Wat Phra Khao Yai

Thailand is famous for its sparkling, spectacular and sacred golden temples. Any tourist coming to Thailand must visit at least one temple because this is a unique feature and a symbol of the country. A top destination that every visitor should stop by to admire its beauty is Wat Phra Khao Yai or the Big Buddha Hill. Wat Phra Khao Yai is an ancient temple recognized by UNESCO as a world cultural heritage. For Buddhists, this is also an attractive spiritual pilgrimage destination.

Wat Phra Khao Yai was built in 1940 when Pattaya was still a fishing village. This temple is located on the top of Pratumnak hill, between the two beaches of Pattaya and Jomtien. It is called by other names like Wat Yai Chaimongkhon or Big Buddha Hill. Wat Phra Yai is an ancient and mysterious temple in Thailand, often welcoming countless tourists from many countries to visit, admire, go on pilgrimage or exchange Buddhist culture.

Wat Phra Khao Yai

On the way to the temple, tourists will be impressed by the 18m high Buddha image from afar. This huge Buddha statue is one of the familiar spots for foreign tourists and also attracts many local residents to worship and pray. In addition to the large statue, the temple also has a system of smaller ones with the beautiful surrounding sceneries of the Jomtien beach that highlight the temple's front line.

The stairs to the pagoda

The stairs to the pagoda are very straight, with the handrail of Naga-serpent seven heads in Theravada Buddhism. After reaching the top, tourists will see many statues with different postures (lying or standing) representing different days of the week. Visiting Wat Phra Yai requires a bit of walking, but travelers won't have much trouble because the steps are quite easy to walk and not very sloping. When you enter the temple, at the foot of the stairs, if you make a little donation, you will be "blessed" by the monks as a thank you. There is also a treasure chest at the end of the stairs, next to the gigantic laughing Buddha image where tourists can donate for the temple. The atmosphere inside the temple is very quiet and peaceful, giving tourists a sanguine and relaxing sense. Along with that tranquility, tourists must be especially gentle, courteous in every step and action to suit the sacred and ancient space. Another activity when visiting Big Buddha Hill is ringing a bell with a large stick, which is believed to bring good luck and prosperity to those who do.

The giant Buddha of Wat Phra Khao Yai

The impressive Wat Phra Khao Yai is a prominent spiritual destination for trips to Pattaya, especially for those who are interested in Buddhism or simply come to worship and pray. Pratumnak Hill is just 2 km from South Pattaya and the entrance fee to the temple is free for all guests. A songtaew or shuttle bus is available to the destination for only 200 baht. Opposite Wat Phra Yai is a Chinese temple dedicated to Confucius, Guan Yin, and a Taoist temple well worth checking out.