Sitting at the top of a forested hill between South Pattaya and Jomtien is a giant Buddha statue known as Wat Phra Yai. The statue has its origins at a time when Pattaya was just a small fishing village and a long way away from the world Pattaya finds itself in now.
Pattaya is known as the city of go-go bars, cheap hotels and nightclubs but it’s also home to an amazing Buddhist temple: The Big Buddha Temple situated in a remote area outside of town is largely unexplored by tourists and therefore very tranquil and a great place to escape to if you want some peace and quiet.
As its name suggests, the temple is built around a giant Buddha statue and its original size was only 5 meters high but today’s version stands at 35 meters tall which further adds to its unique appearance.
The architecture resembles that of a stupa (which are mound-like structures typically used by Buddhists) but on an even larger scale. This is because the temple was built using traditional Burmese stupa techniques which were then modified for use in Thailand after the country was invaded by Burma back in the 19th century.
One interesting fact about The Big Buddha Temple is it’s not just any ordinary Buddhist temple. In addition to being home to one of Thailand’s most iconic statues, it also serves as an archaeological site where researchers can study ancient stupa construction techniques from 2,500 years ago!
The Story Behind The Big Buddha Temple In Pattaya
The Big Buddha Temple was built in the late 19th century by a Burmese military officer named U Chan. It was later taken over by the government of Siam (now Thailand) but was never officially recognized as a Buddhist temple but instead was always considered a government building until the 1980s when the temple was finally turned into a tourist attraction.
The Architecture Of The Big Buddha Temple
The Big Buddha Temple’s unique architecture is largely because of its use of traditional Burmese stupa techniques. These techniques were later modified for use in Thailand after the country was invaded by Burma back in the 19th century. The temple’s design also incorporates elements from the Thai architecture style.
The layout of the temple is therefore an interesting blend of two different architectural styles. The temple looks like a mound because the stupa is located on the base of the temple.
This is where visitors can experience the original stupa technique which was used 2,500 years ago! The stupa at the base of The Big Buddha Temple is made of red sandstone.
The stupa itself is covered with a copper cap. The cap of the stupa is made of concrete. However, the stupa itself is made of sandstone. There are four smaller stupas which are located around the base of the main stupa. These are basically mini-stupas which have been built around the main one.
What’s Inside The Stupa At The Base Of The Big Buddha Temple
The stupa at the base of The Big Buddha Temple is made of red sandstone and the stupa itself is covered with a copper cap which has been decorated with intricate designs. The cap of the stupa is made of concrete. However, the stupa itself is made of sandstone.
There are four smaller stupas which are located around the base of the main stupa. These are basically mini-stupas which have been built around the main one.
Located at the base of the giant statue at the Big Buddha Temple is a stupa. This is a mound-like structure that’s typically used by Buddhists as a place to store sacred relics. The stupa at The Big Buddha Temple is said to contain the ashes of the temple’s founder, a monk named Phra Chao Khun Thao.
It’s also where the statue of the Buddha was originally installed in the early 1900s. However, the statue was moved to its current location only in the 1980s. You can still see the dismantled stupa located at the base of the statue today but it no longer holds any relics.
Where Is The Big Buddha Temple In Pattaya
The Big Buddha Temple is located outside of Pattaya in the village of Nongprue. Once you arrive in Nongprue, it’s best to use a map or ask locals for directions.
How To Get To The Big Buddha Temple In Pattaya
You can get there by taking a bus from Pattaya’s bus station which will take at least 30 minutes and costs around 100 baht. You can also hire a motorcycle taxi to take you there costing around 500 baht and can get you to the temple in just 10 minutes.
Important information before visiting
The Big Buddha Temple is open from sunrise to sunset and visitors are not allowed to enter after dark. It’s best to visit during the day to avoid the crowds.
It’s best to wear shoes with rubber soles because visitors are not allowed to go inside the stupa of the temple.
The Big Buddha Temple has a few Buddhist temples built around an ancient stupa. However, only the Big Buddha Temple is open to tourists.
Buddhist Practices At The Big Buddha Temple In Pattaya
One of the best things about The Buddha Temple in Pattaya is that it’s a place where Buddhists can practice their faith freely! There are several different shrines located around the temple and each one of them has its own unique statue. Visitors are free to pray at any of them.
The main shrine is dedicated to the Bodhisattva Guan Yin (also known as Avalokitesvara). Guan Yin is an important Buddhist deity. It’s believed that Guan Yin protects people from evil spirits and guides them away from danger. The statue of Guan Yin is considered to be one of the most beautiful ones in Thailand.
Why’s it so important to conserve Thailand’s historical monuments
Like many other aspects of Thai culture, the country’s architectural heritage is immensely important. While you might take the built environment for granted in many parts of the world, the architectural wonders of Thailand are a vital part of the country’s history and culture.
This is especially true in the southern region of the country where many of the oldest and most important buildings in the region were constructed. Many of these structures date back hundreds, if not thousands of years and is why they’re such an important part of Thai cultural heritage.
The Best Time To Visit The Big Buddha Temple In Pattaya
The best time to visit the Big Buddha Temple in Pattaya is during the day. This is because the temple is situated in a remote area and is therefore not very accessible by public transport at night. If you don’t have your own car, the best way to get to the temple is via taxi.
You can hire a taxi for the day to help you visit the nearby archaeological sites, the beach and plenty of other attractions in the area. During the day, the temple is also less crowded than at night. This is because most tourists prefer to visit the temple during the day when it’s less busy.
Plus, many Thais also avoid visiting Buddhist temples at night because they believe it’s unlucky. This is because Buddhists believe that the universe is in a constant state of flux and doesn’t need to be disturbed by human beings.
Final Thoughts
The Big Buddha Temple in Pattaya is one of the most interesting places to visit in the city and its architecture is unlike any other building in the city while its iconography is also quite unique. If you’re interested in Thai history, architecture and culture, we recommend that you visit The Big Buddha Temple in Pattaya, it’s one of the best ways to experience a piece of Thai history that most tourists miss out on.