Khao Chee Chan is one of the most known attractions of Pattaya as it is the place where you will find the largest Buddha image in the world. In the past, this mountain used to be a site of stone mining industry that runs by the Navy since Vietnam War Era, but it was halted by His Majesty King Bhumibol in the 70s. Later, the Supreme Patriarch Somdej Phra Yanasangvorn wishes to carve a Buddha image on the cliff to commemorate His Majesty's Golden Jubilee in 1996 as the mountain is located in a beautiful area not so far from Wat Yansangwararam, so he ordered to make a Buddha image on the cliff side of the mountain.
The Buddha image was carved on the cliff using laser and filled with gold leafs by hands. It is an image of sitting Maravijaya Buddha, which stands 130 metres tall and 70 metres wide and can be seen from miles away. His Majesty King Bhumibol gave the Buddha image the name of Phra Buddha Maha Wachira Uttamopas Sasada which means "the Buddha that shines brightly and enlighten all".
Khao Chee Chan is also known as Buddha Mountain. The area around the image is canopied by trees and at the base of the cliff is a garden and large lotus pond. Visitors can walk around in the area and watch at the image from distance, but not allow getting close to the image because of the chance of rock falling.
Admission & opening hours
Opening hours are from 8 am until 5 pm. Admission is free.
Buddha Mountain
Khao Chi Chan Carved Buddha Mountain, the magnificent cliff facet, displays the outline of a sitting Sukhothai-Lanna Buddha inlaid with gold leaf. This noble work is constructed for dedication to the commemoration of His Majesty the King’s Golden Jubilee, the 50th anniversary of his accession to the throne.
his noteworthy Buddha inlaid image is 130-metre-high and is royally- given name is Phra Phuttha Maha Wachira Utta Mopat Satsada, meaning that Lord Buddha is virtuous and glorious as Maha Wachira (the Great Wisdom). The encompassing areas are a wide variety of decorated gardens, flowering plants and many of pavilions for meditation. In front of the cliff face are revered shrines for visitors to pay respect and a number of pools planted with lotus flowers.
Charming decorated garden around Khoa Chi Chan Mountain in Pattaya: