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Temples & Culture
Pattaya

Viharn Sien

4.6(3,545 reviews)

Most people turn up expecting a temple and leave having done a museum. Anek Kusala Sala, "The Abode of the Gods", is a Chinese imperial-style complex about 20 minutes from central Pattaya, and the collection inside is the point: life-size Terracotta Warriors, a jade Guanyin, golden dragons, ceramics going back 3,000 years, Shang dynasty vessels. It was built in 1987 as a gift to the King of Thailand for his 60th birthday, with statues donated by the Chinese government. That backstory explains the quality of what's on the walls and in the cases.

Three floors, and none of them are a quick walk-through. Give it a couple of hours minimum, and eat first, because you'll be in there longer than you plan. If you can get a local guide, do it. The pieces mean far more with someone explaining the dynasties and how the foundation came together. Without one, plenty of it is just beautiful objects behind glass. Not one for restless kids.

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Experience hints

Visitor favorite

Reviews from Google

🚨 Just 20 minutes from Pattaya is a REAL Chinese imperial palace hidden in plain sight! 🏯 Golden dragons, a jade Goddess Guanyin, life-size Terracotta Warriors and… ceramics that are 3,000 YEARS old! Viharn Sien (Anek Kusala Sala) isn’t just a temple-museum. It’s one of the most impressive collections of Chinese artifacts outside China. Built in 1987 as a gift to the King of Thailand for his 60th birthday. The Chinese government donated statues, and inside you’ll find ancient Shang dynasty vases, bronze, jade, and replicas of Qin Shi Huang’s warriors that look incredibly real. Entrance fee — only 50 baht. Less than a Starbucks coffee. But the experience? Absolutely priceless. If you’ve been there — drop your photos in the comments and let’s blow up the feed! 🔥

There's a lot of parking. Ticket 50THB per person (cash only) at ticket booth across the road. Suggest having lunch before get inside, because there's a LOT to see. We went through all 3 floors and that's worth every steps.

​Viharn Sien, officially known as Anek Kusala Sala (The Abode of the Gods), is an often-overlooked cultural gem near Pattaya that offers a fascinating and deeply educational afternoon. Housed within a structure designed in the style of a grand Chinese temple, this museum serves as one of the most important repositories of Chinese art and artifacts outside of China itself. ​The moment you step inside, the sheer scale and variety of the collection are overwhelming. The complex is a multi-story journey through centuries of history, showcasing cultural ties between China and Thailand. ​An Unbelievable Collection ​The museum’s most famous draw—and the highlight of our visit—is the spectacular array of Terracotta Soldiers. Seeing these life-sized, clay figures, including detailed replicas of warriors, horses, and chariots, instantly transports you to the tombs of ancient Chinese emperors. This display alone makes the visit worthwhile, offering a rare glimpse of history. ​But the collection is much broader. We spent hours exploring the thousands of statues and artifacts, which include magnificent jade carvings, bronze works, and ancient Chinese pottery. The diversity extends wonderfully to Thai heritage, with dedicated sections displaying beautiful pieces of teak wood Thai art, traditional instruments, and models of Thai houses, making it a comprehensive cultural experience. ​Ambience and Experience ​The architecture itself is a marvel, embodying the elegant style of a royal Chinese temple. Although the building is large, the meticulous organization of the exhibits keeps the experience engaging rather than exhausting. It truly made for an "educational and interesting afternoon," providing context and insight into the artistic and spiritual heritage of both nations. ​Viharn Sien is highly recommended for history buffs, art lovers, and anyone seeking a cultural escape from the usual Pattaya attractions. Plan to spend at least two to three hours here to properly appreciate the sheer volume of priceless pieces.

A sample of visitor reviews from Google. Read all 3,545 reviews on Google.

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Viharn Sien: Frequently Asked Questions

Is Viharn Sien worth visiting?

Viharn Sien holds a 4.6★ rating from 3,545 Google reviews, placing it among the highest-rated temples & culture in Pattaya.

What are the opening hours of Viharn Sien?

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 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: June – October (rainy, rough seas).

Where is Viharn Sien located?

Viharn Sien is at 1000 หมู่ที่ 11 Muang Pattaya, Amphoe Bang Lamung, Chang Wat Chon Buri 20150, Thailand, in Pattaya. Getting around Pattaya: Baht buses (songthaews on fixed routes); Grab (widely available).

Location Info

1000 หมู่ที่ 11 Muang Pattaya, Amphoe Bang Lamung, Chang Wat Chon Buri 20150, Thailand+66 38 343 555www.facebook.com/viharnrasien
Opening Hours
Monday08:00–17:00
Tuesday08:00–17:00
Wednesday08:00–17:00
Thursday08:00–17:00
Friday08:00–17:00
Saturday08:00–17:30
Sunday08:00–17:30

Visitor Information

Best time to visit

November – February

Avoid: June – October (rainy, rough seas)

Rainy season

May – October

Avg. temperature

24°C – 33°C(75°F – 91°F)

Crowds

High

Peak: December – January

Getting there

Minibus from Suvarnabhumi Airport (~1.5 hrs). Bus from Bangkok's Eastern Bus Terminal Ekkamai (~2 hrs). No direct train.

Getting around

  • Baht buses (songthaews on fixed routes)
  • Grab (widely available)
  • Motorbike taxis
  • Ferry to Koh Larn island

Where to stay near Viharn Sien

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Tips for Visiting Temples & Culture

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.

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.

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