Wat Phra Yai - Big Buddha Temple

Wat Phra Yai - translated into English as Big Buddha Temple - is a hilltop temple sitting between Pattaya and Jomtien Beaches on Pratumnak Hill. 

The temple can be visited by those who climb a flight of stairs to reach its hilltop locale. Locals crowd the temple, particularly in the morning, to pray and give offerings to the numerous statues spread across its outdoor area. The temple, built in the 1940's when Pattaya was a small fishing village, contains the largest Buddha image statue in the region at 18 meters in height, though the statue was constructed later in the 1970's.

Monks stand at the top of the stairs to bless visitors, while donation boxes sit beside them for offerings to the temple, along with sitting at the foot of the statues throughout the temple. Heading to the back of the temple, visitors can look out over the town, seeing the near complete development and urbanization that has taken over the area.

Music plays from speakers and vendors sell treats and offerings in the temple itself, as well as along the walkway leading up to it.

Visitors can also explore the surrounding park area, which also houses other cultural temples.

Wat Phra Yai is open daily from 7 AM until 10 PM. Admission is free. Modest dress, including clothing that covers the shoulders and knees, is required.