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ThailandDescription and is it worth visiting
Pratamnak Hill (Khao Phra Tam Nak / Phra Tamnak Hill) – this is Pattaya's main viewpoint, located between the central part of the city and Jomtien. Unlike the neighboring hill where the Big Buddha Temple is located, people come here primarily for the panoramic views. From here, you get a stunning view of the city beach, the Gulf of Thailand, Bali Hai Pier, and even parts of Jomtien. In good weather, you can see far beyond the horizon.
The second important feature at the top is the monument to Prince Chumphon (Krom Luang Chumphon Khet Udomsak), revered in Thailand as the father of the royal fleet. Locals and sailors bring flowers and incense here, so you should behave respectfully in front of the shrine: covered shoulders and knees are also recommended here, though there's no strict control like at the Big Buddha Temple. Many travelers combine both hills in one go – they're close to each other, and you can walk between them in about 20–30 minutes.
There's a small cafe at the top (mostly a coffee van or coffee truck) selling drinks and ice cream. Along the way, you'll find benches, gazebos, and telescopes – for 10 baht, you can get a detailed look at distant objects. On the slope of the hill (slightly below the main viewpoint), there are huge "PATTAYA CITY" letters, clearly visible from the city center and Bali Hai Pier. There's also a designated viewing area here where tourists love to take photos. And the mountain itself is almost completely covered by Pratamnak Park – with jogging paths, outdoor exercise equipment (calisthenics and pull-up bars), benches, and shady trails for relaxation. It's a great spot for a morning or evening run with scenic views.
In our opinion, this viewpoint is a must-visit for everyone coming to Pattaya. Even if you don't plan to stay long – just go up, take a few shots, and leave – the views are worth it. Local tour operators often include it in their free city tours, but getting there on your own is also easy. The best time to visit is in the morning (before the heat) or closer to sunset, when the sky turns orange and pink.
🕐 Opening hours
The main viewing area near the monument is open from 7:30 AM to 7:00 PM or 8:00 PM (sources vary). However, there's a small 24-hour area near the parking lot. The PATTAYA CITY letters are accessible anytime and are lit up in the evening.
💵 Admission fee / ticket prices
Visiting the viewpoint is free. Using the telescope usually costs 10 baht (0.3 USD). A souvenir photo on a decorative plate or mug can be ordered for 200 baht (6.09 USD).
🚶 How to get there
Pratamnak Hill is located between central Pattaya and Jomtien, near the Big Buddha Temple (Pratamnak viewpoint on the Pattaya map).
On foot: If you're staying near the hill – in the Pratamnak area, the northern part of Jomtien, or the southern part of central Pattaya – you can walk here. It's about 2 km from Walking Street to the temple.
By taxi (Grab, Maxim, Bolt): A ride from central Pattaya costs from 100 baht (3.04 USD).
By songthaew (minibus): The most budget option – 15 baht (0.46 USD). Use Organic Maps or Maps.me to easily navigate the route. Here's how:
- From central Pattaya: take a songthaew on the main beach road (Pattaya Beach Road) heading south and ride to the end – the intersection after Walking Street (end point on the map). There you can transfer to another songthaew to Jomtien (you'll need to pay another 15 baht) and get off on the road between the two hills, then walk 500 meters up. Or walk about 2 km from the intersection to the temple itself.
- From Naklua area: walk to North Pattaya Road (landmark – Terminal 21 mall and the dolphin statue), take a songthaew going south along Pattaya Beach Road, and follow the same plan.
- From Jomtien area: take a songthaew on Jomtien Second Road heading toward the center, get off between the hills (landmark – the turn to the hill), then walk 500 meters up.