Khao Chi Chan Buddha Mountain
เขาชีจรรย์
A 109-meter seated Buddha carved with lasers into the limestone cliff in 1996, the year Thailand's King Bhumibol celebrated 50 years on the throne. Its lines are inlaid with gold, and it is a landmark of the South Pattaya route.
Khao Chi Chan lies about 25 km south of Pattaya, in Na Chom Thian, Sattahip District. It is a limestone hill about 160 meters high. In 1996, to celebrate the 50th anniversary of King Bhumibol Adulyadej's (Rama IX) accession to the throne, a laser-drawn outline of a seated Buddha, 109 meters high and 70 meters wide, was carved into the smooth western face of the mountain. The outline is inlaid with gold, and it is among the largest stone Buddha images in the world. The hill was originally a quarry, and the Buddha was built to stop further quarrying. In front of the Buddha is a neatly trimmed lawn and garden. From the entrance, it takes 5 to 10 minutes to walk to the platform at the Buddha's feet, where visitors can offer flowers and pay respects. For the most complete view of the whole statue, photograph it from the distant lawn. The park also has a small temple and stalls selling flowers and incense. Admission is free, but dress modestly. Silverlake Vineyard is 2 km away, where you can see the vineyard with the Buddha in the same frame, and it has a restaurant and grape juice. Nong Nooch Tropical Garden and the Pattaya Floating Market are 5 km away, and the three are often combined into a half-day or full-day tour of South Pattaya. Fifteen minutes further south are the Royal Thai Navy viewpoint and Sattahip Beach. Suggested plan: 30 to 45 minutes is enough. Mornings have the best light. Combine it with Nong Nooch and Silverlake for a full day. Getting there: there is no public transport. From central Pattaya, take a Grab for about 40 minutes (about 400 baht one way), or hire a songthaew or join a South Pattaya day tour. Note: visitors entering the Buddha area must remove hats and wear knee-covering clothing. There is no shade at noon, and the ground reflects strong sunlight. Do not climb the mountain. The park closes at 18:00.
Opening hours
06:00–18:00
Nearby sights
- Silverlake Vineyard
- Ramayana Water Park
- Viharn Sien (Anek Kusala Sala)
- Wat Yansangwararam
- Nong Nooch Tropical Garden
- Columbia Pictures Aquaverse
- Mimosa Pattaya
- Pattaya Floating Market