Skip to main content
Visit Thailand Today

Anek Kusala Sala (Viharn Sien)

Lakeside Chinese temple near Pattaya featuring monk statues, ancient paintings, and a notable pottery museum.

4.7(207)
Directions

Plan your visit

Hours
Daily 08:00–17:00

Dress Modestly

Cover shoulders and knees at all temples. Carry a light scarf or sarong — some temples lend wraps, but not all. Shoes come off before entering any building with a Buddha image.

Details

Full opening hours
Monday08:00–17:00
Tuesday08:00–17:00
Wednesday08:00–17:00
Thursday08:00–17:00
Friday08:00–17:00
Saturday08:00–17:00
Sunday08:00–17:00

Why go, and how to do it well

Anek Kusala Sala, also known as Viharn Sien, is a culturally rich attraction on the outskirts of Pattaya that stands apart from the city's more commercial offerings. Set beside a lake, the complex is dedicated to celebrating Chinese art, religion, and heritage, and houses an impressive collection of ancient Chinese paintings, ceramics, and pottery displayed across a museum-style interior. The grounds also feature striking statues of fighting monks, making it a visually compelling destination for those with an interest in Asian history and craftsmanship.

Visitors can expect a calm, contemplative atmosphere quite distinct from central Pattaya. The architecture is traditional Chinese in style, and the sheer scale and detail of the artworks and statues inside reward those who take their time exploring. The combination of religious iconography and curated museum exhibits makes this a genuinely educational experience alongside its aesthetic appeal.

As a place of religious and cultural significance, visitors are advised to dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees out of respect. The lakeside setting makes it a pleasant visit during cooler morning hours, particularly outside the peak midday heat. Opening hours are not confirmed in advance, so arriving earlier in the day is a practical precaution. No website is currently available, so checking locally on arrival or through your accommodation is recommended before making the trip.

Written by Mac Kiley · Updated Aug 2026

Stay within reach of Anek Kusala Sala (Viharn Sien)

Sponsored

Search Pattaya hotels with your dates. Filter for free cancellation if you want to hold a room and decide later.

See hotels near Anek Kusala Sala (Viharn Sien)

Opens Booking.com with your dates

Also compare on Expedia · Trip.com

Tours that include Anek Kusala Sala (Viharn Sien)

Guided visits and day-tour combos that include Anek Kusala Sala (Viharn Sien).

Sponsored · GetYourGuide

Around here, on foot

Well-rated places within a short walk of Anek Kusala Sala (Viharn Sien), nearest first. Minutes are at an easy pace in the heat.

Experience hints

Hidden gem
Visitor favorite

Pair your visit. After Anek Kusala Sala (Viharn Sien), round out your day in Pattaya with contrasting stops nearby.

QXQ4+44G, Pattaya City, Bang Lamung District, Chon Buri 20150, Thailand

Open in Google Maps

More temples & culture nearby

All within 2.6 km of Anek Kusala Sala (Viharn Sien).

Viharn Sien

Viharn Sien

90 m walk4.6(3,545)
1000 หมู่ที่ 11 Muang Pattaya, Amphoe Bang Lamung, Chang Wat Chon Buri 20150, Thailand
A three-floor Chinese art museum dressed as a temple, and 50 baht buys you hours of it.
Wat Yan Sang Wararam Worawihan

Wat Yan Sang Wararam Worawihan

290 m walk4.5(531)
5001 Rural Road, Muang Pattaya, Amphoe Bang Lamung, Chang Wat Chon Buri 20150, Thailand
A peaceful Buddhist temple on a hillside near Pattaya, popular with locals and offering serene grounds to explore.
Wat Yanasangwararam

Wat Yanasangwararam

540 m walk4.7(3,557)
999 หมู่ 11 Muang Pattaya, Amphoe Bang Lamung, Chang Wat Chon Buri 20260, Thailand
Free to enter, huge, and quiet enough to hear the birds, but go early before the heat lands.
Buddha Mountain (Khao Chi Chan)

Buddha Mountain (Khao Chi Chan)

2.6 km away4.5(16,358)
Soi Khao Chi Chan, Tambon Na Chom Thian, Amphoe Sattahip
A giant Buddha outlined in gold on a quarried cliff south of Pattaya, free to see and a short drive from Wat Yansangwararam.

