Twelve temples, from Wat Phra Yai's hilltop Buddha and the Sanctuary of Truth to the royal temple park at Wat Yansangwararam.
Pattaya's temples fall into two groups. In town, Wat Phra Yai's golden Buddha, Wat Khao Phra Bat and the Chinese temple Wang Sam Sien share Pratumnak Hill, and Wat Chai Mongkron and Wat Nong Oo are in the city itself. About 15 to 20 km south, Wat Yansangwararam, Viharn Sien, Buddha Mountain and Wat Huai Yai are close enough together for one half-day by taxi.
The Sanctuary of Truth is the one big ticket, about ฿500, and it's a carved monument rather than a working temple. Most of the others are free. Cover your shoulders and knees and take your shoes off before going into any hall.
The big golden Buddha on Pratumnak Hill between Pattaya and Jomtien, up a naga stairway, with views over both bays. Free to enter. The Chinese temple Wang Sam Sien is in front of it and Wat Khao Phra Bat is a short walk north.
A temple-sized monument of carved teak on the Naklua shore, built without nails and still under construction since 1981. It's a religious-art project rather than a working temple, and entry is about ฿500, less online.
A working royal monastery in central South Pattaya, at South Pattaya Road and Second Road, a short walk from Walking Street. It's the temple locals use, free to enter and quiet away from the main hall.
Where to stay
My pick at each price level in Pattaya, going by Google's hotel class. Hotels from my ranked list of the 10 best come first, then the best-reviewed. Each button opens the hotel on Booking.com with your dates filled in.
#1Luxury · 5-star
Arbour Hotel and Residence Pattaya4.9 (12,604 reviews)
A highly regarded Pattaya hotel offering spacious rooms with kitchenettes, a rooftop pool, spa, and restaurant.
Check rates
A vast royal-patronage temple park about 15 to 20 km south, with halls in Thai, Chinese, Indian and Japanese styles, a lake and a replica Buddha footprint. Free to enter, open 08:00 to 17:00, and you'll need a taxi or scooter.
A giant seated Buddha outlined in gold on a cliff near Wat Yansangwararam, made in 1996 for King Bhumibol's 50th year on the throne. It's a view and a photo stop rather than a temple, so pair it with Wat Yan and Viharn Sien.
A small hilltop temple on Pratumnak Hill, next to the Big Buddha, with shrines and one of the best views over Pattaya Bay. Free, and open until 18:00.
Klook's best-reviewed Pattaya tours, with today's prices. Most cancel free up to 24 hours ahead.
A working temple on Jomtien Beach Road with a monks' hall and evening chanting, an easy stop if you're staying in Jomtien.
A free Chinese temple right in front of the Big Buddha on Pratumnak Hill, with dragon, Lao Tzu and emperor statues and scenes from Chinese history.
A gilded temple in central South Pattaya, with a reclining Buddha and a Ganesha shrine in its grounds, often written Wat Nong Ao.
A quiet temple off Sukhumvit Road in North Pattaya, with a white sanctuary, a large golden Buddha and a naga-lined lake, and hardly any tourists.
A Chinese temple-museum at the entrance to Wat Yansangwararam, three floors of bronze deities, terracotta warrior replicas and Chinese art. Entry is ฿50, and it's open to 17:00 on weekdays.
A large, ornate working temple in Huay Yai, south of the city, where local families come to make merit, with gilded statues, shrines and chedis. Open 05:00 to 20:00.
Wat Phra Yai, the Big Buddha temple on Pratumnak Hill. The Sanctuary of Truth is better known, but it's a carved wooden monument, not a working temple.
About ฿500 at the gate, and usually less booked online. It opens at 08:00.
Yes, Wat Phra Yai is free to enter. Wat Khao Phra Bat, a short walk north along the hill, has the view over Pattaya Bay, and Wang Sam Sien, the Chinese temple, is in front of the Buddha.
If you have half a day, yes. It's a royal-patronage temple park of about 145 acres, free and open from 08:00 to 17:00, and Viharn Sien and Buddha Mountain are a few minutes away, so one taxi covers all three. It's 15 to 20 km south of central Pattaya.
Cover your shoulders and knees, so no singlets, short shorts or short skirts, and take your shoes off before going into any building.
