Sight guide · Pattaya · Thailand
Visiting Wat Phra Yai (Big Buddha Hill)
A golden seated Buddha about 18 metres tall sits on top of Pratumnak Hill, reached by a staircase flanked by naga serpents.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Sergey S. Dukachev, CC BY-SA 3.0
Quick answer
Wat Phra Yai (Big Buddha Hill) is a religious site in Pratumnak Hill, Pattaya. Allow 45 minutes; it is free. Booking ahead is not usually needed.
Key facts
- Type
- Religious site
- Area
- Pratumnak Hill
- Time needed
- 45 minutes
- Cost
- Free
- Book ahead
- Not usually needed
- Good for
- free, views and history
- Best months
- March–April and October
About Wat Phra Yai (Big Buddha Hill)
A golden seated Buddha about 18 metres tall sits on top of Pratumnak Hill, reached by a staircase flanked by naga serpents. Smaller Buddha images for each day of the week surround it, and the terrace looks over Jomtien and the sea.
Tip: Find the Buddha image for the day of the week you were born and make a small offering, as Thai visitors do.
Plan your visit
- Time needed: 45 minutes.
- Cost: Free — no ticket needed for the main area.
- Book ahead: not usually needed; buy on arrival.
- Where: Pratumnak Hill, a green headland between Pattaya and Jomtien with viewpoints and small coves.
Best time to visit Wat Phra Yai (Big Buddha Hill)
To avoid the biggest crowds, aim for the quietest of the good months:
- October: 31°C (88°F) highs, about 16 rainy days, quiet crowds.
- March: 33°C (91°F) highs, about 4 rainy days, busy crowds.
- April: 34°C (93°F) highs, about 6 rainy days, busy crowds.
For the view at golden hour: in mid-October the sun sets at about 17:57 local time (calculated for Pattaya).
When to visit Pattaya has the full month-by-month picture.
Fit it into your trip
Our 3-day Pattaya itinerary visits Wat Phra Yai (Big Buddha Hill) on day 3, together with Jomtien Beach, Pattaya Viewpoint (Khao Phra Tamnak) and Tiffany's Show.
- No. 8 of the 18 sights in our Pattaya things-to-do list.
- Day 3 of the 5-day plan.
- Listed in free things to do in Pattaya.
Near Wat Phra Yai (Big Buddha Hill)
Also in Pratumnak Hill, so you can walk between them:
- Pattaya Viewpoint (Khao Phra Tamnak) — 45 minutes, free
If you like Wat Phra Yai (Big Buddha Hill)
- Wat Yansangwararam — Sattahip, 1–1.5 hours
Staying near Wat Phra Yai (Big Buddha Hill)
Stay in Pratumnak Hill ($$$) to walk here: a green headland between Pattaya and Jomtien with viewpoints and small coves. All areas to stay in Pattaya.
Questions travellers ask
+How long do you need at Wat Phra Yai (Big Buddha Hill)?
Plan 45 minutes. With Pattaya Viewpoint (Khao Phra Tamnak) nearby, it fits a half-day in Pratumnak Hill.
+Is Wat Phra Yai (Big Buddha Hill) free?
Yes, it is free to visit.
+When is the best time to visit Wat Phra Yai (Big Buddha Hill)?
March–April and October, the quietest of the good months. Find the Buddha image for the day of the week you were born and make a small offering, as Thai visitors do.
+Do I need to book Wat Phra Yai (Big Buddha Hill) in advance?
Usually not: you can decide on the day.