Visit the picturesque Buddha Mountain (aka Khoa Chi Chan) to gaze in awe at a magnificent gilded image of the Lord Buddha. Mingle with pilgrims and tourists that come to appreciate this 358-foot (109-metre) tall, 230-foot (70-metre) wide monument and artistic masterpiece. Watch as devotees lay offerings at the memorial and pray at the various shrines. Unveiled in 1996, the image on Buddha Mountain commemorates the golden jubilee of Bhumibol Adulyaedj, the King of Thailand.
Beside the revered image, the mountain stands amid beautiful gardens. Find information signs in English, which explain about the history of the area. Check out the graceful pavilions, placid lotus-filled pools, interesting rock formations and sunflower gardens. Have your camera ready to snap postcard-perfect shots of undulating green hills and sprawling vineyards. Take a moment to sit on the lush lawns and enjoy the peace and serenity.
The mountain is about a 25-minute drive from Sattahip. Get here via private taxi or songthaew, which is a shared taxi. Alternatively, rent a car or scooter and visit nearby attractions at your own pace. Almost immediately opposite the mountain’s entrance is Silverlake Vineyard. Join a guided tour of the scenic vineyards, learn about winemaking processes and sample Thai wines.
Just a 15-minute drive away is the imposing Wat Yansangwararam. Note a range of Asian architectural styles, spot ancient Buddha relics and see a fine collection of Chinese antiquities. Also worth visiting is Nong Nooch Tropical Botanical Garden. Explore themed gardens and sculpture displays on foot, bike or elephant’s back. Watch elephant displays, folk dancing performances and Thai martial arts shows.
Buddha Mountain is open daily and admission is free. Be respectful of worshippers when visiting and taking photos. Wat Yansangwararam is also free and open daily.
