Find stillness, from golden temples to silent meditation retreats.
Quick answer
The Sanctuary of Truth is the area's landmark, an all-teak carved hall on the shore. Wat Phra Yai, the Big Buddha, gives the best view over the bay. Meditation retreats and wellness centres operate throughout the province. Cover shoulders and knees at any temple.
Thailand's spiritual side is one of its greatest gifts, and the Pattaya area is unusually rich in it. Within a short drive you can stand before a giant Buddha carved into a cliff, walk through the mouth of a giant turtle for good luck, explore a Chinese art temple full of terracotta warriors, and sit in silence at a seaside meditation retreat. Here are the famous temples, shrines and retreats worth your time.
Naklua. A breathtaking 105-meter all-wood temple-palace, carved top to bottom without a single nail. Open daily, around 500 THB.
Pratamnak Hill, between Pattaya and Jomtien. An 18-meter golden Buddha overlooking the bay, reached by a golden naga staircase. Free.
Na Chom Thian, Sattahip. A giant golden Buddha laser-etched into a limestone cliff face, best in the late-afternoon light. Free.
South of Pattaya. A 145-acre royal temple complex with a tall white chedi, manicured gardens and a lake. It also hosts meditation retreats. Free, donations welcome.
Beside Wat Yan. A three-story Chinese art temple and museum filled with deities, emperors and replica terracotta warriors. About 100 THB, 8 AM to 5 PM.
Na Jomtien, Sattahip, near Nong Nooch. A brilliant white temple built around a huge turtle you can walk through for luck and long life. Free, 8 AM to 6 PM.
A favorite day trip (about 1.5 to 2 hours) to Wat Saman Rattanaram in Chachoengsao, home to the famous giant reclining pink Ganesha. Closer in, Nong Nooch Garden has a towering thousand-hands Ganesha.
Central Pattaya. A serene, easy-to-reach local temple with a revered Buddha image and colorful murals.
Pattaya. A large, photogenic white temple with an impressive Buddha and a calm, uncrowded atmosphere.
A hilltop temple east of central Pattaya with a large seated white Buddha, peaceful grounds and long views over the area.
Central Pattaya. The city's guardian shrine (San Lak Mueang), a small but locally important spot for blessings and good fortune.
Jomtien, about 5 km south of Pattaya. Vipassana in the Ajahn Naeb tradition, with an English-speaking monk, a three-day minimum stay and simple kuti accommodation.
Near Pattaya, set in tranquil garden grounds. Vipassana practice, Dhamma talks and residential retreats for both Thai and international visitors.
The royal temple complex above also runs meditation retreats in a serene, spacious setting, a gentle introduction for first-timers.
Dress modestly with shoulders and knees covered, and skip see-through clothing or beachwear. Remove your shoes before entering any shrine or ordination hall. Inside, sit politely with your feet tucked behind you rather than pointed at the Buddha, keep your voice low, and silence your phone. Never climb on or pose disrespectfully with Buddha images, and try not to turn your back to the main Buddha for photos. Women should not touch a monk or hand anything directly to him; place items down for him to collect instead. Making merit is part of the experience: drop a small donation in the temple box, and you may be offered a sai sin blessing thread for your wrist. Most temples are free to enter.
Beyond the temples, the area is full of ways to slow down: yoga studios, traditional Thai massage, and authentic Japanese onsen spas such as Yunomori and Let's Relax. Our companion ebook covers the best of them, along with how and when to visit each temple.
Feel at home
Thais are warm and forgiving with visitors, and a little awareness goes a long way. Here are the essentials for a respectful, easy first visit.
The traditional greeting: palms together, fingertips to the chin, with a slight bow. The higher the hands, the more respect. Return a wai with a smile. Monks and elders get the highest wai; you need not wai children or service staff.
The head is the most sacred part of the body, so never touch anyone's head. The feet are the lowest, so never point your feet at a person, a Buddha image, or a photo of the King, and do not step over people or food.
Thais deeply respect the King and royal family. Never disrespect them or the images on money, and stand for the national anthem (8 AM and 6 PM) and the royal anthem in cinemas. Disrespecting the monarchy is a serious offence here.
Greet monks with a wai and keep your head lower than theirs. Women must never touch a monk or hand him anything directly, place items down for him instead, and avoid sitting right beside him.
A white cotton thread tied on your wrist for blessing and protection. Keep it on at least three days, then untie it gently rather than cutting it. A small donation (around 20 baht) is customary.
Offering food to monks, donating at a temple, or offering flowers and incense are all ways Thais make merit (tham bun). Visitors are warmly welcome to join in.
Many Thais know the lucky color tied to the day they were born. Wearing it, especially on your birthday, is thought to bring good fortune.
King Rama IX was born on a Monday, which is why yellow is so linked to the monarchy, and Queen Sirikit on a Friday, linked to blue.
From the local guide
Climb a hilltop staircase to an 18-meter Buddha over the bay, stand inside the all-wood Sanctuary of Truth, then unwind in a traditional Japanese onsen. The area's spiritual and wellness side runs deep.
Our companion ebook covers how and when to visit each, and pairs them with the rest of your day.
Explore the ebookShoulders and knees covered, shoes off before entering a shrine building. Some sites lend or hire cover-ups, but arriving dressed appropriately is easier and more respectful.
For residential retreats, yes. Day sessions are often walk-in. Confirm directly, since schedules change with the Buddhist calendar.
Big Buddha Hill is free to climb. The Sanctuary of Truth is around ฿500. Khao Chi Chan, the Buddha laser-etched into the cliff face, costs nothing to view and looks best in the late-afternoon light.
Never touch anyone's head and never point your feet at a person or a Buddha image. Women should not touch a monk or hand anything to one directly. Treat the monarchy with respect, and stand for the national anthem, played at 8am and 6pm.
Next step
Every guide on this site is free to read, from real monthly budgets to visas, renting and buying. When you want a hand with the move itself, that is what we do.