Big Buddha Hill

Big Buddha Hill is one of the popular tourist attractions in the Thai city of Pattaya, as well as a good vantage point located 120 meters above sea level. At the top of the hill is the beautiful temple complex of Wat Phra Yai, which consists of several Buddhist buildings and shrines. The main one is considered to be the statue of the big Buddha, which the Thais themselves call Luang Phor Yhai.

Video: Big Buddha Hill

” title=”YouTube video player” frameborder=”0″ allow=”accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share” allowfullscreen> Contents

Highlights

The concrete statue of the seated Buddha appeared on the hill in 1977. It was originally white, but today it is painted in a golden color. The sculpture is 15 meters high and can be seen from afar. To the upper platform on the hill of the big Buddha, tourists climb a long staircase decorated with sculptures of mythical snakes-nagas. It is not steep, so the climb does not take much effort.

.

Around the golden Buddha are two dozen other statues. Seven of them depict the Buddha representing each of the days of the week. There is also an emaciated Ascetic Buddha and a fat Laughing Buddha called Hotei. In front of each of the statues, there is a place to light candles and set up scented sticks.

The observation deck is enclosed by a balustrade. It offers a beautiful view of the sea, Pratamnak district, the tower of the popular among Russian tourists hotel “Pattaya Park”, Jomtien and the eastern part of the resort. No less impression leaves visiting the hill in the evening, when the Buddha statue is specially illuminated. To see the central part of Pattaya, the north of the city and the picturesque promenade Beach Road, from the hill of the big Buddha you need to go to the hill Pratamnak located closer to the sea.

.

The temple complex on the hill is revered by Buddhists. Representatives of this religion are very tolerant, so people of any religion can come here. For the convenience of tourists right on the hill are open tents selling drinks and souvenirs, and there is also a toilet. Visiting the Big Buddha Hill and seeing the local shrines is free, but it is customary to leave small donations.

.

Traditions associated with Big Buddha Hill

Besides tourists’ favorite selfies against the panoramic views of the Thai resort, there are a few other traditions at Big Buddha Hill. To the left of the stairs leading up to the viewpoint, several bells are suspended. It is believed that by walking along the row of bells and striking each one with a wooden stick, one can be cleansed of sins.

.

On Big Buddha Hill, you can always find vendors selling tiny bird cages. They cost 100 baht each. Thais believe that if you release the birds into the wild, it will be a good deed, merit or “bun”, which is sure to “count” in the next birth and improve karma.

.

On the left side, before you start climbing the hill, is a one-story Buddhist building. This is where lectures are sometimes given to monks. At other times, a monk can be seen in the building blessing all comers. Before entering the building, travelers take off their shoes, take a clean envelope and put there a donation – 20 baht. Visitors go inside and kneel in front of the monk. He performs ritual actions reads a prayer and tie tourists on the wrist bracelet in the form of a shoelace.

.

The upper platform near the sculpture of the fat Buddha – Hotei – is always crowded. The fact is that Hotei is considered a patron in financial matters. At the level of the navel in the statue is made a hole in which travelers and pilgrims try to throw coins. It is believed that if a coin falls inside, its owner will be accompanied by good luck in money matters.

.

On the site of the big Buddha’s hill, a graceful ritual gazebo is built where the Buddha’s footprint is kept. Of course, the Buddha had never been to Thailand, so the large stylized depiction of a footprint is symbolic. It shows that his teachings have left an indelible mark in the hearts of the people of this country. It is noteworthy that tourists from around the world and the Thais themselves tend to leave coins on the Buddha’s relief footprint.

.

Chinese shrines

It’s no secret that 14% of all Thai residents are ethnic Chinese. In Chonburi province, of which Pattaya is also a part, the proportion of Chinese population is very high, so there are many Chinese shrines on the Big Buddha Hill. They are located on a spacious terrace closer to Pratamnak Hill, near the bus parking lot.

.

The beautiful place is called Wang Sam Sien and is decorated with a picturesque garden and two small ponds with fish and water turtles. Among other Chinese landmarks, the tall statue of the goddess of mercy Guan Yin, who is traditionally dressed in white robes, stands out. A large bell and statues of Lao Tzu and Confucius can also be seen here.

.

Tourist Information

Travelers to Big Buddha Hill should keep in mind that the Thais themselves do not treat the site as a tourist attraction, but as a Buddhist shrine that demands respect. Any faith is welcomed kindly in Thailand, but they ask that certain rules be observed.

To visit the temple complex, tourists do not have to be dressed the same as for a visit to the beach. Men only need to have breeches or pants and a T-shirt, while women are asked to wear clothes that cover their shoulders and knees. It should be kept in mind that it is not customary for Buddhists to point their fingers at Buddha images and statues and turn their backs to them.

.

How to get there

Big Buddha Hill rises in the center of resort Pattaya, near the popular Pratamnak area. You can get here by buying a tour at any of the city’s travel agencies. Dark blue Songtaeways run past the hill along Teppraya Street, which connects the central part of Pattaya with the Jomtien area. If using this public transportation, you need to get off near the tall Axis Pattaya condominium building, which stands at the intersection of Teppraya and Pratamnak Streets. From here, tourists climb up to the hill of the big Buddha by means of stairs along its slope, or by means of a car serpentine. In addition, you can always take a cab to the top of the hill by telling the driver to go to Big Buddha.”

.