🔄 Updated 21 Jun 2026
Pratamnak Hill (some people call it Khao Phra Bat) is the highest point inside Pattaya city, about 98 metres above sea level, and only around 3–4 km from the centre of town. It's an easy drive or songthaew ride up. From the top you get Pattaya Bay curving away below you, the beachfront towers, anchored boats, and Koh Larn in the distance on a clear day.
How many viewpoints are on Pratamnak Hill?
A lot of people assume Pratamnak Hill has just one viewpoint. There are actually two main ones, on different sides with a different feel. If you have time, do both — they're on the same hill, only a couple of minutes apart by car.
SOR TOR 5 viewpoint (Krom Luang Chumphon monument)
The popular spot tour groups get dropped at, near the navy radio station. It has a wide open plaza looking out over the full bay, plus a board showing each day's sunset time. Gets busy in the late afternoon.
Pattaya City sign
The big red PATTAYA letters you see everywhere, on the side closer to Bali Hai Pier. Quieter, fewer tour buses, and good for a photo with the sign and the sea behind you.
Which one first?
If you're coming in the late afternoon for sunset, hit the SOR TOR 5 spot first since the view is more open, then swing by the Pattaya City sign while there's still light. If crowds aren't your thing, the sign side is clearly the quieter of the two.
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.
Hours, entry fee and parking
- Hours — you can drive up almost any time of day; the viewpoint areas and temples are open roughly 07:00–22:00. The late afternoon, around 16:30–18:30, is best for the breeze and the light.
- Entry fee — none. Going up for the view is free.
- Parking — there's a lot but it's limited, and it fills fast on weekend evenings. If you do get a space it can be a tight squeeze to get out, so arriving before evening is easier.
- Toilets and shops — there are drink stalls, snack stands and a convenience store near the SOR TOR 5 spot.
How to get up Pratamnak Hill
Pratamnak Hill sits close to Bali Hai and the pier for boats to Koh Larn. There are several ways up depending on your budget and how much you care about convenience.
- Songthaew (blue) — take one from South Pattaya and charter it up the hill. Agree the price before you get in, around 20–40 THB per person if there are a few of you. Booking the whole truck and having it wait to bring you back costs more.
- Motorbike taxi — quick and easy, roughly 35–60 THB up the hill. Always agree the price first.
- Driving / renting a motorbike — search Google Maps for "Pratamnak Hill viewpoint" or "Pattaya Viewpoint". The road up is a little steep but well paved.
- Taxi / Grab — easiest with a family, but in the evening it's hard to get a ride back down the hill, so allow time to wait.
What else to see on the same hill
The nice thing about Pratamnak Hill is that everything is close together — a short walk or drive between stops, so a half-day is easy to fill.
Big Buddha Temple (Wat Phra Yai)
A large golden Buddha image, around 18 metres tall, also on Pratamnak Hill. Walk up the stairs to pay your respects and get another angle on the city. Less than a kilometre from the viewpoint.
Wat Khao Phra Bat
A small hilltop temple with a replica Buddha footprint and a calm atmosphere, very close to the viewpoint. Easy to drop in on the way past.
Bali Hai / Koh Larn Pier
At the foot of the hill on the South Pattaya side — the pier for boats to Koh Larn. If you're planning to head out to Koh Larn, catch the view in the morning then walk down to the boat.
When it's most worth going
Late afternoon before sunset is the most popular time — the sky changes colour and the air cools down — but it's also when the crowds and the parking are at their worst. If you want a shot of the sign with nobody walking through the frame, try mid-morning around 9–10am, when the sun isn't harsh yet and there are fewer people. And if you're after that golden light on the beachfront towers, getting there about 30–40 minutes before sunset works well.
Told straight
On hazy days or when there's dry-season smog, the view won't be as crisp as the pretty photos you see online. If you go and the sky isn't clear, that's normal — checking the weather before you head out helps.
Plan a full day around Pattaya and Chonburi
See the Chonburi travel guide →