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 Takia Yokhin Ratchamit Chincha Siam Mosque, commonly known as Takia Yokhin Mosque or Masjid Chao Phra Khun Takia, is a historic mosque with over 400 years of history, established during the Ayutthaya Kingdom in 1610 . It stands as a significant cultural and religious landmark in Ayutthaya, reflecting the multicultural trade hub of the era, with connections to Persian, Indian, and other Muslim communities. This mosque is not only a place of Islamic worship but also a unique symbol of interfaith harmony, attracting both Muslims and Buddhists who visit to seek blessings.
Established in 1610 (BE 2153) by Sheikh Ahmad Qomi (also known as Chao Phra Khun Takia or Sheikh Ahmad Maimum Shah Allahyar), a Shiite mystic from India who spread Islam with Sufi-inspired practices, using miracles and spiritual feats to draw followers.
Originally, the site was a Buddhist temple called Wat Thep Chumphon (or Wat Chetupol). A resident monk, inspired by Takia’s miracles, converted to Islam, leading to the temple’s ...
Wat Phra Khao, also known as Wat Thep Phithak Punnaram, is a Buddhist temple located in the Pak Chong District of Nakhon Ratchasima Province, Thailand. It is situated on Khao Siat A hill in Ban Klang Dong, approximately 2 km off the Mittraphap Highway (the main road from Bangkok to Nakhon Ratchasima). The temple is nestled amid lush greenery near Khao Yai National Park, making it a scenic spot for visitors traveling between Bangkok and the Isan region.
The origins of Wat Phra Khao are believed to date back to the Ayutthaya period (1351–1767), though exact founding details remain uncertain. The temple underwent significant development in the late 20th century. In 1997, a new chapel was constructed to replace an older, dilapidated one. Around this time, the temple’s most iconic feature—a massive white Buddha statue—was built, elevating its status as a local landmark.
The statue, officially named Phra Buddha Sakolsima Mongkhon, was bestowed this name by His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej ...
Wat Ko Kaew Ketsadaram (วัดเกาะแก้วเกษฎาราม), located north of Ayutthaya’s historic city island in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province, Thailand, is an active Buddhist temple with roots in the late Ayutthaya Kingdom and significant developments during the Ratanakosin period.
Known as the “Monastery of the Crystal Island,” it reflects the region’s spiritual and cultural heritage, enhanced by its serene setting near the Pa Sak River. The temple’s history intertwines with military campaigns, royal patronage, and early 20th-century conservation efforts, with its mural paintings serving as a key artistic feature preserved under King Rama V’s initiatives.
Wat Ko Kaew Ketsadaram was formally established in 1868 (BE 2411) by Phraya Yamarat, the governor of Korat (modern Nakhon Ratchasima), following his victorious military campaign in Luang Prabang, Laos. Historical accounts suggest Phraya Yamarat rested in the area at Ban Chang Saeng and founded the temple to ...
