The Pattaya Big Buddha

Possibly the most well known of the ‘tourist’ sights in Pattaya. This is an impressive sight indeed. Built in the 1940’s this stands tall and watches over the city below.

On the very top of Pratumnak Hill, between Pattaya and Jomtien Beach, you can’t fail to notice an enormous 18 metre tall Buddha popping up through the trees. This Big Buddha – the largest in the region – is the highlight of Wat Phra Yai, a temple built in the 1940s when Pattaya was nothing more than a fishing village. The Big Buddha is extremely popular with tour groups who love to see the intricate design of the statue and the temple complex, but it is also revered by local people who come to pray at the temple. Despite the crowds, the wreaths of flowers and burning incense create a reflective mood in which to explore the many smaller Buddha statues, partial views of Jomtien Beach.

img_20190119_035012 — views from the hill

I suggest walking around this area as there is a lot more to see than just the initial Buddha statue.

Best time to come is in the morning. I was there around 10.30am and there were minimal people there. Any bike taxi will know where this is, and its around 80 baht from near walking street area. Then you can walk back down at your own pace. You could even use the baht bus to get near then walk the rest of the way.