Big Buddha Temple

Welcome to Wat Phra Yai, known to the international community as the Big Buddha Temple. Situated at the very highest point of Pratumnak Hill, this sacred site stands as a serene, golden guardian over the city of Pattaya. …

Upon reaching the main platform, the sheer scale of the golden Buddha is breathtaking. Standing—or rather, sitting—at 18 meters tall, it is the largest statue in the region. …

Surrounding the central golden Buddha are seven smaller statues, each depicting the Buddha in a different posture. In Thai Buddhism, these correspond to the seven days of the week, and most Thais know exactly which day they were…

The platform of Wat Phra Yai offers more than just spiritual enlightenment; it provides some of the most spectacular panoramic views of Pattaya and Jomtien. Because the temple is located on the highest peak of the hill, you can…

Away from the main golden Buddha, the temple grounds contain several smaller shrines and pavilions that offer a more intimate experience of Thai religious practice. One of these is a small, ornate building where you might find a…

As we begin our descent down the grand Naga staircase, we have a different perspective on the journey we have just taken. From the top, the twin golden serpents seem to pour down toward the city, their multiple heads appearing to…

Our journey to the Big Buddha Temple has been an exploration of the spiritual heart of Pattaya. We have climbed the Naga staircase, stood in the shadow of the 18-meter golden giant, and explored the astrological Buddhas that…