Big Buddha Temple at Pattaya

Wat Phra Yai was built in the 1940s and is home to the largest Buddha statue in the region. The statue stands above the trees and can be seen from a great distance from the temple. It measures in at 18 meters tall and is a favorite among groups touring the temple. It is also a popular point of interest for locals who come to pray at the foot of this magnificent statue. Visitors can be blessed by monks for a small donation, ring bells for good luck, take pictures of the many smaller statues of Buddha found in the temple walls as well as take in the sights of the city from high above. Wat Phra Yai is located just 2 km south of the city on the top of Pratumnak Hill. One option for visitors to get to the temple is a bus, which costs about five and a half U.S. dollars (approximate 200 Thai baht). The admission price to the temple is free, which makes it a great option for those looking for culture on a budget.