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 ...
Liab Duan Night Market, particularly its original location off Ram Intra (also known as Ramintra or Ram Inthra), is a classic Bangkok night market that has long been a favorite among locals.
Its Thai name, Talad Liab Duan Ramintra or ตลาดเรียบด่วนรามอินทรา, literally translates to something like “night market by the expressway” or highway-side market, reflecting its position right alongside or under the elevated highway near the Watcharapol Junction in the northern part of the city.
This sprawling outdoor market has operated for years as a daily evening destination, typically opening from around 5 PM and staying lively well into the night, often until 1 or 2 AM, with individual vendors setting their own hours based on business. It gained popularity as a more authentic, less touristy alternative to central markets, drawing crowds of Bangkok residents for affordable shopping, street food, and casual nightlife.
The market is known for its massive ...
Wat Chong Krom (วัดจงกรม), also known as Wat Jong Krom or Wat Jong Klom, stands today as a carefully restored ruin in the northern outskirts of Ayutthaya, off the main city island in the Khlong Sra Bua district.
Nestled in the historic area called Thung Khwan (the “Field of Fumes”), the temple lies along a northwest axis roughly parallel to Khlong Sra Bua canal, positioned between Wat Phraya Maen and Wat Phra Ngam, with Wat Prasat situated just to its north.
Its name is believed to derive from a traditional Buddhist meditation practice known as jong krom—walking meditation involving mindful pacing back and forth—which underscores its spiritual purpose as a place of contemplation.
The monastic complex presents an intriguing and somewhat unconventional layout for its era. It encompasses a main chedi, a vihara (assembly hall), an ubosot (ordination hall), several smaller satellite chedis, and other structures, all enclosed within a surrounding wall.
Traditionally, the ...
Somdet Phra Si Nakharin Park, Ayutthaya Thailand
Somdet Phra Srinagarindra Park, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya is located on Uthong Road within the area of the Ayutthaya Historical Park in the western part of the city island. Open to the public in 1985, it is the second park built to celebrate Princess Srinagarindra's 80th birthday. Its large area is left in the original condition as much as possible in case of future archaeological excavations which are possible throughout the area of the Ayutthaya Historical Park.
Serving as a public park, it is an area where local residents can relax and exercise. A number of large trees can be found throughout the park, some of which are the kinds of trees mentioned in literature. This allows visitors to see and gain knowledge about those plants. The park also has a Thai-style pavilion and ruins from ancient Ayutthaya.
The park's most prominent point is the monument of Princess Srinagarindra which was officially opened in 2000 by Princess Chulabhorn Walailak, ...
