Big Buddha

Largest Buddha image in Chonburi province

At Big Buddha Hill or Wat Phra Yai you can see the biggest Buddha image of Chonburi province, visible from far away approaching the hill.

The Buddha image is located on top of Pratamnak Hill, just South of the city of Pattaya. Driving up the road to the top of the hill will give you some very nice views of the Pattaya bay area.

Naga stairway

A long stairway flanked by two golden colored Naga snakes leads to the Buddha image, that was constructed in 1977. The enormous golden colored Buddha image is around 18 meters high and is officially named Phra Buddha Sukhothai Walai Chonlathan, and is also known as Luang Pho Yai.

Apart from the Big Buddha there are seven smaller Buddha images on the temple grounds as well as a pavilion. Local people come to the Wat Phra Yai to pay respect and pray for health, happiness and wealth among other things.

Views of Pattaya & Koh Larn Island

Some of the best view of Pattaya and surrounding area including Koh Larn island (Coral Island) can be had from the hill on the other side of Pratamnak road.

Wang Sam Sien

On the way up the hill to the Big Buddha you will pass Wang Sam Sien, a park like setting where a number of figures from Chinese history and folklore are displayed. Close to the entrance of the garden is a white statue of the Chinese Goddess of Mercy, called Guanyin. There is also a large metal bell, that was built to resemble the bell in the Royal Palace in Beijing in China.

There are several figures and statues telling Chinese stories and legends, such as the Three Kingdoms Stories and a story of how an ancient Chinese dynasty came to power. A wall with 24 beautiful paintings tells the 24 stories of gratitude. A statue of the great Chinese philosopher Confucius who lived some 2,500 years ago is also on display. This tranquil park is a nice place to relax for a while, there is a restaurant here as well.

How to get to Big Buddha hill

Wat Phra Yai is located on Pratamnak Hill, a few kilometers South of Pattaya.

You can easily and quickly get there by taxi or by songthaew (a covered pick up with seats in the back).

Opening hours

Big Buddha hill can be visited every day from 7 am until 10 pm.

Admission

Entrance is free.

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