🔄 Updated 21 Jun 2026
Wat Phra Yai, known to most foreign visitors as Big Buddha Hill, sits on Khao Phra Tamnak just south of central Pattaya. The centrepiece is a seated Buddha in the blessing pose, around 18 metres tall — the largest Buddha image in Chonburi province, built back in 1977. Around the main statue you'll find Buddha images for each day of the week to pay respects to, and locals and tourists alike keep coming up to make merit.
The appeal here is that you get both merit and a view in one stop. The plaza in front of the Buddha looks down over the long curve of Pattaya Bay and across to Jomtien Beach. Late afternoon, when the sun softens and a breeze picks up, is when a lot of people come up to sit and take in the city before heading back.
How to pay your respects
The path up to the Buddha is a long naga staircase with carved serpent balustrades on each side. A few dozen steps and you reach the main plaza. Up top there are Buddha images in various poses and a row of bells you can ring for good fortune. Many people buy flowers, incense and candles from the stalls below and carry them up, then go around and pay respects to the Buddha image of their own birth day.
- The Big Buddha — the main image in the blessing pose, seated facing the sea; the focus for prayers and the classic photo with the statue
- Birthday Buddhas — lined up around the plaza, so you can pay respects and make a wish at the one for your own birth day
- The bells — give them a gentle ring, a local custom said to bring good fortune
- The view terrace — the area in front of the Buddha looks out over Pattaya Bay and Jomtien Beach
Dress code
This is a temple, so dress modestly — no spaghetti straps or shorts above the knee. If you're coming straight from the beach, it's worth packing a cover-up so you can go up and pay your respects without a second thought.
Want more out of Pattaya? 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 there and opening hours
Khao Phra Tamnak is about 10–15 minutes by car from central Pattaya. A songthaew (the red shared truck) from the South Pattaya side runs around 10–20 THB, but you'll have a bit of an uphill walk after. The easiest option is to grab a Grab or Bolt and drop a pin on "Khao Phra Tamnak Viewpoint" or "Wat Phra Yai" to be dropped right at the temple. If you're driving yourself, there's parking up top.
- Opening hours — roughly 8am–6pm (some spots on the hill stay open into the evening), free to enter with no admission fee
- Best time to go — morning before the sun gets strong, or late afternoon before sunset to catch the Pattaya Bay view
- How long to spend — about 45 minutes to an hour is plenty to pay your respects and take photos
Pair it with the nearby Pratamnak Viewpoint
On the same hill, just a few minutes away, is the Pratamnak Viewpoint (Pattaya Viewpoint), which many people know as the Sor.Tor.Ror.5 viewpoint. It's an elevated terrace with the best view of Pattaya Bay's long curve, with a monument to Prince Chumphon. Come up here and continue to the Big Buddha in a single trip with no trouble.
Pratamnak Viewpoint
An elevated terrace with the full sweep of Pattaya Bay and a monument to Prince Chumphon. It sits on Royal Thai Navy land, so dress modestly and keep it respectful.
Stop in after the hillJomtien Beach
The long stretch of sand on the south side of Khao Phra Tamnak, quieter than Pattaya Beach and a good place to wander after you come down the hill.
Travel smart
Pattaya has a lively nightlife district after dark. If you're planning to head out once you're down from the hill, keep an eye on your valuables — wallet and phone especially — particularly in crowded spots. Have fun, but stay aware.
- Drink plenty of water; the sun on the hill can be strong midday and there's not much shade
- If you're taking a boat over to Koh Larn on the same day, check the weather and sea conditions first — on windy days boats may be cancelled or get very rough
- Room and tour prices in Pattaya rise and fall with the season and long weekends; high season and holidays run pricier than usual, so booking ahead tends to be better value
Build a half-day
Big Buddha Hill + Pratamnak Viewpoint + Jomtien Beach fits neatly into a morning or afternoon, leaving the evening free for seafood by the beach.
Plan a full Pattaya trip — where to stay, eat and explore
See the Pattaya travel guide →