Located near Chiang Mai in northern Thailand, Wat Chaloem Phra Kiat looks like the handiwork of a photoshop whiz up to mischief. But these mystical pagodas in the sky are real. The temple complex in Lampang Province comprises a golden pagoda, prayer hall and clutch of white stupas, clinging vertiginously to limestone pinnacles almost a kilometre above the valley floor.

Led by a local monk, a team of 50 Buddhist worshippers painstakingly assembled the temple, lugging materials up the mountain piece by piece. It took them two years to complete. The result is a surreal symbol of Buddhist devotion that’s as close to Nirvana as most of us are ever likely to get.

The floating pagodas are about 2.5 hours’ drive east of Chiang Mai. Organised tours are hard to come by so your best bet is hiring a driver and going it alone. Flight Centre can book drivers through Buffalo Tours and organise accommodation in Chiang Mai. The temple complex is open daily from 7.30am to 4.30pm and tickets cost about $13 for adults and $8 for kids. This includes a songthaew (passenger ute) ride to the second tier of the complex. The final ascent is on foot. Be prepared for an 800m slog up a series of steep steps. There are various viewing platforms at the top and Buddhist gongs and bells. Avoid weekends when the site can be busy with locals, and arrive first thing in the morning for a chance to see the mountains wreathed in mist.

According to escape.com.au