Buddha Mountain (Khao Chi Chan)—A Worthy Stop-Off Point in Pattaya

The giant golden Buddha carved into the face of a mountain cliff may have something to do with its iconic status. Accessible on foot by just a short walk along paved paths, from the base of the mountain it is possible to see the extent of the detail and appreciate the sheer scale of this impressively-large carving which was topped off with real 24-carat gold.

The area surrounding the mountain is a park-type area resplendent with all types of lush green grasses and flowers alongside ponds and open-air pavilions. It’s not uncommon to see monks and various ceremonies taking place within the grounds, so the usual considerations should be noted when visiting any temple or holy place in Thailand.

This is an ideal spot for a brief visit or a picnic, and as there’s not too much else to do here many tourists and tours include the mountain on a list of various other stop-off points in the vicinity—of which there are plenty. Let’s take a closer look at the mountain and some of the other options in more detail.

A Brief History of the Mountain

The mountain was originally the site of mining projects connected to the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War.  The mining continued after the Americans had moved on with the mountain we see today apparently being the result of some of the work that went on at that time which left the mountain split in half.

The idea to carve the giant Buddha into the side of the mountain was offered by the Supreme Patriarch around the time of 1995. The image was first designed on a computer before being lasered into the mountain and ten filled in with the gold leaf typically used in significant Thai temples.

Khao Chi Chan underwent various night-time laser carving sessions to ensure the Buddha image was placed right in the middle of what would become a sacred mountain. The laser markings were then inlaid with gold to ensure the precision outline of the image from far and wide.

The carving measures an amazing 109 Metres tall and is designed in the Sukhothai style which depicts a seated Buddha with hand on knee. The image sparkles out into the night and can be seen from afar, as can many Thai temples that highlight the sanctity of their location.

The Mountain and the Buddha Image

The mountain itself is set among a picturesque and peaceful park-type area. There is a small lake at the foot of the mountain filled with lilies and lotus flowers, and the image itself is visible in detail from these areas.

As the location is also home to a small temple and several shrines and images monks can often be seen in the grounds as can other people involved in the making of various offerings, ceremonies, or prayers.

Visitors are welcome to relax and soak up the peaceful atmosphere and picturesque surroundings, and there are various interpretive signs providing information in different languages about the background and finer points of the image. Visitors can access the mountain from 6am in the morning to 6pm at night.

As with virtually any site in Thailand that receives visitors or even passing trade, you will find a variety of vendors in the event that you get hungry or thirsty while in the vicinity of the mountain and in this instance the vendors are located in the parking lot area serving food and drink.

Nearby Attractions to Buddha Mountain

And as the Buddha Mountain site is not necessarily a full-day trip out for the majority of visitors, it can easily be combined with stops at nearby popular areas and places like some of the following suggestions.

All of these potential stop-offs are in reasonably close proximity to the mountain but will still require the services of either a private transporter or  tour to ensure the best of the experience.  

Silverlake Vineyard

Silver Lake Vineyard is not far from Buddha Mountain and is a place that markets itself as a new kingdom of fresh grapes and the various products made from them. The vineyard is a relatively new concept that is based around the theme of a small and scenic Italian village.

This Thai vineyard covers an area of over 1,600,000 square metres, and is located next to a reservoir. Lovers of agro-tourism will be drawn to this vineyard and its twelve different varieties of year-round grapes. The location has beautiful landscape complete with mountain view backdrops which make great pictures.  

The Silverlake Vineyard is a must-visit place for wine lovers and it is also a great place from which to enjoy a cup of coffee.

Nong Nooch Tropical Botanical Garden

The gardens are another focal point for tourism in Pattaya and feature in many tours. The area covered by the gardens is extensive and the various displays offered inside of the park aside from the garden zones include a dinosaur theme.

Admittedly this does make the park a little confusing to some visitors who comment on how they don’t really see the connection between the various aspects of the park. The kids seem to like it though. Other themes included in the park’s layout aside from dinosaurs include a classical French garden and an elephant section.

There is an elephant show during the day time which, like many others in Thailand, has come in for some criticism due to the treatment of the animals. This includes the way they are chained together and left in the sun.

Nong Nooch Gardens is a huge place and is virtually impossible to cover on foot. Visitors can take a 45-minute bus tour for an extra 200 baht or so.

Viharn Sien

Viharn Sien is a Chinese temple of some repute in Pattaya. The temple functions as one of the most important centres of Chinese culture in the country and is home to what is apparently one of the finest collections of Chinese art and antiquities outside of the mother country.

This temple also has a ‘twin’ Viharnra Sien in Chaozhou City, Guangdong, China. The Pattaya temple stands on 7 rai of land (2.7 acres) within the equally impressive Wat Yansangwararam temple grounds.

Visitors to the temple can view the huge cultural collection which includes bronze statues, jade carvings, paintings, and seemingly endless other items of Thai and Chinese origin. This is another location that might well feature on a tour of the vicinity along with Buddha Mountain.

Wat Yansangwararam

Some 12 miles south of Pattaya is the huge and impressive Wat Yansangwararam temple complex, which dates back to 1976 and covers somewhere in the region of 145 acres. The complex houses several buildings constructed in varying aspects of architectural styles with Thai Lanna, Indian, Chinese, Japanese and even European influences.

The surrounding features of the complex include some very well-maintained gardens with a large lake. The gardens and lake make for a peaceful vibe and are ideal for a spot of relaxation. From a particular vantage point here it is possible to catch sight of the Buddha Mountain in the distance.

Ramayana Water Park

This water park is another popular destination for families and thrill-seekers and is just 9 miles south of the city.

The park claims to be the biggest and best in the entire country and this is another destination that often warrants a stop-off at Buddha Mountain due to its close proximity. The water park features an impressive array of attractions including four huge zones with different themes.

Aside from that visitors can enjoy more than 20 different world-class slides, 2 massive kid zones, 3 pools, a long lazy river, and some of the highest safety standards in the country.

Other Nearby Local Attractions to Buddha Mountain include:

• Ocean Marina Yacht Club (0.01 mi)
• Island Spirit Sailing Thailand (0.82 mi)
• Ban Amphur Beach (0.49 mi)

Staying near Buddha Mountain

If you find this area of Pattaya particularly attractive and fancy the idea of staying close to the mountain there is plenty of choice for accommodation. The following 3 options are examples of accommodation within short walking distance of the mountain.

• Siam@sea Resort
• Saithong Place Hotel
• Venetian Signature Condo Resort 

And as with all good spots in Thailand there’s always a decent restaurant or two that’s never too far away like these sample options all within walking distance of the mountain.

Final Take-Aways

So is Buddha Mountain in Pattaya worth a visit? The majority of tourists heading to the area seem to think so, especially when combined with a trip or two to a few surrounding or nearby attractions.