Pattaya: Sanctuary of Truth & Buddha Mountain
The cultural side of Pattaya: a temple carved entirely from wood on the seafront, a quiet royal temple, a museum of Chinese art and a giant Buddha engraved into a cliff.
Tour overview
Pattaya is known for its beaches and nightlife, but its finest sights are cultural. This private day begins at the Sanctuary of Truth, a seafront temple built entirely of hand-carved teak that has been under construction since 1981. After lunch near the sea in Naklua, you visit Wat Yansangwararam, a peaceful royal temple with pavilions in the styles of different Asian countries, then Viharn Sien, a museum of Chinese art with terracotta warriors and jade statues. The day ends at Khao Chi Chan, where a Buddha image is outlined in gold on a quarried cliff. From Bangkok the tour is a full day; from Pattaya or Jomtien it is a shorter half-day programme.
Scheduled stops
- •Sanctuary of Truth
- •Lunch in Naklua
- •Wat Yansangwararam
- •Viharn Sien (Anek Kuson Sala)
- •Khao Chi Chan – Buddha Mountain
Pattaya cultural itinerary (from Bangkok)
Times are approximate and may vary depending on traffic, queues, temple access and local conditions. The order of visits may be adjusted when necessary to provide the smoothest experience.
Hotel pickup in Bangkok
About two hours to Pattaya with a short break.
Sanctuary of Truth
A guided visit of the carved teak temple, about 1.5–2 hours.
Lunch in Naklua
The meal is not included in the standard tour price and is available on request.
Wat Yansangwararam
A royal temple and its pavilions in the styles of Thailand, China, India and Japan.
Viharn Sien
A museum of Chinese art: terracotta warriors, jade Guanyin and Chinese deities.
Khao Chi Chan – Buddha Mountain
The Buddha image engraved in gold on a limestone cliff.
Return to Bangkok
Start of the drive back.
Estimated arrival at your hotel
Around 18:30, depending on traffic.
Photo gallery
Photos: Evgeniy Metyolkin (CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons) · Владимир Кочадыков (CC BY 3.0, Wikimedia Commons) · Chainwit. (CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons) · Cun Cun (CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons)
Frequently asked questions
Can the tour start in Pattaya or Jomtien?
Yes. From Pattaya or Jomtien the programme runs from about 08:30 to 14:30, with the same stops, from 9,700 THB for 2 guests. Mention it in your message.
Is the tour private?
Yes. The vehicle, the driver and the guide are only for your group (1–8 people). Larger groups on request.
Are admissions and lunch included?
Admission to the Sanctuary of Truth and Viharn Sien is included; Wat Yansangwararam and Khao Chi Chan are free. Lunch is not included and is available on request.
Is there a dress code?
Yes. Shoulders and knees must be covered at the Sanctuary of Truth and at the temples.
What is included
- Licensed local English-speaking guide.
- Private air-conditioned vehicle with driver, fuel, tolls and parking.
- Hotel pickup and drop-off in central Bangkok, or in Pattaya and Jomtien.
- Basic travel insurance for every customer, the guide and the driver.
Tour price inclusions and exclusions
- Admission to the Sanctuary of Truth and to Viharn Sien is included.
- The price shown is for the tour from Bangkok; from Pattaya or Jomtien it starts at 9,700 THB for 2 guests.
- Lunch is not included in the standard tour price; it is available on request.
- Price for the whole private group, VAT included.
Practical tips
- Dress modestly for temples: shoulders covered, trousers or skirt at least knee-length.
- Comfortable shoes; the Sanctuary of Truth has stairs and uneven wooden floors.
- Bring a hat, sunscreen and a reusable water bottle.