If you think Pattaya is nothing but noisy streets and nightlife, you simply haven't made it up into the mountains. Right above the city hide true treasures of Thai culture — majestic statues, ancient temples, and stunning views of the bay. Today, we're heading south of the city center to explore two iconic spots that absolutely deserve a place on your attractions itinerary.
Big Buddha Hill (Khao Phra Bat)
Most people just call this place Big Buddha Pattaya, and it’s where most tourists begin their introduction to the local culture. At the top of the hill, you'll be greeted by an enormous Sitting Buddha statue, painted pure white with gold accents. It reaches eighteen meters in height and is visible from afar, serving as an excellent landmark for those driving along Thappraya Road.
Buddha Hill is more than just a single statue. It's an entire complex of small shrines, pavilions, and observation decks. Locals come here early in the morning to make offerings and pray for good luck in their endeavors. Tourists, on the other hand, flock here for the panoramic views of Pattaya's curved coastline and Ko Lan. Make sure to check out the small pavilion with the golden statue on the upper terrace — it offers the best photo angle.
Thais believe that if you make a wish at the foot of the statue and light some incense, good luck won't keep you waiting. You can buy them right there from local vendors.
Wat Yanasangwararam Temple
Heading down the hill and driving a bit further south, you'll run into a colossal temple complex known to locals simply as Wat Yan. Unlike the bustling Big Buddha Hill, amazing peace and tranquility reign here. The park grounds are massive, peacocks roam freely, and there are beautiful lakes filled with fish that you can feed.
If you're exploring Pattaya temples, this complex will be your greatest discovery. It was built by order of the royal family and holds the status of a royal monastery. The main building stands out with its strict yet very elegant architecture — a triangular roof soaring into the sky, while the inside features ancient murals depicting scenes from the life of the founder of the religion.
Near Wat Yan is the picturesque blue lake Chainauchayanaram with a Chinese temple on the water. And just a couple of kilometers from the complex, you can see the famous Buddha statue carved right into the rock on Khao Chi Chan mountain. Beware of wild monkeys, which often sit along the edges of the road in this area.
How to Get There
Getting to the complex on your own is very easy. Since the sites are spread out and the drive up the hill is quite steep, many prefer to rent transport or book tours that include a transfer.
| Method | Description | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Scooter Rental | Ideal for independent travelers. From Second Road, head south down Sukhumvit for about 20 minutes. | 250–300 ฿ per day |
| Taxi | Book via Grab or Bolt directly to the foot of the statue. | 150–250 ฿ from the center |
| Songthaew (Tuk-tuk) | White songthaews run along Sukhumvit, but will only drop you off at the turnoff; it's a 15-minute walk to the entrance. | 10 ฿ per person |
What to See on Site
Once you arrive, your sightseeing itinerary should look something like this:
- The Main Statue. Walk around the Big Buddha to admire it from all sides and appreciate the scale and skill of the sculptors.
- The Bells. Stroll around the perimeter of the hill and strike each of the many bronze bells — the sound is said to chase away negative thoughts.
- Observation Decks. Take panoramic photos of the city from above.
- The Monastery. After descending the hill, take a walk around the monastery grounds by the lake.
- The Lake and Temple. Make sure to walk to the blue lake with the Chinese temple — it looks incredibly unusual against the backdrop of tropical greenery.
- Fish food for the lake by the monastery: 20 ฿ per pack
- Entrance donation for the Chinese temple: 50 ฿
If you get hungry after a long walk in the sun, head back down to the foot of the hill or go into the city center. Within walking distance, you can find excellent Pattaya restaurants serving the freshest seafood. And if you want to taste the true flavor of the country, stop by an authentic spot to try real Thai cuisine — a spicy papaya salad or a hot Tom Yum soup with shrimp will perfectly restore your energy.
Opening Hours and Prices for 2026
The hill and temple complex grounds are open to the public daily, with no days off. Access to the main Big Buddha observation deck is free, as is entry to the main grounds of Wat Yan. This is great news for budget-conscious travelers.
However, a small fee is charged for entering certain specific buildings within the monastery. Given the growing tourist interest in the country's culture, the complex administration has introduced a few minor changes, so it's worth knowing the current rates for 2026 in advance.
| Site | Opening Hours | Entrance Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Big Buddha Hill Viewpoint | 06:00–22:00 | Free |
| Wat Yan Main Temple | 08:00–17:00 | Free |
| Exhibition Hall (Pavilion) | 08:30–16:30 | 100 ฿ |
| Chinese Temple on the Lake | 08:00–18:00 | 50 ฿ |
Parking on the premises is free for both scooters and cars. The official mission for maintaining the grounds is supported through donations from worshippers and private sponsors.
Big Buddha Hill and Wat Yanasangwararam are the perfect places to escape the hustle and bustle of the tourist streets and see a completely different side of Pattaya. There are no noisy bars here, but there is the smell of incense, the ringing of bells, and stunning mountain landscapes. Be sure to set aside one day of your vacation to feel the true spirit of the Land of Smiles.
