🔄 Updated 21 Jun 2026
Khao Chi Chan is an image of the seated Buddha in the Maravijaya (subduing Mara) posture, etched as line work into a limestone cliff and inlaid with gold leaf. The image stands roughly 109 metres tall and about 70 metres wide, making it the largest cliff line-drawing of the Buddha in Thailand. It was created in 1996 as a merit-making offering and to mark the 50th anniversary of the reign of King Rama IX, and bears the name Phra Phuttha Maha Wachira Uttamo Phat Sasada.
The image was laid out using lasers to mark the line work on the cliff face before the detailing was added, which kept the lines crisp and the proportions accurate even on a wall of rock this size. When the afternoon sun hits it, the inlaid gold catches the light and shows up clearly — one of the best times of day for photos.
Where is Khao Chi Chan?
Khao Chi Chan sits in Na Jomtien sub-district, Sattahip district, Chonburi province — past Jomtien Beach heading south, near Ramayana Water Park and Silverlake Vineyard. A lot of people assume it's in Bang Lamung because they lump it in with the Pattaya zone, but the actual location is within Sattahip district, about 20 km from central Pattaya — roughly a 30-minute drive.
Want more out of Chonburi? Book tours & activities
Booking online ahead on Klook or GetYourGuide is usually cheaper than the gate and skips the queue. Pick only the experiences you actually want — prices and availability are shown live on each site.
Getting to Khao Chi Chan
The easiest way is to drive yourself or rent a motorbike. From Pattaya, head south on Sukhumvit Road, then turn off toward Na Jomtien — the signs are clear. The car park is large and free. If you don't have your own vehicle, you've got a few options.
- Car / car rental — about 30 minutes from Pattaya, with free parking out front. Good if you want to hit several spots in one day.
- Taxi / private car — a round trip from Pattaya runs about 500–700 THB. Arrange for the driver to wait and take you back, because catching a ride out here is hard.
- Motorbike rental — around 200–300 THB a day and the most flexible, but traffic on the Sukhumvit stretch moves fast, so ride carefully.
- Half-day tour — several operators bundle Khao Chi Chan with Nong Nooch Garden or Ramayana Water Park in one package. Handy if you'd rather not plan it yourself.
Travel tip
If you take a private taxi, agree on the price and tell the driver to wait for the return trip from the start — the area around Khao Chi Chan is fairly quiet and finding a ride back on your own is tough, especially mid-morning when there are fewer visitors around.
Opening hours and entry fee
- Opening hours — around 06:00–18:00 daily.
- Entry fee — free, no ticket. There's a donation box for those who'd like to give, but it's not required.
- Parking — free, with a large lot and a few small food and drink stalls near it.
- Dress code — this is a sacred site, so dress modestly: no tank tops, no shorts above the knee.
Best time to visit
The recommended times are early morning and late afternoon, when the sun isn't harsh and the low, angled light makes the gold inlaid on the cliff really glow. Early morning gives you clear skies and cool, comfortable air, while late afternoon brings warm golden light across the Buddha that's great for photos. Midday, with the sun directly overhead, gets hot and the image looks flatter — skip the noon hours if you can.
What's nearby
Khao Chi Chan is in the same zone as several attractions on the southern side of Pattaya, so it's easy to string a few together in one day.
Silverlake Vineyard
A vineyard with mountain views right next to Khao Chi Chan, with a cafe, restaurant, and seasonal flower fields for photos — just a few minutes away.
Nong Nooch Garden
A large botanical garden with cultural shows and landscaped grounds, sitting on Sukhumvit Road between Pattaya and Khao Chi Chan.
Ramayana Water Park
A big water park near Khao Chi Chan, good for taking the kids or cooling off after sightseeing in the sun.
What to know before you go
- Most of the area is open ground in full sun, so bring a hat and water and put on sunscreen.
- To fit the whole Buddha in frame you need to back up far enough — the angle from the reflecting pool out front captures it nicely, with the image mirrored in the water.
- This is mainly a place to look and take photos; 30–45 minutes is enough to see it all, so it works better as a stop than a full-day outing.
- It gets busy during festivals and long holidays, and the car park can fill up, so going early is easier.
Plan a full Chonburi–Pattaya trip
See the Chonburi travel guide →