Wat Phra Yai (Big Buddha)—Pattaya, Thailand.
Posted by: 
Ianatlarge
N 12° 54.860 E 100° 52.116
47P E 702735 N 1428400
A large (~20m) high golden statue of the Buddha, located on a hilltop overlooking Pattaya.
Waymark Code: WM78X1
Location: Thailand
Date Posted: 09/20/2009
Views: 6
A prominent tourist spot, and an important Buddhist Wat, in Pattaya is the 'Big Buddha' Wat. While it may seem less than totally respectful to refer to the Buddha in this fashion, this is the terminology that the locals use, there is even a road sign directing visitors to the 'Big Buddha hill'.
More formally known as Wat Phra Yai (yai = big) the golden Buddha dominates the skyline of the hill. It is reached by walking up a long set of steps flanked by two golden snakes (naga). The Wat is always busy: bus loads of tourists speaking a variety of languages, locals paying homage, and the sound of clicking cameras, can always be heard. Here you can have your future told, release birds to ensure good fortune, and talk to the local monks. Around the 'Big Buddha' are other Buddha statues, for the days of the week and for aspects of the Buddha's life. Unlike most Wats there is no crematorium here.
I have been told that the construction of the Big Buddha took a year and was entirely by hand. The year of construction was 1977.
The hill is home to several other religious shrines and tourist activities, a visitor can spend a day on the hill, seeing the sites, enjoying the view, and having a bite to eat. Bring a hat and shades.
Open to visitors?: Yes
Photography Permitted Inside?: Yes
Statue of the Buddha present?: Yes
Related Website: Not listed
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Visit Instructions:Include in your log one or two complete sentences. Logs containing a few words like "visited it" are subject to deletion.
Photos of the shrine are strongly encouraged when permitted otherwise please refrain from taking pictures inside and in any case, generally have respect for the religious nature of the site.