Information
Landmark: Buddha Mountain (Khao Chi Chan)City: Pattaya
Country: Thailand
Continent: Asia
Buddha Mountain (Khao Chi Chan), Pattaya, Thailand, Asia
Overview
Just outside Pattaya, Thailand, Buddha Mountain-Khao Chi Chan-draws visitors with its towering golden Buddha carved into the pale face of a limestone cliff.This is one of the region’s most important religious and cultural landmarks, drawing curious travelers and devoted Buddhists alike, who pause to light incense in the cool morning air.Buddha Mountain, or Khao Chi Chan, sits about 15 km south of Pattaya, not far from the quiet rows of vines at Silverlake Vineyard.It’s open daily from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM, free to visit, and its gold-lined Buddha carving towers 109 meters high and 70 meters wide-one of the largest in the world.The mountain, once a bustling limestone quarry, now bears a giant Buddha carved in 1996 to honor the 50th year of King Rama IX’s reign.They shaped it with precise laser cuts, then traced the Buddha’s form in gleaming gold.The Buddha image, officially called “Phra Phuttha Maha Wachira Uttamopat Satsada,” translates to “The Great Buddha of Vajira, the Supreme Savior.”King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX) commissioned it as a symbol of peace and prosperity, like calm water glinting in the sun.The site is sacred, so visitors are expected to dress modestly-covering shoulders and knees-and act with quiet respect.Things to check out and try-like catching the sunrise from the hilltop.At Khao Chi Chan, the showstopper is the enormous Golden Buddha carved into the cliff, its gleaming outline catching the sun even from miles away.It shows a Sukhothai-style Buddha sitting in calm meditation, hands resting gently in his lap, a quiet image of enlightenment and peace.Number two.The mountain is wrapped in calm, with tidy gardens, still lotus ponds, and winding paths that crunch softly underfoot.Visitors can sink onto wooden benches, stretch their legs, and take in the view of sunlit trees swaying in the breeze.Three.Many Buddhists gather at the mountain’s base to pray, leaving flowers or incense as humble offerings.Small shrines stand tucked in quiet corners, where visitors light curling sticks of incense and bow in respect.Number four.The golden Buddha gleams against the shadowy limestone, creating breathtaking shots-especially when the first light of sunrise or the warm glow of sunset brushes its surface.Just down the road, you can wander Silverlake Vineyard’s rows of sunlit grapes or admire the quiet beauty of Wat Yansangwararam Temple.Number five.Nearby Attractions: Silverlake Vineyard, a charming spot with rows of sunlit vines, offers European-style dining and wine tasting.Wat Yansangwararam is a royal temple blending Thai grace with Chinese elegance, its roofs curving like red silk ribbons against the sky.Ramayana Water Park, the biggest in Thailand, sits just a short drive away, where you can hear the rush of water before you even see the slides.When visiting, dress modestly-skip the shorts, skirts, and sleeveless tops, much like you would when stepping into a quiet church.The best time to go is early in the morning, when the air’s still cool, or late in the afternoon, just as the shadows start to stretch.Bring some water-shops are scarce out here, and the sun can leave your throat dry fast.Climbing’s off-limits-the mountain is sacred, and setting foot on its slopes would disturb the quiet air that hangs over its stones.Buddha Mountain, or Khao Chi Chan, just outside Pattaya, is worth the trip for its towering golden Buddha carved into the cliff, the peaceful air, and the deep sense of history it carries.Whether you’re drawn to the Buddha engraving, the calm hush in the air, or the nearby sights, this spot is perfect for snapping photos, taking in the view, and immersing yourself in Thailand’s Buddhist traditions.
