Chiang Rai, Thailand

miles away

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Chiang Rai, Thailand

miles away

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miles away

Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Chiang Rai

Chiang Rai

Thailand

Places 3

Nearby Places

Baan Dam (Black House)

Chiang Rai, Thailand

miles away

Wat Rong Khun

Chiang Rai, Thailand

miles away

Wat Tham Pla

Tambon Pong Ngam, Thailand

miles away

Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Chiang Rai

Chiang Rai

Thailand

Places 3

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