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ThailandWhich temple to choose in Pattaya?
The choice depends on your goals and how much free time you have. Click on the card to jump straight to the description:
For a first introduction
Choose Big Buddha Temple. Free, close to the center, easy to combine with the viewpoint.
For photos and architecture
Go to the Sanctuary of Truth. Pricey, but the unique wooden structure is impressive.
For peace and quiet
Head to Wat Yan. Few tourists, beautiful nature, you can escape the bustle.
For a taste of home
Visit All Saints Orthodox Church. The atmosphere feels almost like home, you can light candles.
For vibrant colorful photos
Don't be lazy to drive to the Chinese Temple Na Ja. Far, but its beauty is impressive.
For those who like unusual things
Check out the Heaven and Hell Temple. Not for everyone, but definitely memorable.
Our advice: If you only have 2–3 days in Pattaya, stick to Big Buddha and the Sanctuary of Truth. They'll give you a first taste of Buddhist culture and temple architecture without taking too much time on the road. Save the other temples for your next trip or combine them with other attractions.
What temples are there in Pattaya
In Pattaya and its surroundings, there are several religious sites that differ greatly in atmosphere, distance, and visiting rules. Here are the seven main ones that tourists most often visit:
Big Buddha Temple (Wat Phra Yai)
An active temple on a hilltop with an 18-meter golden Buddha statue. People come here not so much for the architecture (it's more modest here than in Bangkok), but for the peaceful atmosphere and unusual statues — particularly the "Emaciated Buddha" during his ascetic period. This makes a great addition to a walk to the neighboring Pratamnak Hill with its viewpoint. Entry is free, but remember the dress code: covered shoulders and no shorts above the knee. Easy to reach on foot from the Pratamnak or northern Jomtien areas, or by songthaew. In our opinion, this is the minimum must-see for a first introduction to Buddhist culture.
More about Big Buddha Temple — photos, video, and full description
Practical information
🕐 Opening hours: daily from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
💵 Entry fee: free (donations welcome).
🚶 How to get there: Big Buddha Hill on the Pattaya map. From the center, about 2 km on foot from Walking Street or the Pratamnak area. By songthaew (15 baht) – get off at the turn to the hill and walk 500 meters.
Sanctuary of Truth
A giant wooden structure by the sea, 105 meters tall, every inch covered in unique carvings. Tourist reviews of this place are mixed: some consider it a masterpiece and a great photo spot, others think it's overrated. The entry ticket isn't cheap, and the visit is in a hard hat (restoration work is constantly underway inside). There's a strict dress code: covered shoulders and no short shorts or skirts. If you appreciate architecture and are willing to pay for the experience – this is your choice. Best reached by taxi.
More about the Sanctuary of Truth — photos, video, and full description
Practical information
🕐 Opening hours: daily from 08:00 to 19:30.
💵 Entry fee: daytime visit (08:00–17:00) – 500 baht (15.12 USD); evening with show (18:20–19:30) – 700 baht (21.16 USD); children under 140 cm – free. Online on aggregators is often cheaper.
🚶 How to get there: Sanctuary of Truth on the map. Located in the northern Naklua area, walking is very far. By taxi from 100 baht from the center. Budget option: by songthaew along Naklua Road to Soi 12, then almost 2 km on foot towards the beach.
Wat Yan Temple (Wat Yanasangwararam)
One of the most beautiful and significant temples near Pattaya – a snow-white stupa that, according to legend, houses Buddha's relics, and a lake with real pink lotuses. The complex features Buddhist pavilions in the styles of eight countries (Thailand, India, Japan, China, and others), making it unique. It's worth climbing the hill to the Buddha's footprint (300 steps or an asphalt road by car) – photography inside is not allowed. Entry is free, quiet, green, and not touristy at all. If you're tired of noisy Pattaya, this is definitely worth a visit, especially since Buddha Mountain (Khao Chi Chan) is nearby.
More about Wat Yan Temple — photos, video, and full description
Practical information
🕐 Opening hours: daily from 08:00 to 17:00.
💵 Entry fee: free.
🚶 How to get there: located about 20 km south of Pattaya (Wat Yan Temple on the map). Only by taxi or rented transport – no public transport. The temple is also included in many sightseeing tours of the southern surroundings. Free parking available.
Buddha Mountain (Khao Chi Chan)
This is a mountain on which a huge seated Buddha image, 130 meters high and 70 meters wide, has been laser-engraved. Created in honor of the 50th anniversary of King Rama IX's reign in 1996, the lines are filled with gold. The impression from visiting is truly powerful: when you stand at the foot, you realize the scale of the work. Around it are well-maintained gardens and ponds, cared for by the Royal Marine Corps. Despite the tourists, there's a sense of peace here. Especially beautiful at sunset. Entry is free, but in our opinion, it's not worth coming here specifically – only if you're passing through.
More about Buddha Mountain — photos, video, and full description
Practical information
🕐 Opening hours: daily from 08:00 to 18:00.
💵 Entry fee: free.
🚶 How to get there: the mountain is about 20 km south of Pattaya (Khao Chi Chan on the map), only by taxi or rental. The mountain visit is included in many sightseeing tours.
