The Best Temples and Religious Places in Pattaya and Chon Buri

Pattaya is a city filled with diversity, blending modern attractions with deep-rooted spiritual landmarks. Whether you’re visiting or planning to settle down, the city and nearby Chon Buri offer many religious places that reflect the rich Thai culture. These temples and religious sites not only serve as spiritual havens but also make for peaceful living environments. Here’s a comprehensive guide to the best temples and religious sites, along with why living nearby offers unique benefits.

1. Wat Phra Yai (Big Buddha Hill)

Location: Phra Tamnak Hill, Pattaya
Nearby Attractions: Pattaya Viewpoint, Pattaya City Sign
Living Nearby: Pratumnak area offers serene residential options.

Wat Phra Yai, commonly known as Big Buddha Hill, is home to one of the largest Buddha statues in the region. Perched on Phra Tamnak Hill, this 18-meter-tall statue overlooks Pattaya and Jomtien, providing stunning views of the city and ocean. The surrounding temple grounds are peaceful, featuring various smaller Buddha statues, perfect for meditation and reflection.

Why it’s a Great Place to Live:
The Pratumnak area is often called “Beverly Hills of Pattaya” due to its upscale, quiet neighborhoods. Condos like The Cliff and The Peak Towers offer luxury living with panoramic sea views. Despite its tranquility, the area is still close to key amenities like Bali Hai Pier and downtown Pattaya, making it ideal for those seeking a peaceful yet convenient living environment.

2. Sanctuary of Truth (Prasat Satchatham)

Location: Naklua
Nearby Attractions: Wong Amat Beach, The Zign Hotel
Living Nearby: The peaceful Naklua area is filled with high-end condos and beachfront properties.

The Sanctuary of Truth is a remarkable wooden structure located along the coast in Naklua. Built entirely out of teak wood without nails, the sanctuary stands as a symbol of Thai craftsmanship and spirituality. The temple complex showcases the beauty of religious art, philosophy, and human existence.

Why it’s a Great Place to Live:
Naklua is known for its quiet and upscale living options. If you are looking for beachfront living, properties like Zire Wongamat and The Palm Wongamat provide luxury condos with direct access to Wong Amat Beach, one of the cleanest and most beautiful beaches in Pattaya. The combination of peaceful coastal views, proximity to the Sanctuary of Truth, and top-tier residential properties makes Naklua an ideal place to settle.

3. Wat Yansangwararam

Location: South of Pattaya
Nearby Attractions: Silverlake Vineyard, Buddha Mountain (Khao Chi Chan)
Living Nearby: Rural, scenic living options with access to golf courses and wellness resorts.

Located about 20 kilometers south of Pattaya, Wat Yansangwararam is one of the largest and most significant temples in the region. The temple complex is sprawling, with various architectural styles and meditation areas. The temple was built to honor the late King Rama IX and serves as a center for meditation and spiritual practice.

Why it’s a Great Place to Live:
The area surrounding Wat Yan is rural, peaceful, and scenic, making it perfect for those who want to live away from the busy city. Nearby, you’ll find Phoenix Golf and Country Club, where luxury homes and villas are set within a lush, green landscape. The presence of nearby attractions like Silverlake Vineyard and Buddha Mountain further enhance the quality of life here, offering residents weekend getaways and outdoor activities.

4. Wat Chai Mongkol

Location: South Pattaya
Nearby Attractions: Walking Street, Pattaya Night Market
Living Nearby: Urban living with a mix of budget and mid-range condos.

Wat Chai Mongkol is one of Pattaya’s main temples, located in South Pattaya near Walking Street. It is an active temple where locals and tourists come to make merit, especially during Thai Buddhist holidays. The temple features beautiful traditional architecture and is a peaceful retreat from the bustling city.

Why it’s a Great Place to Live:
Living near Wat Chai Mongkol means you’ll be close to the heart of Pattaya. For those who prefer urban living, nearby condos like City Garden Pattaya and The Base Central Pattaya offer affordable to mid-range options. This area is bustling with activity, making it a great choice for those who want to be close to shopping, restaurants, and nightlife while still having access to a spiritual retreat.

5. Wat Nong Ao

Location: North Pattaya
Nearby Attractions: Mini Siam, Pattaya Bus Terminal
Living Nearby: Quiet residential areas with affordable housing options.

Wat Nong Ao is a smaller temple located in North Pattaya. While it’s not a major tourist attraction, it holds significance among the locals. The temple is peaceful, featuring intricate murals and statues that represent the life of the Buddha. It is a less crowded temple, making it ideal for quiet reflection.

Why it’s a Great Place to Live:
North Pattaya is a quieter residential area compared to Central Pattaya. You can find a range of housing options, from affordable townhouses to mid-range condos. The area is close to Mini Siam, Pattaya Bus Terminal, and local markets, providing convenient access to transportation and daily amenities. Living here offers a peaceful neighborhood vibe while still being close to the city’s offerings.

