Khao Chi Chan is a Buddha-carved cliff in Pattaya

Pattaya is a go-to city for Bangkokians in the weekend as the city offers a load of accessible tourist attractions other than beaches. However, for newcomers, I’m afraid there might be some hidden places that you might miss. So, as a Pattaya native myself, it’s my personal mission to make sure you’re aware of this noteworthy place.

Basically, Khao Chi Chan is a giant Buddha-carved limestone hill that sits in Pattaya surrounded by lush nature. The best part is that potential visitors – both Thai citizens and foreign tourists – may enter the attraction for free. Besides checking out this majestic tribute, you could also drop by other popular attractions like Ramayana Water Park or Castello Di Bellagio Pattaya, as they’re pretty close by.

Here’s what you can look forward to, if you do decide to visit.

More guides on places in Pattaya:

Khao Chi Chan boasts a limestone cliff with Buddha’s image carved onto it

Image credit: @dazziewazzie

The most striking feature of Khao Chi Chan is that the limestone hill stands alone in the middle of Pattaya’s city. Surrounded by a spacious green park, mini gardens, and bodies of water, the site has undoubtedly transformed into a tourist hotspot over the years.

Turning our eyes to the side of the lofty limestone cliff, you’ll find a sight to behold indeed. The gold-tinted carving of Lord Buddha’s image on the surface has been an iconic landmark in Pattaya for over 20 years. Its stunning façade was carved with 24-carat gold into the face of the hill in 1995, as part of a commemorative effort to mark 50 years of King Rama 9’s reign in Thailand.

Another impressive accolade the attraction has under its belt is that the image is considered to be one of the largest Buddha carvings in the world.

Image credit: @travel.excuses

Interestingly, visitors can enter this gem to pay their respects without any fees.

Every year, visitors from different places make their pilgrimages here, not only to admire the Buddha but also take pictures of the scenic surroundings. Around the area, there are green space and open-air pavilions where families can relax or have a picnic amidst the sylvan atmosphere.

In the vicinity of a fine Italian restaurant & famous water park

Image credit: @castellodibellagio

In close proximity, you’ll find Castello Di Bellagio Pattaya, a colossal Italian fine-dining restaurant that will catch your attention with its European castle-inspired architecture. At first glance, we found it hard to believe that it’s a restaurant as it appeared like a hotel to us. If you explore the vast premises within, we’re sure you’ll uncover many interesting spots to snap pictures to fool your IG followers into thinking you’re halfway across the world in Rome.

Another place that is worth-mentioning is Ramayana Water Park, a famous amusement park in Pattaya. Spoiler alert, you might wanna get your swimwear ready for a visit here as you’re bound to get wet.

Getting to Khao Chi Chan in Pattaya

Image credit: @vivita.art

Within a 2-hour drive from Bangkok and just half an hour from Pattaya’s centre, I would say this iconic landmark is worth a visit as it is a tranquil sanctuary that you’ll never find anywhere else in the world. Plus, the attraction is located near other tourist spots that you can reach easily. All in all, I personally find it a pleasant area for a mental repose.

If you’re a newcomer in Pattaya, do check out this place and I hope you enjoy spending a day there. Feel free to let us know what other spots in Pattaya are worth visiting in the comments.

Khao Chi Chan
Address: Na Chom Thian, Sattahip District, Chon Buri 20250
Opening Hours: 6AM – 6PM, Daily
Google Maps

Cover images adapted from (Clockwise from Top Left): @vivita.art

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