Na Ja Chinese Temple (Na Jasa Tai Chue Shrine) in Pattaya: Photos, Map, Visiting Tips

Description and Is It Worth Visiting

Na Ja Temple (full name – Na Jasa Tai Chue Shrine, also known as Thep Sathit Phra Kiti Chalerm) is a grand Chinese Buddhist temple located in the Ang Sila area, about 50 km from Pattaya. It is one of the brightest and most unusual attractions in the region, often included in excursion routes.

The temple impresses with its scale and rich decoration. The main building consists of four levels, with the top level accessible via a perimeter balcony offering picturesque views of the surroundings. The architecture is significantly different from typical Thai temples with golden pagodas and sloping roofs: there is an incredible number of dragons – they say there are over 2840 images and statues. This place is rightfully considered one of the most beautiful and richly decorated temples not only in the Pattaya area but throughout Thailand.

The temple has great significance for the Chinese community. According to legend, there used to be a small wooden provincial temple in a fishing village on this site. Among the local Chinese, rumors spread that it brought wealth – and soon a flow of believers and donations poured in. With these funds, the modern majestic complex was built. The expansion project was even coordinated with the royal family, although it does not have royal status.

The complex grounds include several buildings. The main prayer hall is a four-level structure, inside which you can see many statues of Chinese saints, altars, and, of course, dragons. The interiors amaze with their detail and brightness. On the upper level, there is a balcony with an excellent view of the surroundings.

There is no strict dress code when visiting, but we recommend respecting the faith and not coming in overly revealing clothing, with bare shoulders, or in mini-skirts. You should allow at least 30 minutes for visiting the temple, and if you plan to combine it with other attractions in this direction (Heaven and Hell Temple, Glass Bridge Temple, Khao Kheow Zoo), it's better to allocate a full day.

Is it worth going specifically? Na Ja Temple is a truly impressive place, one of the top attractions near Pattaya. If you've already seen the main sights of the city and want to see something unusual and grand – it's definitely worth coming here. However, due to the distance (over 50 km from Pattaya), we recommend combining it with other points on the route so you don't spend half a day just on the road. In our opinion, the temple definitely deserves attention and leaves very vivid impressions.