Wat Phra Yai

★ 4.6 (16,595 reviews) 🏄 Activities 📍 Pattaya ⭐ Rob's Pick

Rob's take

"The Big Buddha on Pratumnak Hill — a short climb to a gilded 18-metre Buddha, a cluster of shrines and one of the best free views over the bay. It's a working temple, so cover shoulders and knees. Go early morning or late afternoon for the light and to dodge the coaches; it's ten minutes from the beach."

Wat Phra Yai is a thing to do in Pattaya, within the greater Pattaya area of Chon Buri, Thailand, and one of Rob's picks on this guide. It's rated 4.6★ on Google.

Wat Phra Yai, the Big Buddha Temple, sits on a hilltop between central Pattaya and Jomtien and is crowned by a massive golden Buddha statue. Beyond the shrine you'll find many smaller statues, a Chinese zodiac area and stalls selling ritual offerings. A viewpoint at the top gives a panoramic outlook over the city, particularly good at sunset. Entry is free, though respectful dress is expected.

Curated in Pattaya · Last updated July 2026

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Wat Phra Yai — Activities in Pattaya, Pattaya — Photo: Wilson HO via Google

What people say

Huge golden Buddha statue that feels calm, devotional and impressive up close
Panoramic city viewpoint at the top, best at sunset or when the lights come on
Free entry and easy to reach by car or motorbike, with only a short climb
Well-maintained, clean grounds that stay peaceful despite being popular
Dress respectfully — no shorts or sleeveless tops

Common questions

Is Wat Phra Yai worth visiting?

Wat Phra Yai holds a 4.6★ average across 16,595 Google reviews, so it's well regarded by the people who go. It's also one of our hand-picked spots on Things To Do In Pattaya.

Where is Wat Phra Yai, and how do I get there?

Wat Phra Yai is in Pattaya, within the greater Pattaya area of Chon Buri, Thailand. Use the map on this page and tap "Get directions" to open turn-by-turn navigation in Google Maps.

What do visitors say about Wat Phra Yai?

Recurring themes from reviews include: huge golden Buddha statue that feels calm, devotional and impressive up close; panoramic city viewpoint at the top, best at sunset or when the lights come on; free entry and easy to reach by car or motorbike, with only a short climb; well-maintained, clean grounds that stay peaceful despite being popular.