Wat Ban Pong is the key to the White Pagoda Temple in Chiang Mai
If you’ve ever been to Veranda Resort for a stay or a swim, or driven up the Samoeng 1269 Road, you’ve likely seen the White Pagoda on the hill. You can see it in the background of the photo above!
You can drive up to it or you can hike up to it. Either way, be sure to visit Wat Ban Pong at the base of the hill as it’s peaceful, gorgeous, and like no other temple in Chiang Mai. It’s also where you’ll find the ‘hidden’ entrance to the stairs up to the White Pagoda.
Before you plan to go here, please read through appropriate temple etiquette in Thailand.
Experience the temples at the bottom and top of the hill
The grounds of Wat Ban Pong are large with lots to see. Kids are free to walk or run around, just be mindful of the dogs there. They seem harmless but some of them bark.
There are also monks around taking care of the grounds and living here. At the back is a meditation centre.
Find other unique temples to visit in Chiang Mai!
There are plenty of bells for you and the kids to ring! Don’t worry, it’s perfectly acceptable; the noise that is! The idea is to ring them all from start to finish and enjoy the hum that you hear. There are also gongs to bang too.
You may be fooled into thinking there’s not much else here as I’ve been tricked a few times! I had no idea the temple has a ‘hidden’ entrance to a whole other section! Look for the path marked by two elephants and walk through the red gateway.
This is what it will look like on the other side. You feel like you are entering another world. It’s quite special and magical. Once through you’ll be greeted by what appears to be a secret garden.
I’m fairly certain there is hardly anyone ever here. It’s a lovely spot to meditate or just sit in peace. The rocks are hand carved with buddhas and there is one of the neatest Thai spirit houses I’ve ever seen.
It looks like an actual scaled model home. We nicknamed it the spirit treehouse. It could easily be a dollhouse as the interior was also so perfectly finished.
From here you want to look for this white gateway. It is the ‘hidden’ entrance to the stairway that leads up to the famous White Pagoda in Chiang Mai. Most people would likely walk right past this gateway and never know what lies behind it!
The stairs will take you all the way to the top of the hill to the White Pagoda. It is quite a climb and you’ll need water. There are no shops near Wat Ban Pong or at the White Pagoda, so don’t attempt the hike unless you have supplies! Alternatively you can drive to the top. The road is just behind Wat Ban Pong to the left.
The White Pagoda
While the pagoda is unfinished, it is still a sight to see. The view from the top is also exceptional on perfect weather days and not in smoky season. 
The White Pagoda temple is decorated in Chinese zodiac symbols. You can have fun running around with the kids trying to find everyone’s! Which symbol are you?
You can also ring some more bells atop the White Pagoda. If you ring them hard enough, maybe people will hear them below!
From here you’ll have to return the way you came – hike down the stairs, or drive on down.
Wat Ban Pong and the white pagoda are both lovely temples to visit while in Chiang Mai.
How do you get to Wat Ban Pong temple and the White Pagoda?
Truly the best way to get here is to have your own car. If you don’t, you should consider hiring a driver for the day! There is plenty to see and do up the 1269 Samoeng Road with a stop at the temple being just one of the many things to see. Otherwise, I would suggest Grab.
Hours: 8 am – 6 pm daily (hours are approximate)
Pet friendly: The hike up to the White Pagoda is, but you have to get past the temple dogs first.
Accessibility: Stroller and wheelchair (some help required in parts)
Price: FREE
Recommended for: 5 and up if you plan to do the hike to the white pagoda
Location:
Google Maps (Wat Phra That Si Mueang Pong – The White Pagoda)
