Khao Chi Chan, or as it is more commonly known, Buddha Mountain has become an iconic landmark in Pattaya and a popular tourist attraction. This giant golden Buddha carved into the face of a mountain cliff is set among a beautiful and tranquil park.
A short walk along paved paths will bring you right to the base of the mountain where you can see the full detail and really appreciate the gigantic scale of this impressive carving. There is a small lake at the foot of the mountain filled with lilies and lotus flowers.
There is no entrance fee at Khao Chi Chan, however, there are several donation boxes around where you can make a small offering to help with the upkeep of this lovely sight.
The mountain was originally mined for U.S. Army and Air Force projects at the local Utapao Airport during the Vietnam War. The mining continued on for several years after the Americans departed, eventually leaving the sheer face of the mountain we see today.
In 1995 the idea to carve a giant Buddha on the ...
The Tamsui Old Street 淡水老街 is a street in Tamsui District, New Taipei, Taiwan.
Tamsui Old Street, also known as Danshui Old Street, is a pedestrian zone located in the Tamsui District, near the red line MRT station of the same name.
It is a boardwalk-like area by the riverfront filled with shops, carnival games, restaurants, cafés, and local snacks. The street is accessible within walking distance from Tamsui Station of Taipei Metro.
While the exact street designated as “Old Street” is not clearly marked, the area collectively referred to as “Tamsui Old Street” includes multiple streets and alleys around the MRT station and river, with lots of shops and food stalls.
The shops generally open in the afternoon and stay open until midnight, offering a variety of local delicacies such as A-gei, iron eggs, and fried squid.
The whole area is fun to see. You can walk along the river, shop for local foods or explore some of the historic sites in the area. A place you should visit if ...
Taipei Confucius Temple 台北孔廟
While Guanyu is the god of war, Confucius (孔夫子) is considered the god of literature and wisdom. As confusing as his name sounds, Confucius is not exactly a “god.” It’s better to describe him as a great philosopher. However, since Confucianism deeply influences the Chinese-speaking world, it does feel like a religion in some ways. Sometimes people come here to wish for a good grades.
The standard structure of a Confucius temple includes a wall and a stage. The tall wall is a symbol of Confucius’s invincible wisdom. The stage is where students dance to celebrate Confucius’s birthday.
To get here take the MRT Red Line to Yuanshan Station then take exit no.2
The temple is plain compared to normal Chinese temples but that doesn’t make it any less interesting. The styling and history of this temple makes it well worth a visit.
Taipei Confucius Temple 台北孔廟 - Hidden Gem - Taipei Taiwan 2026
Xianse Temple, also known as Sanchong Xianse Temple or Wugu Xiandi Temple, stands as a cherished historic landmark in Sanchong District of New Taipei City.
This mixed Buddhist-Taoist temple primarily venerates Shennong, the legendary Divine Farmer and Emperor of Agriculture and Medicine, who is revered for teaching ancient people the arts of farming and herbal healing.
Its serene presence near the MRT Xianse Temple Station offers visitors a peaceful glimpse into Taiwan’s agricultural heritage and immigrant history, with exquisite traditional architecture that has earned it recognition as a New Taipei City-designated historic site.
The temple’s story dates back to the mid-18th century during the Qing Dynasty. Around 1745, immigrants from Quanzhou in Fujian Province began reclaiming land in the flood-prone Taipei Basin area. By 1755, they erected a simple thatched shrine to Shennong, seeking blessings for bountiful harvests.
Over the decades, repeated flooding prompted relocations, and the ...