6. Wat Samakkhi Pracharam

Location: Na Jomtien
Nearby Attractions: Ocean Marina, Na Jomtien Beach
Living Nearby: Coastal living with new developments and beachfront properties.

Wat Samakkhi Pracharam is a relatively new temple located in Na Jomtien. It features unique, modern architecture while still maintaining traditional Thai elements. The temple is peaceful, serving both locals and expats in the area, and is a great place to experience community events.

Why it’s a Great Place to Live:
Na Jomtien is rapidly developing into a luxury residential area, with new beachfront condos and houses being built. Developments like Ocean Portofino and Movenpick Residences Pattaya offer high-end living with views of Na Jomtien Beach. The area is perfect for those who seek coastal living in a quieter, less crowded environment compared to Pattaya’s city center.

7. Wat Huay Yai

Location: Huay Yai
Nearby Attractions: Nong Nooch Tropical Garden, Cartoon Network Waterpark
Living Nearby: Spacious rural living with large properties.

Wat Huay Yai is a serene temple located in the Huay Yai district, a rural area just outside of Pattaya. The temple is known for its peaceful atmosphere and traditional Thai architecture, making it a great place for those who want a deeper spiritual connection away from the hustle of the city.

Why it’s a Great Place to Live:
Huay Yai offers a rural lifestyle with large homes and properties at more affordable prices compared to central Pattaya. The area is spacious and green, with many expats and retirees choosing to settle here for the quiet, countryside environment. Attractions like Nong Nooch Tropical Garden and Cartoon Network Waterpark are nearby, offering recreational options for families.

8. Viharnra Sien (Anek Kuson Sala)

Location: Near Wat Yansangwararam
Nearby Attractions: Buddha Mountain, Silverlake Vineyard
Living Nearby: Quiet, scenic living with easy access to cultural attractions.

Viharnra Sien is a Chinese-style temple and museum located near Wat Yansangwararam. It showcases a blend of Chinese and Thai art and religious symbolism. The temple-museum houses a wide collection of statues, artifacts, and religious items that reflect the cultural ties between China and Thailand.

Why it’s a Great Place to Live:
Living near Viharnra Sien offers a peaceful, scenic lifestyle in an area filled with cultural significance. Properties around the Silverlake Vineyard and Phoenix Golf Club provide luxury living options in a tranquil setting. Residents here can enjoy a blend of spiritual retreat, nature, and high-end amenities, making it a desirable place for those seeking quiet living close to Pattaya.

9. Wat Khao Sukim

Location: Chanthaburi (Near Chon Buri)
Nearby Attractions: Khao Khitchakut National Park
Living Nearby: Scenic countryside living with affordable properties.

Though not directly in Pattaya, Wat Khao Sukim is located nearby in Chanthaburi Province. The temple is perched on a hill and offers panoramic views of the surrounding area. It is known for its meditation centers and is a popular site for those seeking spiritual growth.

Why it’s a Great Place to Live:
The area around Wat Khao Sukim is rural and offers affordable living with scenic views. Being located near Khao Khitchakut National Park, residents can enjoy hiking, nature, and a peaceful, countryside environment. It’s perfect for those who want to live outside of busy cities and closer to nature.

10. Siri Guru Singh Sabha (Sikh Temple Pattaya)
Location: South Pattaya
Nearby Attractions: Pattaya Walking Street, Pattaya Beach
Living Nearby: Urban living with various housing options, from budget to high-end.

The Siri Guru Singh Sabha is Pattaya’s primary Sikh temple, located in the heart of South Pattaya. The temple offers a peaceful place of worship for the Sikh community and welcomes people from all faiths to visit. It regularly hosts events, including religious services, community meals (Langar), and educational programs that introduce visitors to Sikh culture and spirituality.

Why it’s a Great Place to Live:
South Pattaya offers a mix of urban living, with proximity to bustling areas like Walking Street and Pattaya Beach. For those who appreciate being near the city’s vibrant entertainment, markets, and restaurants while having a spiritual retreat close by, this is an excellent option. Housing choices range from budget condos to high-end developments like Unixx South Pattaya and Centric Sea Pattaya, offering something for every lifestyle.

Conclusion:

Pattaya and the surrounding Chon Buri region offer a rich array of temples and religious places that are not only culturally significant but also provide peaceful environments for living. From Buddhist temples like Wat Phra Yai and Wat Yansangwararam to Hindu temples and Sikh places of worship, these religious sites enrich the cultural diversity of the area. Living near these spiritual landmarks adds tranquility and depth to your daily life, no matter your faith. Whether you prefer beachfront condos, rural homes, or luxury villas, the combination of beautiful architecture, peaceful surroundings, and proximity to essential amenities makes these areas ideal for a harmonious blend of spiritual and modern living.