The image of Buddha sat cross-legged, with one hand resting on his knee and the other in his lap, is engraved into the northern face of Khao Chi Chan. The solitary limestone hill was once used to supply the local construction industry with materials. In 1996, to commemorate His Majesty the King of Thailand’s golden jubilee, the 109-metre-tall and 70-meter-wide image was carved into the rock and then marked out in gold on the recommendation of the then Supreme Patriarch, who felt it was otherwise a waste of a perfectly good (and particularly beautiful) mountain.
The image was designed using computer software and then drawn onto the side of Khao Chi Chan using a laser. This was done entirely at night, so that the light of the laser could be seen more clearly. During the day, the image would be fixed and adjusted. Finally, with the drawing completed, gold was used to fill in the sculpture.
The image was designed using computer software and then drawn onto the side of Khao Chi Chan using a laser. This was done entirely at night, so that the light of the laser could be seen more clearly. During the day, the image would be fixed and adjusted. Finally, with the drawing completed, gold was used to fill in the sculpture.
The surrounding area is one of particular natural beauty and, while Khao Chi Chan is its most prominent landmark and attraction, other facilities have sprung up around it to take advantage of the high level of passing trade in the form of Thai and foreign visitors to this remarkable place. The car park is often busy with tour coaches, but is also the home of various snack and drink vendors and souvenir shops.
The grounds in front of Buddha Mountain include a temple, with saffron-robed monks a common sight, so appropriate clothing is recommended (clothing that covers shoulders and legs above the knee). Beyond this, there are no fees or restrictions on entering the grounds and getting up close to the awe-inspiring image. There are restrictions on exactly how close you can get to the mountain as there is still the possibility of injury from falling stones, but the areas where you can and cannot go are clearly marked and should be adhered to.
Khao Chi Chan is reached by following Sukhumvit Road south from Pattaya and turning left on Ban Yen Road, which is about 500 metres after the turn-off for Wat Yansangwararam and a short distance before the Cartoon Network Amazone Waterpark and Nong Nooch Tropical Gardens. Follow the road for six kilometres and you will be unable to miss this unforgettable attraction. If you’re not hiring a car, a taxi, Songtaew (baht bus) or even a motorbike taxi will get you there in about 20-30 minutes from the centre of Pattaya at a cost of around 500 baht.
Opening Hours: 08:00 – 17:00.
Location: Na Jomtien
