Big Buddha Hill Pattaya

Big Buddha Hill Pattaya or Wat Phra Yai, is located in the centre of Pattaya city between Jomtien and Pattaya.

It is the biggest Buddha image in Chonburi province and it’s visible from miles around. Built in 1977 the Buddha image is located on top of Pratamnak Hill, driving up the road to the top of the hill gives you beautiful views of the Pattaya bay area.

On the way up the hill to the Big Buddha you pass Wang Sam Sien. This is a small Chinese style park where you will find a number of figures from Chinese history and folklore. On the entrance to the garden there is a statue depicting the Chinese Goddess of Mercy, called Guanyin. You will also find a large metal bell that was built to resemble the bell in the Royal Palace in Beijing in China.

Once you’ve checked out the beautiful park it’s on to the main attraction. The Big Buddha is at the top of a long stairway flanked by two golden colored naga snakes which gives it an extremely grand atmosphere. The enormous golden Buddha is around 18 meters high and is officially named Phra Buddha Sukhothai Walai Chonlathan, or also known as Luang Pho Yai.

Around the site there are also 7 smaller Buddha images as well as a pavilion and a temple. Local people come to the Wat Phra Yai to pay respect and pray for health, happiness and wealth among other things.

It is very important to remember that this is a site of great spiritual importance. Remember to be respectful at all times and dress appropriately. This a place where people come to pray and there will be monks walking around so keep this in mind when you’re visiting.

Getting the Big Buddha Hill Pattaya is easy and quick to get to. All motorbike taxi and songthaew drivers know where it is. Big Buddha hill is open every day from 7 am until 10 pm and entrance is free.