All Saints Orthodox Church
All Saints Church is the first Orthodox church of the Russian Orthodox Church in Thailand. It's located in the northern area of Pattaya – Naklua, on Soi 16. Built in the traditional style of Orthodox monasteries, with white stone walls and golden domes, it stands out against the general backdrop. It was opened in 2008 and consecrated in 2009. Inside – a typical Orthodox church: a small space, many icons, the smell of incense. All traditional rites are performed here: baptisms, weddings, funerals. The rector is Archpriest Daniil (Vanna). If you miss the familiar atmosphere, you can come here just to sit in silence.
Practical information
🕐 Opening hours: daily from 08:00 to 20:00. Services usually at 9:00 AM and 6:00 PM.
💵 Entry fee: free entry. Candles are available freely, donations welcome.
🚶 How to get there: the church is located at 275/82 Moo 5, Soi Pattaya Naklua 16 (All Saints Church on the map). If you're in Naklua, you can walk. From the center or Jomtien – take a songthaew to the dolphin fountain, then transfer to a songthaew to Naklua. From there, it's about 10–15 minutes on foot. Taxi will cost 100–200 baht.
Chinese Temple Na Ja (Na Jasa Tai Chue Shrine)
One of the most impressive and richly decorated Chinese temples near Pattaya – over 2,840 images and statues of dragons adorn its walls, roofs, and interiors. The temple has four levels, and you can climb the stairs to the top and step out onto the balcony that runs around the perimeter – offering a picturesque view of the surroundings. Entry is free, no strict dress code. It's more than 50 km from Pattaya towards Bangkok, so it's best to get there by rental car or with a tour. If you've already seen the main sights, this is definitely worth a visit for its unique architecture and vibrant photos.
More about Na Ja Temple — photos, video, and full description
Practical information
🕐 Opening hours: daily from 08:00 to 17:00.
💵 Entry fee: free.
🚶 How to get there: located in the Ang Sila area, more than 50 km from Pattaya towards Bangkok (Na Ja Temple on the map). Best option – rental car (1–1.5 hours) or motorbike (about 2 hours). Free parking available. Group tours are also available (usually combined with Khao Kheow Zoo or the Heaven and Hell Temple).
Heaven and Hell Temple (Wang Saen Suk)
A Buddhist outdoor sculpture park that vividly shows what awaits sinners in the afterlife: scenes of hellish torment – boiling in cauldrons, tongues being ripped out, molten metal poured into mouths. Thais specifically bring their children here for educational purposes: so they can see with their own eyes what theft, lies, drunkenness, and other misdeeds lead to. Entry is free, 10–15 minutes is enough for exploring. Located about 40 km from Pattaya towards Bangkok, so it's better to combine with other attractions (like the Chinese Temple Na Ja).
More about the Heaven and Hell Temple — photos, video, and full description
Practical information
🕐 Opening hours: daily from 06:00 to 18:00.
💵 Entry fee: free.
🚶 How to get there: located in the town of Bang Saen, about 40 km north of Pattaya (Heaven and Hell Temple on the map). Best by rental car (about an hour on Sukhumvit Highway) or with a group tour. Also possible by taxi.
Comparison table of Pattaya's temples
To make it easier for you to choose, we've gathered all the key parameters in one table. Pay attention to the cost, distance, and dress code strictness – these are often the deciding factors.
| Temple | Atmosphere | Distance from center | Entry | Dress code | Opening hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Big Buddha Temple | Peaceful, active temple | 2 km (walking) | Free | Strict (shoulders/knees covered) | 08:00–22:00 |
| Sanctuary of Truth | Touristy, architectural | ~5 km (taxi) | 500–700 baht | Strict (shoulders/knees covered) | 08:00–19:30 |
| Wat Yan | Secluded, park-like | ~20 km (taxi) | Free | Strict (shoulders/knees covered) | 08:00–17:00 |
| Buddha Mountain | Peaceful, panoramic | ~20 km (taxi) | Free | Not strict | 08:00–18:00 |
| Orthodox Church | Homely, cozy | ~4 km (taxi) | Free | Regular (not strict) | 08:00–20:00 |
| Chinese Temple Na Ja | Impressive, colorful | ~50 km (car) | Free | Not strict | 08:00–17:00 |
| Heaven and Hell Temple | Unusual, instructive | ~40 km (car) | Free | Not strict | 06:00–18:00 |
Practical tips for visiting temples
To make your visit comfortable and without awkward situations, remember a few simple rules:
- Dress code: For Buddhist temples, covered shoulders and knees are mandatory. Even if entry is free, you may not be allowed in. Bring a light shawl or pareo.
- Footwear: You need to remove your shoes before entering the temple. It's best to wear flip-flops that are easy to take off and put on.
- Behavior: Don't turn your back to Buddha statues, don't touch them, and don't take selfies in inappropriate places. Try to speak quietly.
- Time: The best time to visit is morning (before noon) or evening (after 4:00 PM), when the heat subsides and there are fewer tourists.
- Transport: Many temples are far from the center. If you're not in a car, budget for a taxi (Grab, Bolt) or look for group tours – often it's cheaper.
- Cash: For donations or buying tickets on site, always have small bills (baht) with you.
And if you want to explore all of Pattaya's attractions, including parks and viewpoints, read our complete guide: