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Everything You Need to Know about Mount Buddha in Chonburi
- Where is Khao Chi Chan (Buddha Mountain)?
- Things to Know
- How to Get to Khao Chi Chan (Buddha Mountain)
- What to See and Do in Khao Chi Chan (Buddha Mountain)
- Admire Khao Chi Chan’s laser-carved Buddha image
- Pay your respects at Wat Khao Chi Chan’s wihan
- Eat your fill at the on-site food shops
- Stroll around Khao Chi Chan
- Enjoy picnicking in Khao Chi Chan
- Where to Eat and Drink in and Near Khao Chi Chan (Buddha Mountain)
- Happy Hill Restaurant
- Castello Di Bellagio Pattaya
- Panya
- Where to Shop in and Near Khao Chi Chan (Buddha Mountain)
- Boonthavorn Sattahip
- Chakngeaw Chinese Village
- Big C Supercenter Satthahip
- Where to Stay in and Near Khao Chi Chan
- Viva Montane
- Swiss Hotel Pattaya
- U Pattaya Hotel
- FAQs about Khao Chi Chan
Khao Chi Chan, also known as Mount Buddha or Buddha Mountain, is a man-made religious wonder. It’s an awe-inspiring Buddha image carved in a flattened limestone mountain using the first guided laser technology of its time.
Today, it’s among Thailand’s most marvelous sights you could include in your day tour or planned temple visits. While it offers a peaceful atmosphere, Kaho Chi has a variety of local vendors, so it’s also a great spot for food adventures!
Where is Khao Chi Chan (Buddha Mountain)?
Khao Chi Chan is in the southern portion of Chonburi Province. It’s along Ban Yen Road near Chee Chan Golf Resort in Bang Sare, Sattahip District.
Things to Know
Operating Hours: 6 a.m. – 6 p.m. (Monday – Sunday)
Admission Fee: Free
How to Get to Khao Chi Chan (Buddha Mountain)
Bus: Riding a bus is the best way to get to Khao Chi Chan from Bangkok. One option is to catch a direct bus at Ekkamai Bus Terminal to Jomtien Beach in Pattaya City and ride a taxi to Mount Buddha.
You may also opt for a Rayong Tour bus at the Mochit Bus Terminal and head for Sattahip District where you can ride a taxi to Mount Buddha. Both options are affordable and only take approximately 3 hours.
Train: There’s also a train in Bangkok’s Hua Lamphong Train Station that you can board to get to Khao Chi Chan. However, it can only drop you off at the Suan Nong Nuch Station in Sattahip District so you still need another taxi ride to Mount Buddha.
Riding this train is the cheapest option but it takes approximately 4 hours to reach Suan Nong Nuch and another 12 minutes for the taxi to reach Khao Chi Chan.
Taxi: If you want to get to Khao Chi Chan faster, hiring a taxi in Bangkok is the best option. Though expensive, taxis can get you to Mount Buddha in approximately 2 hours which is a plus.
It’s also convenient since taxis are everywhere in Bangkok. Also, you can book them using the Bolt or Grab app so they can pick you up anywhere in the capital city.
Rental Car: Driving a rental car is a flexible option for tourists with a driver’s license and an International Driving Permit. Self-driving is also convenient since you can decide when and which routes to take to get to Mount Buddha.
However, the fastest route from Bangkok is to take Route 7 via the Sirat Expressway, Bangkok-Chonburi New Line, and Pattaya-Map Ta Phut Road. Exit towards Highway 331 in Sattahip District and make a U-turn towards Ban Yen Road.
Keep driving west along Ban Yen Road until you see Wat Khao Chi Chan on your left-hand side.
What to See and Do in Khao Chi Chan (Buddha Mountain)
Admire Khao Chi Chan’s laser-carved Buddha image
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Khao Chi Chan is an iconic religious site in Chonburi, and it’s definitely a must-see because it’s the largest laser-carved Buddha in the world. It was carved in a limestone mountain, so locals call it Mount Buddha, Laser Buddha, or Buddha Mountain.
This Buddha image was initially built to commemorate the 50th year of King Rama IX’s ascension, but it’s now one of Thailand’s most important religious sites. The image’s best feature is its grooves which are inlaid with gold leaf layers serving as an outline.
These golden inlays give the Buddha image a beautiful golden sheen under direct sunlight. It’s known locally as Maha Vajira Uttamobhassada and stands 109 meters high and 70 meters wide with a seated subduing mara posture.
