The Big Buddha was constructed in 1977 on top of Pratamnak Hill. Thai people come to the Big Buddha to pay their respects while praying for health, happiness and wealth. When visiting the Big Buddha you can experience a sense of Thai culture, religion, and architecture.

Ethical debate in the means that it is a curiosity to where the money donated actually goes too. The Wat itself is free in terms of admission but if you spend any money at the several vendors found near the base of the hill or donate money to several of the baskets located at the base of the Buddha; where does all this money go too?

Pratamnak Hill has some small vendors offering refreshments and snacks, along with tiny caged birds. The birds cost can be purchased for a small fee, and in Thai culture it is believed that releasing the birds at the base of the Buddha monument will bring good karma to that individual. This is an ethically questionable activity, since it will only perpetuate the cycle of capturing and caging wild birds.

The Buddha Hill has become a popular site for locals and tourists away from the bustling streets of Pattaya. The Buddha Hill has several names and is typically known as Wat Phra Yai although its official name is Phra Buddha Sukhothai Walai Chonlathan, and is also known as Luang Pho Yai. This location is a place that all ages can appreciate Thai culture, religion and architecture. There also is no charge when coming to witness this giant gold Buddha, which makes for a cheap and experiential day trip. The Buddha was constructed in 1977 is found at the top of a Pratamnak Hill and can be seen from several kilometres away as it reaches heights of 18 metres the largest in the region. The area surrounding the Buddha is quite peaceful and the giant Buddha which is the main attraction is surrounded by several other smaller Buddha's, each with a different posture, size and design. Each of these represents a different day of the week, donations are made based on the day you were born - very important in Thai culture. There is a small tented area where prayers occur and offering are left. Thai people come to the Big Buddha to pay their respects while praying for health, happiness and wealth. When visiting the Big Buddha you can experience a sense of Thai culture, religion, and architecture. While enjoying this site, you can observe people making offerings, and/or making a donation.

Good - Experiencing the Big Buddha was defiantly something I enjoyed, the place has been maintained very well and is quite beautiful. Going to a Wat is very important part of experiencing a Thai lifestyle and the culture that they associate with. All the Buddhas are very interesting as they have all been designed differently and it gives you appreciation for architecture and is very interesting to the eye. Pattaya is also has a reputation as a party city and experiencing the Buddha is a nice change away from the main streets of Pattaya. It also is cheap as their is no entrance fee to come to the Golden Buddha.

Bad - If you choose to walk to the Buddha; the hill is quite long and in the heat could be very exhausting. Also I did not like seeing the birds trapped in cages waiting to be bought only to be set free and then most likely re caught the next day.

Overall - I would return to the Buddha Statue again, I think it is a great thing to have in such a busy city and allows locals to express their religion along with tourists to experience a part of the Thai culture and traditions.

Yellow Light

Appropriate for all ages, and dubious ethical practices are avoidable. Trapped birds are a factor in this attraction, and this activity is present on site and is easy to spot due to the birds' constant chirping. However, you do not have to participate in the releasing of caged birds if you do not wish too.

*Rating is based on my personal experience and my own opinion*

Open Everyday

7:00 am - 10:00 pm, 07.00 - 22.00

Admission is free for anyone to experience the Buddha

If you are willing, donations can be made to the Wat and vendors do sell refreshments and snacks.

Directions from Walking Street

Driving Approximately - 6 minutes

walking approximately - 28 minutes

Head Southwest on Walking Street towards Pattaya 16 Road - 260 M

Turn Left on Pattaya 16 Road - 290 M

Turn right on Pattaya Sai 2 Road - 550 M

Continue Straight onto Phra Tamnak - 270 M

Turn right to stay on Phra Tamnak - 350 M

Turn left - 400 M

Turn Left - 83 M

Destination will be on the right

The stairs leading up to can look intimidating although they are quite simply to climb for most.

Take caution when visiting the Buddha on hot days it can be quite exhausting, as there is little shade in the area.

Not Wheelchair accessible

Bang Lamung District, Chon Buri, Thailand

Many websites will say that the address is on top of Pattaya Hill

Laura Mannen

Last Updated: April 2015