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Top 10 Temples in Pattaya to Visit
Ever thought of mixing a bit of zen with your Pattaya trip? This place isn’t just a party central—its temples are seriously cool!
So for this article, we’re going to take a detour from the usual beach scene and check out some of Pattaya’s spiritual hotspots. Whether you’re a history buff or just want to chill in a tranquil place, these temples are spot on, so read on!
Big Buddha Temple (Wat Phra Yai)
– From lost_little_moons
Address: Big buddha Wat phra yai Tambon Bo Put, Amphoe Ko Samui, Surat Thani 84230, Thailand
Visiting Hours: Mon – Sun 11AM-6:30PM
Fee: Free
The Big Buddha Temple is exactly what it sounds like – a massive Buddha statue sitting on top of a hill. It’s not just big, it’s the king of all Buddha statues around here. You can see it from pretty much everywhere in Pattaya.
When you climb up, those views are something else – Pattaya looks different from up here. The place itself has a cool, calm vibe, it’s full of smaller statues and bells, and each bit feels like it has its own tale.
Visiting the Big Buddha Temple in Pattaya is definitely worth the effort, especially if you appreciate cultural landmarks and stunning views. But note that the hike can be challenging, as it involves climbing a series of steps, which might take around 20 to 30 minutes.
| Local Tip: Definitely stick around for the sunset – it’s a knockout view. And give those bells a ring; it’s supposed to be lucky. |
Wat Chaimongkon
– From northlocke
Address: 247/62 Pattaya Tai, Muang Pattaya, Amphoe Bang Lamung, Chang Wat Chon Buri 20150, Thailand
Visiting Hours: Mon – Sun 9AM-5PM
Fee: 20 Baht
Wat Chaimongkon is right in the middle of town, but when you step inside, it’s like you’re in another world. It’s got this really neat mix of traditional Thai architecture and a super relaxed atmosphere.
Inside, the place is full of golden Buddhas and intricate carvings. It smells like incense, and there’s always a bit of chanting or prayer going on; it’s a great spot to just sit and soak in the vibes.
This temple is not just for sightseeing; it’s a proper working temple. You’ll see monks around and locals popping in for a prayer, a cool way to see a bit of everyday Pattaya life.
| Local Tip: If you can, swing by during a festival. The place lights up with decorations and there’s a really buzzy atmosphere. It’s a different side of Pattaya for sure. |
Wat Yannasangwararam
– From taarekrek
Address: 999 Muang Pattaya, Amphoe Bang Lamung, Chang Wat Chon Buri 20260, Thailand
Visiting Hours: Mon – Sun 8AM-5PM
Fee: Less than 100 Baht
Wat Yannasangwararam is a showstopper. It’s this big, sprawling place with loads of different styles – a bit Thai, a bit Chinese, and even some Indian vibes. It’s like a mash-up of cultures, and it works.
The grounds are massive, so there’s plenty to explore. You’ve got lakes, gardens, and all sorts of buildings with different designs. It’s like a mini-adventure just walking around here.
| Local Tip: Bring your walking shoes – this place is huge! And keep an eye out for the smaller, hidden spots; they’re like little secrets waiting to be found. |
The Sanctuary of Truth
Address: 206, 2 Soi Na Kluea 12, Muang Pattaya, Bang Lamung District, Chon Buri 20150, Thailand
Visiting Hours:
- Sun – Thur 8AM-6PM
- Fri – Sat 8AM-8:30PM
Fee: 500 Baht
The Sanctuary of Truth is something else – it’s more like a work of art than a temple. This massive wooden structure is all hand-carved, and the detail is mind-blowing; every inch of it tells a story, and it’s all about understanding truth and the universe.
It’s right by the sea, so you get these cool breezes and views while you explore. The site provides ample parking, making it accessible for those driving.
However, it can attract a fair number of tourists, so visiting earlier in the day can help avoid the crowds.
| Local Tip: They offer guided tours – definitely worth it to get the full story behind the place. And take your time; there’s a lot to take in. |
Wang Sam Siem – The Chinese Temple
– From temple_thailand
Address: WV89+M97, Pattaya City, Bang Lamung District, Chon Buri 20150, Thailand
Visiting Hours: Mon – Sun 8AM-5PM
Fee: Free
Wang Sam Siem is a bit different from the rest since it’s a Chinese temple. This place is all about vibrant colors and intricate designs – the dragons, the lanterns, the whole setup – it’s like a slice of China in Pattaya.
This place is a bit quieter than the big-name temples, so it’s a nice change of pace. It’s great for wandering around, checking out the statues and the artwork; it’s all very detailed and pretty impressive.