Pay your respects at Wat Khao Chi Chan’s wihan
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Though Khao Chi Chan is most known for its laser-carved Buddha image, it also has a temple every tourist should see. In fact, the temple’s wihan is an important part of the visit to Mount Buddha, especially for local worshippers.
Plus, this gives you a look at the significance of religious sites like Khao Chi Chan in the lives of the Thai people. This is an active temple, so expect to see monks reciting chants or performing ceremonies and locals praying or bringing offerings.
Keep in mind that you must wear appropriate clothes when visiting Khao Chi Chan’s sacred grounds.
Eat your fill at the on-site food shops
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Mount Buddha is the quintessential Thai religious site. We say this because it has local vendors selling food and drinks, like most Buddhist temples and shrines you’ll find in the country.
There are numerous food stalls where you can get a full meal or a quick snack. You can choose between classic Thai dishes or on-stick snacks like hotdogs, waffles, sausages, squid balls, and more.
However, drink options are limited to sodas and bottled water since you’re inside a temple.
Stroll around Khao Chi Chan
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Khao Chi Chan’s quiet atmosphere is perfect for meditation and it’s definitely great for peaceful strolls. The temple’s plant-filled garden, vast grass field, and tree-lined walkways are also ideal for sightseeing.
We particularly like their garden because it’s right below Mount Buddha, so you can take a photo with both at once. There’s a chain barricade to prevent getting close, but it helps keep it well-maintained.
It also has a small pond and a separate rock garden on the side of the mountain. This garden is packed with rocks and small plants arranged side by side.
Enjoy picnicking in Khao Chi Chan
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The vibrant grass field in Khao Chi Chan is great for picnics. It lets you enjoy the view of Mount Buddha in peace, perfect for those who don’t want to wait in line for a close-up photo with the iconic laser-carved image.
Plus, the on-site food shops in Khao Chi Chan mean you’re covered for snacks and drinks in case you don’t plan to bring packed food. There are numerous wooden benches all over the place as well if you don’t have a picnic blanket.
Where to Eat and Drink in and Near Khao Chi Chan (Buddha Mountain)
Happy Hill Restaurant
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Address: 88 Ban Yen Road, Na Jomtien
Phone: +66 64 928 2995
Pricing: ฿฿
Operating Hours: 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. (Monday – Sunday)
Good to know: Good for large meals
If you’re looking for a food spot near Khao Chi Chan where you can eat plenty, going to Happy Hill Restaurant is an excellent choice. This place is known for its large portions and reasonable prices, perfect if you like to eat your fill.
Moreover, it’s only a 3-minute drive from Mount Buddha, so it’s easy to swing by before or after your visit. They serve a wide array of Thai and European dishes which is great if you like full-out variety.
There’s also a garden with a large Ganesh statue and a colorful mini-playground where you can capture cutesy photos while you wait for your food.
Castello Di Bellagio Pattaya
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Address: 9, 9, Na Chom Thian
Phone: +66 64 694 6699
Pricing: ฿฿฿
Operating Hours: 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. (Monday – Sunday)
Good to know: Good for Italian dining
Castello Di Bellagio Pattaya is a prestigious Italian restaurant featuring European-style castle architecture. It also has a massive courtyard with fountains, landscaped gardens, and a romantic terrace dining area.
But the dining area inside is even more impressive with luxurious furniture and decor that makes you feel like you’re dining inside a real Roman palace. If you haven’t been to Europe yet, this is definitely a must-visit.
They also boast an exquisite wine cellar with premium labels from the US and various French regions like Burgundy, Provence, and Bordeaux. This pairs nicely with the high-quality and authentic Italian dishes they serve.
Panya
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Address: 20 28/19-20 Sukhumvit Road, Na Chom Thian
Phone: +66 86 503 9332
Pricing: ฿฿
Operating Hours: 9 a.m. – 8 p.m. (Monday – Sunday)
Good to know: Good for seafood
For serious seafood fanatics, Panya is an excellent option, and it’s definitely worth the 15-minute drive from Mount Buddha. This place focuses on Thai seafood dishes like tom yum goong, crab spring rolls, crab curry, steamed crab, deep-fried fish, and more.
However, our favorite is their fried fish with mushrooms. The mushrooms add so much flavor to the fish and it’s also crispy enough that you can comfortably eat the meat and the bones together.
Their food portions are also on the larger side which is perfect if you’re a heavy eater.
