Better known as Big Buddha Hill, Wat Phra Yai is located at the center of Pattaya and is an obligatory stop on your first trip to Pattaya—regardless of how many wats (temples) in Thailand you have already visited. Waiting for you atop a grand staircase flanked by massive double dragons running down the handrails is the 18 m golden Phra Buddha Sukhothai Walai Chonlathan (Wow! That is a mouthful. Now you know why he’s simply referred to as the ‘Big Buddha’).

Make sure to remove your shoes before stepping on the top pavilion and to be respectful to all the worshipers as this is an active place of worship first, and tourist attraction second. Surrounding the Big Buddha are seven smaller Buddhas, each one representing a different day of the week. There is also a small temple. Donations are always welcome; just DO NOT buy one of the caged birds to release at the top, as this further perpetuates a cruel practice.

How to get here?

Don’t try walking, it’s uphill. Every driver in Pattaya knows how to get here but you may have to haggle to get a good deal, or go as a larger group in a songthaew. Wat Phra Yai is open from 7 AM to 10 PM and entrance is free, of course.