Laser-crafted
Buddha
image the world's tallest
Youthapong
Charoenpan
Chon
Buri province's Khao Chee Chan mountain is a major tourist attraction
since becoming home to the world's tallest Buddha image, which was
carved into its rock face in 1996 using a laser.
Located
in Huay Yai sub-district in the coastal town of Sattahip, Phra Buddha
Maha Uttamopas Sasada, as it is officially known in Thai, is 130
meters tall and 70-m wide at its broadest point so it can be seen
from several kilometers away. It is sometimes referred to as 'Buddha
Mountain'.
Buddha
Mountain was created in 1996 to commemorate the 50th
anniversary of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej's accession to the
throne and is part of the Wat Yahn Sangwarahrahm Woramahawihaan
temple complex (also known as Wat Yan). The markings are inlaid with
gold leaf, while the Sukhothai cum Lanna-style Buddha image has been
produced in the form of a seated mediation posture.
The
image was produced by using the latest laser technology from the US.
While the carving only took about two days to complete, it took
several months to fill the resulting grooves with liquid gold. The
entire project cost about 161.7 million baht (US$4.7 million). The
site is currently being cared for by the Royal Thai Navy, which has a
major base in the town.
Close
to nature
There
are a number of salas
(small, open-air pavilions) nearby, which visitors to the site can
use for rest or meditation. Signs steer you to the best vantage point
for viewing the Buddha image and the place where you should go to pay
homage to it, while in front of the cliff face you'll find shrines,
elaborate gardens, as well as a number of terraced pools filled with
lotus blossoms. From Khao Chee Chan mountain you'll see several
temples, which appear to rise out of the jungle.
If
you bear left at Khao Chee Chan mountain and head up a slight hill
there for less than a kilometer, you'll see a sign for the Wat Yahn
Sangwarahrahm Woramahawihaan temple complex. The temple complex
covers a huge area totaling 366 rai (58.5 hectares), and it features
a huge array of architectural structures and styles. It sits among
verdant gardens, featuring impressive floral displays.
Among
the standing structures you'll find: a Khmer-style mandapa
(an outdoor pavilion or hall), which houses a replica of the Buddha's
footprint; a 40-m tall chedi containing relics of the Buddha and his
disciples; a Swiss-style chalet; as well as shrines in Indian and
Japanese styles.
There
are also several monuments, including one of King Rama VII and Queen
Ramphaiphanni, along with statues of 20 revered monks crafted from
wax. The site also includes an area dedicated to the preservation of
wildlife, including a breeding center, as well as a school, and a
hospital. It's even possible to sign up for a daily meditation
course, which takes place at either 6 am or 6 pm (two per day).
Admission to the course is just 30 baht (less than US$1).
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Nearby,
you'll find Viharna Sein, also known as Anek Kusala Sala, which is a
rather psychedelic, kitschy Chinese-style temple. Opened by HM the
King in 1993, the temple was built to honor the country's Chinese
population and houses a huge collection of Chinese antiques and
objects d'art. Among these you'll see giant yin-yang symbols,
multicolored dragons, terracotta statues, as well as depictions of
scenes from the life of the Buddha.
The
site also includes Silver Lakes Vineyards, where you can purchase a
nice bottle of wine or some jam. There is also an elephant training
center nearby, which may be of particular interest to families with
young children.
Admission
to the site of Buddha Mountain and the temple complex is free,
although there is a 50-baht entry fee for Viharna Sein.
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Did
you know?
During
the Vietnam War, the Royal Thai Navy was allowed to mine the mountain
for stone to be used at the nearby airport at U-Tapao, then being
used as a base for the US Air Force. The stone mined from the area
was also used to build a road from Sattahip to Chachoengsao. HM the
King put a halt to all mining in 1976 after the site had been used
for illegal stone mining.
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Transport
connections
Car:
You can reach Pattaya
by taking Highway 3 or Highway 7 from Bangkok. Once you reach Pattaya
City, head south on Highway 3 (Sukhumvit Road) towards Sattahip. Once
you see the towering Ambassador Hotel on the right-hand side of the
road, you're about 5 km from a sign for Khao Chee Chan. You'll pass
Viharna Sein on the way if you wish to visit the temple before
reaching Buddha Mountain.
For
details of other methods of transport, click here
to visit our Chon Buri section. From Pattaya, you will be able to
access local buses or songthaew
(a
kind of converted pick-up with bench seats).
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Art & Culture 
Art & Culture
Thailand is home to a rich cultural heritage with distinct spiritual and art lineages. Gain insight into the ways of Thai culture passed down through the centuries in addition to its more modern variations through original Art & Culture articles.
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