Why should you go there and how do you do it right?

The enormous golden Buddha is the main reason for the many visitors and makes an immediate impression as soon as you reach the top. It stands 18 meters tall and was erected in 1977 on Pratumnak Hill between Pattaya and Jomtien, next to a temple dating back to the 1940s. What surprises many is how little effort it takes to get there. Once at the foot of the hill, there are only about 100 short steps, lined with a dragon-shaped railing – ideal for children or anyone who doesn't fancy a long hike.

Surrounding the main image are seven smaller Buddha statues, one for each day of the week. Thai visitors often look for the statue of their birthday. From the viewpoint, there is a sweeping view over Pattaya and the sea, especially in the late afternoon when the light is most beautiful. Near the entrance, there are souvenir stalls and vendors selling cold drinks. Allow half an hour to an hour for your visit. Wat Khao Phra Bat is a short walk north uphill from there.

Entry is free; incense, candles, and donations are optional. According to Google, the temple is open from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM, but the Tourism Authority of Thailand states 6:30 AM to 5:00 PM. Therefore, I recommend visiting during daylight hours. As it is an active temple, shoulders and knees should be covered, and shoes should be removed in the shrines.

There is no public bus that goes up the hill. It's about 2 km and a 10-15 minute drive from Pattaya's city center. A Grab or Bolt ride from Beach Road costs approximately 100-150 baht each way. A shared taxi (songthaew) costs 10-20 baht to the turnoff; from there it's about a 500-meter walk. Ask your driver to take you all the way to the top, not the bottom. There is plenty of parking available if you are arriving by car.