Wat Nong Yai
A serene Buddhist temple in North Pattaya, featuring a stunning white shrine, a giant Buddha, and colorful smaller deities, offering a peaceful escape...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Tranquil atmosphere, fewer crowds
Wat Nong Yai
Best Time
Tranquil atmosphere, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene Buddhist temple in North Pattaya, featuring a stunning white shrine, a giant Buddha, and colorful smaller deities, offering a peaceful escape.
"An absolute must-see temple in Pattaya, very impressive and tranquil."
👗 Respectful Attire
Cover shoulders and legs when visiting prayer areas. :dress: Essential for a respectful experience.
🅿️ Ample Parking
Plenty of parking available, making arrival easy and stress-free. :car:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Grand White Shrine
Centerpiece of the temple grounds
An impressive, pristine white structure that serves as the main focal point, radiating peace and beauty.
Giant Buddha Statue
End of the temple grounds
A majestic, large Buddha image that commands attention and offers a serene spot for reflection.
Diverse Shrines
Scattered throughout the temple complex
Explore smaller, colorful shrines dedicated to various deities, including Ganesha and the Goddess of Harmony.
Hundred and Eight Bells
Near the Giant Buddha
A unique feature where visitors can strike 108 bells, a traditional practice for good fortune.
Plans like a pro.
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Planning Your Visit
Dress Code Matters
Timing Your Visit
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👗 Respectful Attire
Cover shoulders and legs when visiting prayer areas. :dress: Essential for a respectful experience.
🅿️ Ample Parking
Plenty of parking available, making arrival easy and stress-free. :car:
🚶♂️ Explore Thoroughly
Allow at least 30 minutes to wander and appreciate the intricate details of the temple grounds. :stopwatch:
🌙 Night Market Buzz
Visit in the evening for a lively atmosphere with local markets and activities. :shopping_bags:
what to do in Pattaya?
Tips
from all over the internet
👗 Respectful Attire
Cover shoulders and legs when visiting prayer areas. :dress: Essential for a respectful experience.
🅿️ Ample Parking
Plenty of parking available, making arrival easy and stress-free. :car:
🚶♂️ Explore Thoroughly
Allow at least 30 minutes to wander and appreciate the intricate details of the temple grounds. :stopwatch:
🌙 Night Market Buzz
Visit in the evening for a lively atmosphere with local markets and activities. :shopping_bags:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Wat Nong Yai for its peaceful atmosphere and beautiful, well-maintained grounds, particularly highlighting the impressive white shrine and giant Buddha. It's noted as a tranquil escape from typical tourist crowds, though it can become lively with local activities and a night market in the evenings. Some find the smaller shrines and the bell-striking activity engaging.
"A peaceful Buddhist temple in North Pattaya, away from crowds of tourists. Beautiful white shrine and colorful shrines and a functioning temple prayer area are the centerpieces of this temple. There are smaller shrines to various gods and goddesses like Ganesha and the Goddess of Harmony. One of the shrines has a basement prayer area.
Dress conservatively, cover shoulders and legs.
A giant Buddha awaits you at the end of your visit with a hundred and eight bells to strike."
Srini
"We visited on 28 April 2025.
🙏🏻 Nice and peaceful temple visit. Lots of parking spaces."
Christopher Law
"Very impressive And very busing white temple and temple ground here. Also a huge big Buddha image. Area is very well kept. An absolute must see temple in Pattaya. You can easily spend 30 minutes here walking around looking at everything."
Kasper Hammer-Hansen
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Wat Nong Yai is located in North Pattaya. It's easily accessible by taxi or songthaew. Many visitors find it a convenient stop as it's away from the main tourist hubs, offering a more local feel. Ample parking is available if you're arriving by private vehicle.
Yes, Wat Nong Yai is well-known within Pattaya and is generally easy to locate, especially if you mention it to your driver. Its prominent white shrine makes it a visible landmark.
Songthaews are a popular and affordable way to get around Pattaya. They operate on fixed routes, and you can flag them down. Taxis are also readily available.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Wat Nong Yai is a functioning temple and typically does not charge an entrance fee for visitors. Donations are always welcome to help maintain the grounds.
The temple is generally open daily from morning until evening. It's advisable to visit during daylight hours for the best experience, though it can be busy with local activities in the early evening.
No advance booking is required as there is no admission fee. You can visit anytime during its operating hours.
Yes, you can visit the prayer areas, but it's crucial to dress respectfully, covering your shoulders and legs.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Wat Nong Yai features a stunning white shrine, a giant Buddha statue, various colorful smaller shrines dedicated to different deities, and a basement prayer area. You can also strike 108 bells for good fortune.
Most visitors find that 30 minutes to an hour is sufficient to explore the main attractions and soak in the peaceful atmosphere.
Absolutely! The beautiful white shrine, colorful smaller shrines, and the giant Buddha offer many picturesque opportunities. The grounds are well-maintained, making for great shots.
During the day, it's generally peaceful and away from the main tourist crowds. However, it can become busier in the evenings due to local activities and a night market.
Always be respectful. Dress modestly, avoid loud noises, and remove your shoes before entering prayer halls.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While the temple itself doesn't have dedicated dining facilities, the surrounding area, especially during the evening when local markets are active, offers various street food and local eateries.
You can find typical Thai street food, snacks, and local dishes from vendors and small restaurants in the vicinity, particularly during the evening market hours.
📸 📸 Photography
The main white shrine, the giant Buddha, and the colorful smaller shrines are prime photography locations. The well-kept grounds also provide beautiful backdrops.
Photography is generally allowed in most outdoor areas. However, always be mindful and respectful, and refrain from taking photos during prayer ceremonies or inside restricted areas. It's best to ask if unsure.
Morning light can be soft and beautiful for the white shrine. Late afternoon also offers good lighting before sunset. The evening market provides a different, vibrant photographic opportunity.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🧘 Solo Travelers & Spiritual Seekers
📸 Photographers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Serenity of Wat Nong Yai
Beyond the main shrine, the temple complex is dotted with colorful smaller shrines dedicated to various deities, including Ganesha and the Goddess of Harmony. These add a vibrant contrast to the dominant white structure and offer diverse photographic opportunities. A significant feature is the giant Buddha statue, a powerful symbol of peace and contemplation. Nearby, visitors can engage in a traditional practice by striking the hundred and eight bells, each chime believed to bring good fortune.
While the daytime offers a quiet, contemplative experience, Wat Nong Yai also comes alive in the evenings. Local families and residents often gather here, and a night market springs up, bringing a lively, community-focused energy to the temple grounds. This duality makes Wat Nong Yai a versatile destination, appealing to those seeking spiritual solace during the day and a taste of local life after dusk.
Understanding Temple Etiquette
When entering prayer halls or areas with Buddha images, it is customary to remove your shoes. Be mindful of your behavior; avoid loud conversations, pointing directly at Buddha images, or stepping over people. If you are participating in any prayer activities, do so with reverence. The basement prayer area is a sacred space, and extra care should be taken to maintain its sanctity.
Photography is generally permitted in most outdoor areas, but it's always wise to be discreet and respectful, especially if ceremonies are taking place. Avoid taking photos of monks without their permission. The hundred and eight bells are a unique interactive element, but ring them gently and with purpose. By following these simple guidelines, you ensure a meaningful and respectful visit to Wat Nong Yai.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit