Travel Plan
Big Buddha Hill (Wat Phra Yai)

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Big Buddha Hill (Wat Phra Yai)

A golden 18-metre Buddha on Pratumnak Hill, with views over Pattaya Bay.

Tickets & tours Open in Google Maps
Time needed
1 hour
Entry
Free
Best time
Late afternoon
Area
Pratumnak

A golden Buddha on a hill above the city.

Where it is & how to get there

Address: Pratumnak Hill, Pattaya, Chonburi

  • By baht bus or taxi: About 10 minutes from central Pattaya.
  • Stairs: A dragon-lined staircase leads up to the statue.
  • Dress code: Cover shoulders and knees.

The story of Big Buddha Hill

Wat Phra Yai sits on top of Pratumnak Hill, between Pattaya and Jomtien. Its golden seated Buddha, about 18 metres tall, is surrounded by smaller Buddha statues representing each day of the week.

Climb the naga staircase to the statue, then walk to the viewpoints for panoramas over Pattaya Bay and Jomtien Beach.

Best time to visit

Best season

November to February.

Best time of day

Late afternoon, then sunset at Pratumnak viewpoint.

Heat

Midday can be very hot.

Tips before you go

  • Cover shoulders and knees.
  • Find the Buddha for the day of the week you were born.
  • Continue to the Pattaya viewpoint nearby for sunset.

Best hotels near Big Buddha Hill

Well-known hotels within easy reach. Check prices and availability for your dates.

Royal Cliff Beach Hotel

Clifftop resort on Pratumnak Hill.

See prices

Hilton Pattaya

Sea-view tower hotel on Beach Road.

See prices

Cape Dara Resort

Beachfront hotel at the north end of Pattaya.

See prices
All hotels near Big Buddha Hill

What's around Big Buddha Hill

  • Pattaya viewpointFamous view over the bay.
  • Pattaya City SignHillside letters on Pratumnak.
  • Jomtien BeachSouth of the hill.
  • Cosy BeachSmall quiet beach below.

Questions travellers ask

Is Big Buddha Hill free?

Yes.

How long should I spend?

About an hour.

What should I wear?

Clothes covering shoulders and knees.

More in Pattaya

Pattaya Beach

Pattaya Beach

Read the guide
Wat Yansangwararam

Wat Yansangwararam

Read the guide
Jomtien Beach

Jomtien Beach

Read the guide
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Travel Plan · Big Buddha Hill (Wat Phra Yai) Travel times, prices and opening hours change. Check official sites before you go. Photos: Unsplash. Privacy & disclosure