Finding Peace at Pattaya's Big Buddha Hill

Hey everyone!
Every time I land in Thailand, my crew and I make a beeline for Wat Phra Yai – the Big Buddha Temple up on Pratumnak Hill, right by the sea. It's become this unspoken tradition: we hit it up as soon as we arrive and again before flying out. No idea why exactly, but the place just grounds you – super quiet, calming, and it leaves you with this quiet confidence boost.

The temple dates back to the 1940s, when Pattaya was still a chill fishing village with zero tourists. The massive 18-meter golden Big Buddha statue wasn't added until 1977, as the area started growing and locals wanted a big symbol of faith to anchor things.Locals flock here on weekends to pray for themselves and their families.

I'm no Buddhism expert, but I love the little details – like the statues for each day of the week. Find the one matching your birthday, make an offering, and boom, good karma vibes. Wednesday folks get their own deity, and they come in all poses: some skinny, some chubby, some reclining. It's fascinating even if it's a bit mysterious to an outsider.People light candles, float them in water basins for wishes, drop coins in donation boxes, or – my favorite – toss a coin into the belly button of the laughing fat Buddha (that's Budai, the god of wealth and luck). Nail it, and your wish is supposedly granted. Hilarious and fun to watch.Yeah, it does feel a tad commercial sometimes – all those offerings add up. But hey, temples gotta pay the bills, keep staff, and maintain the grounds. Can't blame 'em.

You'll spot portraits of the royal family everywhere in Thailand, including here. Recently, with the passing of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit the Queen Mother in October 2025, many places have her photo framed with flowers as part of the national mourning.The climb up is no joke – a long staircase guarded by these massive seven-headed naga serpents that make you feel like you're entering a mythical world. Legs burn, but the sea breeze kicks in and it's worth it.

At the top, that huge golden Buddha just dominates the skyline, all serene and glowing. Ring the bells for extra luck – the echoes are therapeutic.But the killer part? The views. Panoramic shots of Pattaya Bay curving into the Gulf, Jomtien in the distance. On a clear day, it's straight-up breathtaking – the chaos down below just melts away.

This time, I only had my old phone for pics – nothing fancy. I really wanted to snap locals deep in prayer, but it felt kinda intrusive, so I skipped it. Respect first, right?Traveling Thailand and diving into its culture like this? Always a highlight. If you're in Pattaya and need a break from the beach buzz, head here. Free entry, just cover up shoulders and knees. Total reset button.

I write my texts myself, correct mistakes and translate via ChatGPT (which is not a violation on Hive)!
All photos were taken by me personally - I am a beginner photographer, so I ask professionals not to judge strictly.

Thank you for sharing these moments with me! Until new stories and new holidays! ✌️

Camera 📷: Sony Alpha 7 IV full-frame
Lens 🔭: Sony FE 70-200mm F: 2.8 GM OSS II
Lens 🔭: Sony FE 90mm F2.8 Macro G OSS
Lens 🔭: Sony FE 20-70 mm F: 4 G
Processed 🛠: Lightroom

photo by openai