Wat Nong Yai
Tucked away in North Pattaya, this functioning Buddhist temple offers a genuine contrast to the area's commercial attractions. The grounds are centred around a striking white shrine surrounded by colourful smaller shrines, a large golden Buddha image, and a small lake — all set within a well-maintained complex that retains an authentically local atmosphere. Unlike many temples closer to Pattaya's tourist core, Wat Nong Yai sees predominantly local worshippers, giving visitors a more unfiltered experience of Thai Buddhist life and architecture.
The temple grounds are spacious enough to explore at a relaxed pace, with most visitors spending around 30 minutes taking in the various buildings and shrines. The active prayer areas serve the local community daily, so the sense of spiritual purpose here is genuine rather than performative. The site is conveniently located near Mini Siam, making it easy to combine both into a single outing.
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Experience hints
Pair your visit. After Wat Nong Yai, round out your day in Pattaya with contrasting stops nearby.
Reviews from Google
A peaceful Buddhist temple in North Pattaya, away from crowds of tourists. Beautiful white shrine and colorful shrines and a functioning temple prayer area are the centerpieces of this temple. There are smaller shrines to various gods and goddesses like Ganesha and the Goddess of Harmony. One of the shrines has a basement prayer area. Dress conservatively, cover shoulders and legs. A giant Buddha awaits you at the end of your visit with a hundred and eight bells to strike.
We visited on 28 April 2025. 🙏🏻 Nice and peaceful temple visit. Lots of parking spaces.
I combined a visit here with Mini Siam very close by to make a nice day out. Several beautiful Temple Buildings here, although I couldn't go inside. Also a little lake and Golden Buddha at the far end of the site.
A sample of visitor reviews from Google. Read all 434 reviews on Google.
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Wat Nong Yai: Frequently Asked Questions
Is Wat Nong Yai worth visiting?
Wat Nong Yai holds a 4.7★ rating from 434 Google reviews, placing it among the highest-rated temples & culture in Pattaya.
What are the opening hours of Wat Nong Yai?
Wat Nong Yai is typically open 07:00-18:00 — 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 Wat Nong Yai?
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 Wat Nong Yai located?
Wat Nong Yai is at XW25+R73, Pattaya City, Bang Lamung District, Chon Buri 20150, Thailand, in Pattaya. Getting around Pattaya: Baht buses (songthaews on fixed routes); Grab (widely available).
Location Info
XW25+R73, Pattaya City, Bang Lamung District, Chon Buri 20150, Thailandwww.facebook.com/Watnongyai/?mibextid=ZbWKwLVisitor 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
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 Wat Nong Yai
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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.
Nearby Places
Mini Siam
Scale-model landmarks in a walkable park, best in the late afternoon when the models light up.
Piya Silapakan Museum of Art Pattaya
A charming art museum, gallery, and café space fostering Pattaya's creative community since its founding.
PADO MEDIA ART SPACE
Immersive digital art space in Pattaya with floor-to-ceiling light projections and multi-sensory installations.
Wat Photi Samphan
A working local temple minutes from the resort strip, where merit-making costs 100 baht and roosters run the grounds.
Similar Temples & Culture Across Thailand
Wat Phra Kaew
Go at 08:30 or don't bother, the Emerald Buddha's courtyards fill up fast and stay full until closing.
Doi Suthep Temple
Go at first light, before the tour vans arrive, and the golden chedi and the whole Chiang Mai valley are yours.
The Grand Palace
Go at 08:30 sharp, cover your shoulders and legs, and give it three hours rather than one.
Wat Arun
Porcelain-covered spires best seen late afternoon, and yes, the midday heat on those grounds is brutal.
Where to stay near Wat Nong Yai
Find hotels in Pattaya on the booking sites travellers trust most.
- Compare prices across sites
- Filter for free cancellation
- Secure checkout on the partner site
Compare rates on Booking.com
Largest selection
Compare rates on Expedia
Bundle & save
Compare rates on Hotels.com
Member prices
We may earn a commission from bookings made through these links — at no extra cost to you. Learn more.
Location Info
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
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