Khao Chi Chan: the golden Buddha on the cliff
A giant image of the Buddha drawn in gold on the face of a limestone mountain.
- Area
- Countryside
- Start from
- Pattaya
- Distance
- about 20 km south
- Time needed
- 1–2 hours
- Best season
- All year; late afternoon light is best
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Transport
- Car, scooter or Grab
- Tickets & rules
- None
Why go
Khao Chi Chan is a limestone cliff where an enormous outline of a seated Buddha has been carved and inlaid with gold. It's one of the largest images of its kind and visible from far away.
There's a small park in front with a pond and benches, and it's a peaceful stop rather than a long visit.
Combine it with Silverlake vineyard and Wat Yansangwararam, all close by.
The image is huge, more than a hundred metres tall, and the gold catches the evening sun. Many visitors stand in front of it in silence for a few minutes, especially Thai families who come to pay respect.
The surrounding countryside is pleasant, with orchards, fields and small villages that show a slower rural Thailand.
The story
The image was created in the mid-1990s to honour King Bhumibol Adulyadej's fiftieth year on the throne. The outline was cut into the rock and filled with gold.
Locals consider it an auspicious place and come to make offerings.
The cliff was originally the site of stone quarrying, and turning it into a sacred image was a way of honouring the land as well as the king. The technique used laser guidance to cut the outline before the gold was applied.
The project was overseen by people connected with the Supreme Patriarch, linking it to nearby Wat Yansangwararam.
Getting there
South along Sukhumvit, then inland past the turn to Wat Yansangwararam.
It's about 30–40 minutes by car from central Pattaya. Combine it with Wat Yansangwararam and Silverlake in one half-day loop with a driver.
A suggested plan
- Late afternoonArrive when the sun lights the cliff.
- VisitWalk to the viewing area, then relax by the pond.
- AfterContinue to Silverlake for sunset.
- BeforeVisit Wat Yansangwararam first in the cooler morning or early afternoon.
Where to stay
Day trip.
Good to know
- Bring a long lens if you want detail.
- There are stalls selling drinks and snacks.
- There's little shade; bring a hat.
- Thai families often leave small offerings; it's fine to watch respectfully.
- Don't climb towards the cliff; it's not allowed and dangerous.