The Residence Garden
Temples are a part of Thai culture and religion of Buddhism which is very deep rooted in all Thai people. Temples are still very popular among tourist destination and attractions wherever they visit any city in Thailand, the city’s famous temple would most definitely be in the travelers’ itinerary to visit. In Pattaya there is no difference. Let’s have a look at 5 top temples to visit when you are in Pattaya much loved by both locals and tourists alike. Important note is on the day that you plan t visit any temple, appropriate dress code is a must, no singlet, shorts or skirts that are above the knees.
- Big Buddha Temple (Wat Phra Yai)
Located on top of Pra Tumnak hill, this beautiful sanctuary highlight is the large sitting statue of Buddha who is looking down to the worshippers with a smile. This place also offers a great view point of Pattaya city. There are many statues of Buddha too worship for the different birthday (i.e. Sunday – Saturday), statues of Buddha t worship for different believes along with sanctuary of a large statue of Kuan Yin for the Taoist believers. Certainly one of the must visit places in Pattaya.
- Wat Chaimongkon
Located right in the center of the city in the middle of South Pattaya and 2nd road junction. This temple is the long standing temple of Pattaya people who would frequent here for any occasion to do with religious beliefs. There are several things you can do on everyday basis such as give offerings of dried food and daily necessities to the monks, daily breakfast and lunch offering, different rituals to request for monk’s blessing for your auspicious day and so much more. Interesting event to visit is on the main religious holiday where the Buddhists would visit the temple to walk the candles around the temple for 3 rounds to calm their mind and meditate while walking.
- Wat Yannasangwararam
Some 20 kilometers South of Pattaya lies the enormous Wat Yansangwararam temple complex. Set in a huge area of around 145 acres, the complex houses several buildings of very different architectural styles, as well as well-kept gardens and a large lake, that make the complex a nice and peaceful place to relax.
When you enter the Temple complex, the first building you will see is the Viharn Sien, a Chinese temple and museum with a magnificent collection of Chinese artifacts and antiques, one of its kind in Thailand.
The main temple building of Wat Yansangwararam or Wat Yan for short, is known for its modern design and is built in a very different style than most Thai temples. A pavilion called mondop or mandapa contains a replica of a footprint of the Buddha. Inside a large white chedi (a Buddhist stupa) a number of relics from the Buddha and his followers are kept.
The Wat Yansangwararam and the Viharn Sien can ideally be visited together in one day. The large gardens and lake make for a serene and tranquil atmosphere and are very suitable for relaxation, food and drinks can be bought from the restaurant.
(content from www.renown-travel.com)
- Wat Khao Chee Chan
At this unique attraction, instead of a statue, the Buddha image is lasered and engraved onto the side of the mountain. The work was completed in 1996 to commemorate the King Rama IX’s 50th year’s jubilee. This is a great stop to stop over for a photo opportunity as not only there is a beautiful Buddha image in the background, there are some green and gardens around the area where you can have a seat and rest before moving on to your next destination.
- The Sanctuary of Truth
This is a gigantic wooden construction which covers the area of more than two rais. The top point of the building is about 105 meters high. It was constructed to withstand the wind and sunshine on the seashore at Rachvate Cape, Tumbon Naklea, Amphur Banglamung, Chon Buri Province. (entrance fee is applicable – check their website for most update information)
In addition to an opportunity to study arts and philosophy of goodness, the Sanctuary of Truth, the world’s largest and most beautiful woodcarving structure, features contemporary architecture, created in the reign of King Rama IX. The beauty and value of the arts at the Sanctuary of Truth will make you feel something paradoxical but they are harmonious.
And you’ll learn how the grand castle has been built by ancient wood-joining techniques you can’t see elsewhere in the world – tongue and groove (wedge) techniques, butt joint, dovetails, sapped spurs, etc, which are all traditional Thai intellectual properties. It’ll be your once-in-a-lifetime experience to participate in the construction of the miraculous national and world heritage.
Also in Naklua area after you visited this attraction, there are thousands of restaurant and café choices for you to explore Thai and international gastronomy including fresh seafood, many long standing restaurants which has been the staple of Pattaya for more than 30 years, street food and local snacks.
(content from www.sanctuaryoftruth.com )