Where to Shop in and Near Khao Chi Chan (Buddha Mountain)
Boonthavorn Sattahip
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Address: 88 Moo 6, Bang Sare
Phone: +66 38 932 888
Pricing: ฿฿
Operating Hours: 8 a.m. – 7 p.m. (Monday – Sunday)
Good to know: Good for home supplies
Boonthavorn is a popular chained-brand shopping mall in Thailand that excels at home goods and supplies. Here, you can shop for all the home essentials you’ll ever need, from appliances, hardware tools, kitchen utensils, bathroom products, and more.
They also have numerous shops selling up-market furniture, home decor, and DIY products. And you can find all the materials for your home remodeling and renovation needs which is a plus.
We also like how fast they restock items which usually only takes a few days. Just be sure to let them know what you need, so they can get it for you in record time.
Chakngeaw Chinese Village
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Address: 257, 46 Moo 3, Pattaya City
Pricing: ฿
Operating Hours: 3 p.m. – 9 p.m. (Saturday)
Good to know: Good for Chinese goods and snacks
Chakngeaw Chinese Village is the Chinatown of Pattaya City. It’s packed with streetside stores selling Chinese medicine, souvenirs, furniture, home decor, kitchen utensils, clothes, accessories, and food.
At night, numerous red Chinese-style lanterns will light the street as well. Plus, this place is only 15 minutes from Mount Buddha so you can drop by after your visit, especially since the shops here only start to open in the afternoon.
Just know this is a Saturday market, so you must schedule your Khao Chi Chan trip accordingly. Also, we recommend arriving before 4 p.m. because the nearby parking spots are usually packed by 5 p.m.
Big C Supercenter Satthahip
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Address: 88/18 Sattahip
Phone: +66 38 196 137
Pricing: ฿฿
Operating Hours: 8 a.m. – 10 p.m. (Monday – Sunday)
Good to know: Good for all-around shopping
The Big C Supercenter in Satthahip is one of the best places to shop near Khao Chi Chan. It’s a hypermarket, so expect a department store with numerous shops selling electronics, cosmetics, clothes, accessories, toys, and home supplies.
There’s also a supermarket, so you’re covered for all the essential grocery items.
But that’s not all because they also have a food court and a movie theater, so you can enjoy food or watch a movie anytime while shopping.
Where to Stay in and Near Khao Chi Chan
Viva Montane
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Address: 456 Moo 11, Bang Sare
Phone: +66 63 924 5665
Pricing: ฿฿
Operating Hours: 2 p.m. (Check-in) & 12 p.m. (Check-out)
Good to know: Good for families
Viva Montane is a solid hideaway for families who plan to visit Mount Buddha. This tranquil hotel is only 15 minutes away and has a vast grass field, allowing guests to enjoy various activities.
Our favorite is their BMX track with wavy and curvy parts, making riding more fun and challenging. They also have a small enclosure with giant tortoises that guests can observe, feed, and photograph.
Their rooms are also spacious and have double-decker bed options for families with kids. Plus, all of them are decked out with essential amenities, so expect your stay to be cozy.
Swiss Hotel Pattaya
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Address: 19/20 Moo 7, Na Jomtien
Phone: +66 92 636 1164
Pricing: ฿฿
Operating Hours: 2 p.m. (Check-in) & 12 p.m. (Check-out)
Good to know: Good for families
Swiss Hotel Pattaya is one of the best family-centered hotels near Khao Chi Chan. This hotel features unique buildings and large rooms with warm-toned interiors and whimsical decors and furnishings.
The property is also designed like a theme park, so expect replicas of telephone booths, vintage cars, motorbikes, airplanes, and more. Their statues of popular cartoon characters and animals are also a big hit among guests with small children.
There’s also a sheep farm, archery range, and a stable for those who want to try horseback riding. Given the number of displays scattered all over the hotel grounds, you can enjoy plenty of photo opportunities while you’re here.
U Pattaya Hotel
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Address: 70/14 Ko Phai 12, Bang Sare
Phone: +66 33 046 100
Pricing: ฿฿฿
Operating Hours: 2 p.m. (Check-in) & 12 p.m. (Check-out)
Good to know: Good for couples and families
U Pattaya Hotel is a stylish 5-star hotel, and it’s definitely worth checking out because it’s only 17 minutes from Mount Buddha. It’s a seaside hotel, so expect a stunning view of the Thai Gulf and direct beach access.
Their swanky rooms offer the ultimate style and comfort with their chic rustic interiors and top-of-the-line amenities, including a private balcony with a whirlpool tub. You can also upgrade for a nicer sea view or get a thatched-roof cottage with a furnished deck.
For the best experience, we suggest getting a villa with an added living area and a private pool. This hotel also has a restaurant, romantic rooftop bar, and infinity outdoor pool with an unobstructed ocean view.
