Wat Phra Yai

Wat Phra Yai is a peaceful and beautiful temple located at a height, offering a great view of Pattaya city. There is no entry ticket, which makes it an easy and worthwhile stop while exploring the area. The temple is walkable, but taking a cab is recommended, especially if you want a more comfortable journey uphill. There are a few small shops near the temple selling souvenirs and refreshments. Proper clothing is required to enter the temple, but if you are not dressed appropriately, they provide cloths to wrap around, which is very helpful for visitors. At first glance, the stairs may look intimidating, but don’t get scared by the number of steps. I explored a side stairway, which had around 10–15 proper steps and made reaching the top quite easy. From the top, you get a lovely view of Pattaya city. Don’t forget to visit the nearby viewing point as well—it offers another great spot for photos and city views. Overall, Wat Phra Yai is a calm and scenic place that’s definitely worth visiting when in Pattaya.

Big Buddha Temple (Wat Phra Yai) is one of the must-visit landmarks in Pattaya. The massive golden Buddha statue is impressive and instantly gives a peaceful, spiritual vibe the moment you arrive. The highlight for me was the viewpoint at the top you get a beautiful panoramic view of Pattaya city, especially great for photos during the evening. The temple grounds are well maintained, clean, and calm despite being popular with tourists. Entrance is free, but remember to dress respectfully (no shorts or sleeveless tops). There’s a short staircase to reach the top, but it’s manageable and totally worth it. Overall, it’s a perfect break from Pattaya’s busy nightlife peaceful, cultural, and scenic. Highly recommended whether you’re visiting solo or with family.

I visited Wat Phra Yai with my son and took a Grab taxi from our hotel, which was very convenient. The temple was quite crowded, but still peaceful and beautiful. Since I was wearing shorts, I had to cover up with a wrap around before entering, so it’s good to dress modestly or carry something to cover yourself. They provide wraps for free of cost. The climb up is very easy with only a few stairs, so it’s suitable even if you’re visiting with kids. At the top, there are many beautiful Buddha statues, and the main golden Buddha statue is very impressive. It’s definitely a must-visit place in Pattaya for its spiritual atmosphere and lovely views.