Overall, the temple’s relatively lower profile in terms of tourist footfall means that it doesn’t feel overcrowded, allowing for a more intimate exploration of its beauty and spiritual ambiance.
| Local Tip: Keep an eye out for the little details – the carvings and paintings are really something. And if you’re lucky, you might catch a festival or celebration happening. |
Wat Khao Phra Bat – The Panorama One
– From laurina_coco
Address: Near Pattaya Viewpoint, Pattaya City, Bang Lamung District, Chon Buri, Thailand
Visiting Hours: Mon – Sun 8AM-6PM
Fee: Free
Wat Khao Phra Bat is a bit of a hidden gem. It’s tucked away near the Pattaya Viewpoint, and let me tell you, the views are top-notch. You get to see the whole of Pattaya from up here, and it’s a great spot for some epic selfies.
The temple itself is more low-key compared to some of the flashier spots in Pattaya. It’s got this chill, local vibe, and it’s a nice place to just hang out and soak in the views.
Unlike the more popular tourist spots in Pattaya, this temple tends to be less crowded, so you can have a more tranquil experience wandering its grounds.
| Local Tip: Time your visit for sunset; it’s absolutely stunning from up here. And maybe bring a snack, it’s a great spot for a little picnic. |
Wat Nong Ao – The Golden Temple
– From beliaevasveta7
Address: หมู่ที 9 27/7 Central Pattaya Rd, Bang Lamung District, Chon Buri 20150, Thailand
Visiting Hours: Mon – Sun 8AM-5PM
Fee: Free
Wat Nong Ao is one of those places that’s all about the bling – it’s known as the Golden Temple for a reason. The main building is covered in gold, and when the sun hits it just right, it’s like the whole place lights up.
It’s a bit off the beaten path, so it’s not as crowded as some of the other temples. This gives it a more relaxed, intimate feel, making it a cool spot to just wander around and check out the details.
It’s still very much a local spot, so you get to see a bit of the real Pattaya, away from the touristy stuff.
| Local Tip: If you’re into photography, this place is a gold mine (pun intended). The light in the late afternoon makes everything look extra stunning. |
Wat Nong Yai – The Enigma Temple
– From moto.cat
Address: Pattaya City, Bang Lamung District, Chon Buri, Thailand
Visiting Hours: Mon – Sun 8AM-5PM
Fee: Free
Wat Nong Yai is one of those places that’s not on every tourist map, which is part of its charm; it’s got a mysterious, almost enigmatic vibe to it. The architecture is a bit different from your typical Thai temple, and it’s all the more intriguing for it.
The grounds are pretty peaceful, with lots of greenery and a few ponds. It’s a nice place for a quiet walk or just to sit and relax.
What’s neat about this temple is that it feels untouched by tourism. It’s a place where you can get a sense of the local spiritual life without the crowds and noise of the more popular spots.
| Local Tip: Take your time exploring the grounds – there are some hidden nooks and crannies that are easy to miss. And it’s a good idea to bring some water; it’s a bit of a walk to get around. |
Khao Chi Chan – Buddha Mountain
– From thailandinsider
Address: Na Chom Thian, Sattahip District, Chon Buri 20250, Thailand
Visiting Hours: Mon – Sun 8AM-5PM
Free: Free
Khao Chi Chan, or Buddha Mountain, is one of those ‘wow’ places; there’s this massive Buddha image carved into the mountain, and it’s lined with gold – it’s pretty hard to miss. The sheer size of it is impressive, and it’s a unique sight in Pattaya.
The area around the carving is pretty open, so you get good views from almost anywhere. It’s a popular spot, but there’s enough space that it doesn’t feel too crowded, so you can still go for a leisurely stroll and take some photos.
What’s cool about Buddha Mountain is it’s not just a temple; it’s like a piece of art. It’s a different kind of temple experience – more about appreciating this huge, beautiful carving than the usual temple rituals.
| Local Tip: The best time to visit is in the morning when the light is just right for photos. And it’s worth taking a walk around the surrounding area – there are some nice spots to explore. |
Wat Phothi Samphan
– From peexeeig
Address: 152 หมู่ 5 ถนน พัทยา Muang Pattaya, Bang Lamung District, Chon Buri 20150, Thailand
Visiting Hours: Open 24 hours
Fee: Free
So, you’re checking out Wat Phothi Samphan in Pattaya, right? This spot’s a nice break from the usual tourist trail. It’s not packed with crowds, which is a breath of fresh air if you ask me. Parking? Yeah, there’s some space for your ride, but don’t expect a huge lot. It’s more like a find-a-spot-and-you’re-good kind of deal.
The vibe here is super chill; think less flashy Thai temples. It’s perfect for a leisurely stroll, and hey, if you’re into cool architecture, you’ll get your fill.
Plus, there are enough shady spots to just sit back and soak it all in. You won’t feel like a typical tourist here – more like you’ve stumbled upon a local secret. And isn’t that what traveling is all about?
| Local Tip: Check out the smaller shrines – they’re like these little hidden treasures around the temple. Perfect for a bit of quiet time or just to feel like you’ve discovered something special. |
