Every city has its own must-see attractions. In Pattaya, the list of well-known places includes the Big Buddha Hill. Many travelers call it Big Buddha. The attraction is universal and will be interesting for fans of architectural, historical and religious sites, as well as those who simply enjoy the beautiful nature. The Big Buddha in Pattaya is a local tribute to his spiritual mentor. The decision to build a religious complex was made in 1977. The 15-meter-high statue is located on a hill that can be seen from almost anywhere in Pattaya. Today it is a popular tourist attraction, as well as a place where pilgrims from all over the world come every year.
General information
The construction of the temple was completed in 1977 and in the same year. The Big Buddha was installed on Mount Pratamnak, at an altitude of 120 meters. The statue is made of concrete and covered with a special composition resembling gold. For a long time, locals believed that the Buddha was cast from gold. In the evening, the monument is illuminated and looks very impressive.
Big Buddha in Pattaya is a religious complex, on the territory of which, in addition to the central object-the statue of the founder of Buddhism-there are other interesting places. There are many interesting rituals associated with the attraction.
- A 120-step staircase decorated with dragons and snakes leads up to the Buddha statue. If during the ascent a person correctly counts them and does not get lost, then everything is in order with his karma. If you make a mistake, you need to clean your karma.
- Travelers who want to fully immerse themselves in the traditions of the Buddhist religion, before visiting, go through a purification ceremony to get permission from the monks. You must visit the temple built to the left of the stairs. For a nominal fee (about 20 baht), local ministers will read a prayer, present a talisman on their hand. In the same building there is a souvenir shop selling incense, handmade cosmetics, and a small shop.
Now, with pure karma, you can climb to the Big Buddha, around which are located two dozen other figures symbolizing various images of the enlightened one, and Buddhas personifying a certain day of the week.
Useful to know! According to one of the traditions in a souvenir shop, it is necessary to choose an incense and present it as a gift to the Buddha, which patronizes the day of the week when a person was born.
In addition to rituals, travelers like various ” fun ” activities. There are bells near the stairs, and if you ring them, you can get rid of your sins and win the favor of the Buddha. Another legend is connected with the bells — if you make a wish and hit one of them, your plan will certainly come true.
Tourists also win the favor of the higher powers in another way — for 100 baht they offer to release birds from their cages. This cleanses karma. However, attentive travelers noticed that the birds are tamed, and after a while they return to their owner.
Temple structure
The temple occupies a vast territory. Near the stairs that lead to the main statue — Big Buddha — there are many souvenir shops and shops with various goods. Considering that the place is a tourist destination, the prices here are high.
The central element of the complex is a Buddha statue guarded by two seven-headed dragons.
Useful to know! Climbing the stairs will not cause any difficulties, since the steps are not steep.
A temple is built at the top of the stairs, where everyone can purify their aura and karma. To enter the shrine, you need to take off your shoes, approach the monk, and get down on your knees. The ritual is quite simple — first the monk reads a prayer, then ties a talisman on his hand and pours holy water on his head. Be sure to make a wish. It will come true when a person loses a string.
After the rite of purification, tourists go further, to the statue of the Big Buddha in Pattaya. Next to the statue is an altar, near which people pray and ask the enlightened one for health and well-being.
The main statue of Big Buddha is surrounded by smaller figures. Each takes a certain position-sitting, lying or standing. There are also seven figures symbolizing the days of the week:
- Monday-peace and kindness;
- Tuesday-brings restful sleep;
- Wednesday – day of good people;
- Thursday is a time of calm and meditation;
- Friday is a happy day;
- Saturday – day of protection from natural disasters;
- Sunday – will give you care and love.
Interesting fact! The fattest Buddha is a symbol of financial well-being. There is a hole in his stomach where you need to throw a coin, if it falls into the belly of the statue, the wish will come true.
A worthy end to the journey to the Big Buddha is on the observation deck. From above, you can enjoy a wonderful view of the city.
Not far from the Big Buddha Temple in Pattaya, there is a Chinese Park where statues of Confucius, the goddess of mercy, Lao Tzu, and other famous Chinese figures are installed, and there is a pond. Many tourists note that the park is calm, nature has a leisurely walk. Guests can enjoy a meal at the on-site restaurant.
Practical information
Address and how to get there.
The Big Buddha is located between two streets Phra Tamnak and Phappraya Rd. There are several ways to get here:
- by taxi – from 100 to 200 baht, depending on where the tourist is traveling from Pattaya (the most expensive trip from the northern part of the city);
- on songteo-up to 20 baht (transport goes to the fork, from which you will have to walk, following the signs);
- using a rented car;
- together with the excursion group – you can order it at any travel agency.
Tourists who stay at the hotel, near the Pratamnak Hill, can even walk to the Big Buddha on foot. On the road in the direction of central Pattaya, turn right at the fork, then the road passes by the Chinese temple.
Opening hours.
The Big Buddha Temple welcomes guests daily from 7-00 to 22-00. For walks, it is better to choose the time after lunch, when the heat is not felt so much.
Cost of the session.
Entrance to the temple complex is free, but voluntary donations are welcome. A specific amount is not announced to the guests, everyone donates as much as they see fit.
Official website: www.thailandee.com/en/visit-thailand/pattaya-big-buddha-pattaya-145. The information is provided in English.
Session rules
The Temple of the Big Buddha in Pattaya is a religious place, so it is important to choose the appropriate clothes – you can not wear shorts, short T-shirts, swimsuits. It is necessary to cover the legs and shoulders.
Important! If the clothing does not comply with the rules of the temple complex, the monks may not let the tourist into the territory of the attraction.
The Big Buddha in Pattaya is actually not as big as the Big Buddha in Phuket. However, the statue is as tall as a six-story house and really impressive. Here it’s nice to just walk around, admire how the statue sparkles in the sun, and records are a secondary thing.
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