Holiday in Pattaya Thailand

Buddha Mountain. Sight seeing in Pattaya. What to do on holiday in Pattaya.

Many people who come to holiday in Pattaya think that the only entertainment is to be found in the bars and on the beach.

But just outside of Pattaya is a whole host of interesting places to visit which will make your holiday to Pattaya so much more memorable. In the 30 plus years since Pattaya has become a holiday destination many sightseeing attractions have been developed to cater today's modern tourist.

Outside of Pattaya are many interesting places to visit, which will let you experience the many wonders of Thailand and Thai culture without having to stray too far from Pattaya. Pattaya is fast becoming the number one holiday destination in Thailand. The sand on the beach may not be as white as Phuket's beaches but with Pattaya being so close to Suvarnabhumi airport, Bangkoks international airport, less than 145Km away and the cost's of hotels and holiday rentals in general being so much cheaper than in Phuket many are choosing to come to Pattaya.

Pattaya has many attractions, such as:

Sailing 

Buddha Mountain 

Archery 

Horse riding 

Elephant riding 

Pattaya floating market 

Under water world to name but a few.

This article is focusing on the Buddha mountain and Silver lake vineyard.

Buddha mountain located outside Pattaya going South towards Ban Sare. Approximately 16 Km from Tesco Lotus South Pattaya.

Entrance is free to this beautiful park and cultural icon.

Buddha mountain is so named after an image of the Lord Buddha has been carved into the side of the mountain face. Unlike most Buddha images the largest is not a statue, but a cliff face inlaid with gold leaf in the outline of a sitting, Sukhothai-era Buddha. It is 130 meters tall, 70 meters wide, and can be seen from many miles away. The image and mountain are alternately referred to as "Buddha Mountain", Khao Chee Chan, or "Phra Phuttha Maha Vachira Utta Mopas Sasada".

In the park surrounding the cliff are a number of Salas provided for meditation and rest. Signs point you to the most scenic viewpoint of the image and to the "homage paying area". Directly in front of the cliff face are shrines, elaborate gardens, and a number of terraced pools stocked with lotus flowers. Buddha Mountain a quiet, contemplative place and is a welcome break from Pattaya.

The Silver Lake Vineyard is conveniently situated next to the famous laser-sculptured Buddha image at Khao Chi Chan Cliff, so it is easy to see two attractions in one trip.

You can visit the vineyard by the free shuttle bus, or simply relax in the gardens looking down on the vineyard and across the lake. There are a number of basic food shops and of course you can have an ice cold drink of grape juice from the vineyard. The garden areas at Silver Lake Vineyard are relaxing, and superbly landscaped, with plenty of seating areas to either enjoy your snack or simply take in the views. Strangely there is no wine tasting allowed as the Thai government thinks it promotes alcoholism. But none the less still well worth the trip.

Just across the road from Buddha Mountain and Silver Lake you go Elephant riding or enjoy a meal at the Thai restaurant.

A visit to this beautiful park and vineyard is not only highly recommended, inexpensive but completely relaxing. Pattaya is a place full of surprises and attractions all you have to do is ask and you'll experience a whole different side to Pattaya.

This article has been written by James Lamborn who has lived over 7 years in Pattaya and has broad based knowledge of the property rental market in Jomtien and Pattaya. He has found out, often the hard way where to rent and where to avoid. His articles are intended to give the reader the knowledge he has gained over the years and help them from making some of the same mistakes he and others have made.

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