Half an hour south of town, Khao Chi Chan Pattaya is that huge golden Buddha drawn by laser onto a limestone cliff. You can see it from afar, entry costs nothing and it pairs perfectly with Wat Yansangwararam temple. Here is how to plan a relaxed half-day without getting caught out by the heat.
A golden Buddha carved into the rock
The Khao Chi Chan Buddha was created from 1996 to mark the 50th anniversary of King Rama IX’s reign. The design was drawn on a computer, then traced into the rock face by laser, and the lines were filled with gold leaf. The result is a seated figure in the pose of victory over Mara, around 130 metres tall and 70 metres wide according to Thai sources (some guides give 109 metres in height instead).
The cliff still bears the marks of old stone quarrying. At its foot, a well-kept park with lawns, lotus ponds and small pavilions lets you step back for photos. There is also a small shrine where Thai people come to pray: it is not a backdrop, it is a place of worship.
How to get there from Pattaya or Jomtien
Khao Chi Chan lies roughly 15 to 20 km south of central Pattaya, in Sattahip district. From Jomtien the trip is a little shorter. No regular bus serves the site, so you have three options:
- Grab or Bolt: about 20 to 30 minutes’ drive. Expect roughly 250 to 350 THB one way from the centre (prices noted in 2026, check in the app).
- Taxi or private songthaew with waiting time: around 400 to 600 THB return, to be agreed before you get in. This is often the easiest choice, as finding a car back is not guaranteed.
- Scooter or car: head south on Sukhumvit Road, then follow the signs inland for about 6 km. Parking is free or almost free.
If you are planning your stay, my guide to things to do in Pattaya will help you fit this outing into your schedule.
Opening hours, entry, best times and dress code
The site is open every day, usually from 6am to 6pm. Entry is free; donation boxes are available if you would like to leave 20 or 50 THB. The Buddha is not lit at night, so there is no point going after sunset.
The best time is early morning or late afternoon, after 4pm. Between 11am and 3pm the heat is harsh, the light flattens the gold and there is little shade. The dry season, from November to February, usually brings the clearest skies.
As for clothing, cover your shoulders and knees: this is a religious site, and the rule is even stricter at the nearby temples. A T-shirt and light trousers or a long skirt are enough. Bring a hat, water and sun cream too.
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Wat Yansangwararam and the surroundings
Wat Yansangwararam
Close by, Wat Yansangwararam, often called Wat Yan, is a vast royal monastery founded in 1976 at the initiative of Somdet Phra Nyanasamvara, later Supreme Patriarch, under the patronage of King Rama IX. The grounds, set around a lake, feature pavilions inspired by several countries, from India to Japan, and even a Swiss-style building. Entry is free and the site can be visited during the day, roughly from 8am to 5pm.
Silverlake
The Silverlake estate, about ten minutes away by car, is mainly worth it for the scenery: a large reservoir, hills, flower-lined paths and Italian-style buildings. Part of the estate is free to enter, and the light is superb late in the day. Stated opening hours vary between sources (closing around 5pm or 6pm), so check on site.
Viharn Sien
Viharn Sien, also known as Anek Kusala Sala, about 15 km south of Pattaya, is a museum-temple devoted to Chinese art and beliefs: ancient ceramics, statues and replicas of the terracotta warriors of Xi’an. Entry is 50 THB, and it is open roughly from 8am to 5pm on weekdays and until 5.30pm at weekends. It is a good add-on if you like quiet places and fine details.
A typical half-day
Here is the plan I recommend, starting from Pattaya or Jomtien:
- 7.30am: set off by Grab or with a driver booked for the morning.
- 8am: Khao Chi Chan, photos in the soft light and a stroll through the park (30 to 45 minutes).
- 9am: Wat Yansangwararam, the lake and the pavilions, at your own pace (about 1 hour).
- 10.30am: Viharn Sien or a photo stop at Silverlake, as you prefer.
- 12pm: back to Pattaya for lunch, before the worst of the heat.
In the afternoon, the reverse order works too: Wat Yan around 3pm, Khao Chi Chan after 4pm, then Silverlake for sunset. And for another spectacular visit in town, do not miss the Sanctuary of Truth.
Mr Schaka’s practical tips
- Agree on the return fare with waiting time before you leave, and be clear about how long you will stay.
- Keep a scarf or a light shirt in your bag to enter the temples.
- Take off your shoes when asked and never point your feet towards a statue.
- Do not climb on the low walls for a photo: the guards will step in, and rightly so.
- Carry small notes for donations, drinks and toilets.
- Check the weather: after a shower, the freshly washed sky makes the gold shine even brighter.
Frequently asked questions
Is there an entry fee at Khao Chi Chan?
No, entry is free. Donations are welcome but entirely optional.
How much time should I allow on site?
Allow 30 to 45 minutes for the Buddha and the park, and half a day if you add Wat Yansangwararam and another nearby site.
Can I get there by public transport?
Not really: no regular bus serves the site. The most practical options are Grab, a taxi that waits for you, or a scooter if you are comfortable on the road.
To go further
Mr Schaka’s guidebook, Pattaya – The Practical Guide, covers the essentials: transport, neighbourhoods, addresses, food, etiquette and safety, updated for 2026–2027.