Tips for Visiting Temples & Culture

Mind Your Feet

Never point your feet at a Buddha image or a monk — it's considered deeply disrespectful. When sitting inside a temple, tuck your feet behind you or to the side.

Ask Before Photographing

Exterior photos are almost always fine, but some interior halls prohibit photography. Look for signs, and never pose irreverently with Buddha images — it's a legal offense in Thailand.

Go Early Morning

Big-name temples are dramatically less crowded in the first hour after opening. You'll also avoid the worst of the midday heat and get softer light for photos.

Anek Kusala Sala (Viharn Sien): Frequently Asked Questions

Is Anek Kusala Sala (Viharn Sien) worth visiting?

Anek Kusala Sala (Viharn Sien) holds a 4.7★ rating from 207 Google reviews, placing it among the highest-rated temples & culture in Pattaya.

What are the opening hours of Anek Kusala Sala (Viharn Sien)?

Anek Kusala Sala (Viharn Sien) is typically open 08:00–17:00 — see the full day-by-day schedule in the location info on this page. Hours can change on Thai public holidays, so check ahead for holiday visits.

When is the best time to visit Anek Kusala Sala (Viharn Sien)?

The best months to visit Pattaya are November – February, with the most reliable weather. Crowds peak in December – January — going early in the day usually means fewer people. Months to think twice about: September – October (wettest months).

Where is Anek Kusala Sala (Viharn Sien) located?

Anek Kusala Sala (Viharn Sien) is at QXQ4+44G, Pattaya City, Bang Lamung District, Chon Buri 20150, Thailand, in Pattaya. Getting around Pattaya: Baht buses (songthaews on fixed routes); Grab (widely available).

Also popular in Pattaya

Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Pattaya Camp 1
Sponsored

Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Pattaya Camp 1

4.8(1,468)$$$$
56/1-56/6, ตำบล เขาไม้แก้ว อำเภอบางละมุง ชลบุรี 20150, Thailand
You'll leave covered in mud, elephant saliva and probably worse, and that's the whole point.
Central Pattaya

Central Pattaya

4.5(37,725)
333/102 Thanon Pattayasaisong, ตำบล หนองปรือ, Amphoe Bang Lamung, Chang Wat Chon Buri 20260, Thailand
A big air-conditioned mall on Beach Road where the food court does the heavy lifting.
Moom Aroi Na Kluea

Moom Aroi Na Kluea

4.5(21,628)$$$$
83 4 Soi Na Kluea 4, Muang Pattaya, Amphoe Bang Lamung, Chang Wat Chon Buri 20150, Thailand
Big waterfront seafood hall where the prawns justify the premium, if you time it for sunset.
GRACE SPA

GRACE SPA

4.8(1,433)
202/266 หมู่ที่ 9 Muang Pattaya, Amphoe Bang Lamung, Chang Wat Chon Buri 20150, Thailand
A well-regarded Pattaya massage spa offering Thai, herb, and aroma oil treatments in a calm, cabin-like setting.

Similar Temples & Culture across Thailand

Wat Phra Kaew
Featured

Wat Phra Kaew

4.7(43,722)
Na Phra Lan Rd, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200
Go at 08:30 or don't bother, the Emerald Buddha's courtyards fill up fast and stay full until closing.
Koh Samet Temple

Koh Samet Temple

4.4(128)
HF98+QF6, Phe, Mueang Rayong District, Rayong 21160, Thailand
A hilltop Buddhist temple offering spiritual calm and scenic island views on Koh Samet.
Phra That Kham Kaen

Phra That Kham Kaen

4.7(2,697)
Ban Kham, Nam Phong District, Khon Kaen 40140, Thailand
A centuries-old Lao-style chedi an hour out of the city, best caught early before the heat sets in.
Doi Suthep Temple
Featured

Doi Suthep Temple

4.7(12,029)
Doi Suthep, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50200
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, the golden-chedi temple 15 km above Chiang Mai, up 306 naga steps. ฿30 for foreigners, best at first light.