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ThailandIs It Worth the Climb and What to See There
Pratumnak Hill (Khao Phra Tam Nak / Phra Tamnak Hill) is the main viewpoint of Pattaya, 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, there's a stunning view of the city beach, the Gulf of Siam, Bali Hai Pier, and even part of Jomtien. In good weather, you can see far beyond the horizon.
The second important landmark at the top is the Prince of Chumphon Monument (Krom Luang Chumphon Khet Udomsak), revered in Thailand as the father of the royal navy. Locals and sailors bring flowers and incense here, so you should behave respectfully near the shrine: closed shoulders and knees are also recommended, although there's no strict control like at the Big Buddha Temple. Many travelers combine both hills in one visit – 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) selling drinks and ice cream. Along the way, there are benches, gazebos, and viewing telescopes – for 10 baht, you can zoom in on distant objects. On the slope of the hill (just below the main viewpoint), there are huge "PATTAYA CITY" letters, clearly visible from the city center and from Bali Hai Pier. There's also a designated viewing area here where tourists love to take photos. The mountain itself is almost completely covered by Pratumnak Park – with jogging paths, outdoor exercise equipment (calisthenics and pull-up bars), benches, and shaded alleys for relaxation. It's a great spot for a morning or evening jog with scenic views.
In our opinion, this viewpoint is a must-visit for anyone 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 free sightseeing 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. But you need to choose a time with good weather, when the sky isn't overcast.
🕐 Opening Hours
The main observation deck by the monument is open from 7:30 AM to 7:00 PM. However, there's a small 24-hour area near the parking lot. The PATTAYA CITY letters are accessible at any time and are lit up in the evening.
💵 Entrance Fee / Ticket Prices
Visiting the viewpoint is free. Using the telescope usually costs 10 baht (0.3 USD). Souvenir photos on a plate or mug can be ordered for 200 baht (6.05 USD).
🚶 How to Get There
Pratumnak Hill is located between central Pattaya and Jomtien, near the Big Buddha Temple (Pratumnak Hill viewpoint on the Pattaya map).
- On foot: If you're staying near the hill – in the Pratumnak area, the northern part of Jomtien, or the southern part of central Pattaya – you can walk here. From Walking Street to the temple is about 2 km.
- By taxi (Grab, Maxim, Bolt): A ride from central Pattaya costs from 100 baht (3.02 USD).
- By songthaew (minibus): The most budget-friendly option – 15 baht (0.45 USD). Use Organic Maps or Maps.me to easily navigate the route. Here's how:
- From central Pattaya: board a songthaew on the main road along the beach (Pattaya Beach Road) heading south and ride to the terminal – the intersection after Walking Street (terminal on the map). There you can transfer to another songthaew to Jomtien (you'll have to pay another 15 baht) and get off on the road between the two hills, then walk 1 kilometer up. Or walk about 2 km from the intersection to the temple itself.
- From the Naklua area: walk to North Pattaya Road (landmark – Terminal 21 mall and the dolphin statue), board a songthaew going along Pattaya Beach Road heading south, and follow the same route.
- From Jomtien area: board a songthaew on Jomtien Second Road heading toward the center, get off between the hills (landmark – the turn to the hill), then walk 1 kilometer up.