WAT YANSANGWARARAM
Wat Yansangwararam: Explore Pattaya’s Peaceful Royal Temple, Gardens and Sacred Monuments
About Wat Yansangwararam Woramahawihan
Wat Yansangwararam Woramahawihan is commonly shortened to Wat Yan. This vast Buddhist temple and meditation complex is surrounded by ornamental gardens, wooded hills and a large reservoir. It offers a quiet and peaceful experience compared to Pattaya’s busy beaches, shopping centres and entertainment districts.
Around the temple grounds, you can see royal monuments, ornate halls, a large white chedi, a traditional scripture library, a hilltop pavilion containing replica Buddha footprints, and a replica of the famous Mahabodhi Temple at Bodh Gaya. The actual Mahabodhi Temple at Bodh Gaya in India is a UNESCO World Heritage Site built around the sacred location where Gautama Buddha is believed to have achieved enlightenment. Allow time to explore slowly because the buildings are distributed across an extensive area rather than concentrated around a single courtyard.
This amazing temple is an active Buddhist monastery, an important royal temple and a centre for meditation. Its landscaped estate covers almost 59 hectares with royal development projects occupying a much larger surrounding area. You can wander around and enjoy the expansive temple grounds, landscaped lawns, lotus ponds, mature trees and carefully maintained gardens.
Among its most prominent structures are the modern ordination hall, the Phra Borommathat Chedi Maha Chakkri Phiphat, the Tripitaka Scripture Hall and the replica Buddhagaya Chedi.
How to Explore Wat Yansangwararam
A few important points to know is that not all the buildings are continuously open and signs may only be in Thai, so a translate app on your mobile cell phone could be handy. Because the buildings are spread out over a wide area in the temple grounds and if you are not comfortable to walk the distances, then having your own transport to reach each carpark can make the visit more enjoyable.
Begin at the reservoir near the entrance, where the ornamental pavilions are located.
From there, continue into the main Buddhavas area containing the temple’s most important religious buildings. You can visit the ordination hall before walking to the Phra Borommathat Chedi. It is important to wear respectful clothes in and around these sacred buildings.
Nearby is the traditional Tripitaka Scripture Hall that is sitting above a protective pond of water.
You can then walk to the amazing replica Buddhagaya Chedi which was inspired by the Mahabodhi Temple at Bodh Gaya in India.The Phra Maha Mondop Buddha Footprint Pavilion stands on Khao Kaeo hill in another part of the temple grounds. Reaching it involves climbing about 200 steep steps, so you will need to be reasonably fit to reach the top, especially if the day is hot and humid. Road access may be possible for you to drive closer to the upper level.
What to Wear at Wat Yansangwararam
Wat Yan is an active temple, so please wear respectable clothes covering shoulders and to below the knees. Light breathable clothing is best to cope with the heat and humidity. Wearing comfortable flat healed walking shoes is essential because of the longer distances around the gardens and between buildings.
Sun protection is important, it's best to wear a hat, sun screen lotion and sunglasses. Take plenty of water with you to prevent dehydration.
Shoes must be removed before entering temple halls. Footwear that can be taken off and put back on easily would be ideal.
Are there any rules when visiting Wat Yan?
This sacred temple is an active place of worship and meditation. Speak quietly, set mobile cell phones to silent mode, and avoid disturbing monks or people who are praying. Do not stand in front of people praying or meditating. Remove shoes before entering religious halls and never point the soles of your feet towards a Buddha image, monk or shrine.
Do not touch Buddha images, religious objects, murals or sacred decorations. Photography is usually allowed unless you see a sign prohibiting taking photos. Remain outside roped-off areas and do not enter monks’ residences or buildings marked as private. Sometimes a ceremony will be taking place, so stand quietly at the rear and follow the directions of temple staff.
Never climb onto monuments, platforms or barriers if you want to take photos. Do not use any dis-respectful poses next to Buddha images or monuments as this can possibly get you in trouble with the Thai authorities.
Do not eat food in any sacred area and walking and eating at the same time in Thailand is very impolite. Drinking alcohol and smoking is forbidden in the temple grounds. Take any rubbish away with you or dispose in bins. Definately do not feed any animals around the grounds, especially the dangerous dragon lizards.
What is the Best Time to Visit Wat Yansangwararam?
To see everything at Wat Yan, it would be best to visit when the weather is cooler. Between November and February, when temperatures and humidity are generally lower is best. Arriving early at at 8:00 am you will find it far more pleasant to walk around and the buildings will more likely be open at this time rather than later in the afternoon.
Weekdays are normally quieter than weekends. Avoid Thai public holidays, and check if any ceremonies are being held during that time at the temple.
Large tour groups can arrive in busses, but because there is so much to explore over a wide area, you can easily avoid the crowds.
How Long to Spend at Wat Yansangwararam
Allow 2 hours to see the main temple buildings, gardens, and reservoir area.
If you decide to include climbing the stairs to visit the Buddha Footprint Pavilion and spend more time taking photos around the grounds, then 3 hours would be needed.
There are some nearby attractions that you could include to make it a half day tour, see below for details.
See below on how to get to Wat Yan, opening times, parking and entry fees.
Wat Yansangwararam
![Ho Phra Traipidok - Tripitaka Scripture Hall]()
This is the Tripitaka Scripture Hall, known in Thai as Ho Phra Traipidok. The upper floor stores the Tripitaka and other Buddhist scriptures. Built in traditional Thai design, this hall was constructed over water to protect valuable manuscripts from ants and termites.
![Phra Borommathat Chedi Maha Chakkri Phiphat]()
Phra Borommathat Chedi Maha Chakkri Phiphat is the principal white royal chedi at Wat Yansangwararam. This 39 metre high chedi was built to honour the monarchs of Thailand’s Chakri Dynasty. Inside are three levels containing a replica Buddha footprint and the “Golden Room” where relics of the Buddha and his disciples are enshrined.
![Phra Pokklao Ariyakhet]()
You will find Phra Pokklao Ariyakhet located in the grounds of Wat Yansangwararam. The central statue depicts King Rama VII seated on a throne. The surrounding memorial commemorates his reign and Thailand’s transition to constitutional government. The side pavilions contain depictions of the King as a Buddhist monk and as a layman.
![Golden Reclining Buddha On Protective Naga]()
This sculpture is of a Golden Reclining Buddha image resting on the coils of a multi-headed protective naga serpent. The reclining posture with the head supported by the right hand represents the Buddha’s final repose before entering Parinirvana (final nirvana, meaning end of the cycle of rebirth, karma, and suffering.
![Skeletal boat 5 at Wat Yansangwararam]()
On the ground floor of Wat Yansangwararam’s replica Mahabodhi Chedi you will find this skeletal boat sculpture symbolising possessions that represent a life consumed with meaningless indulgence and delusion. It forms part of a series of boats illustrating obstacles that prevent people from crossing the metaphorical “sea of suffering.”
![Buddha footprint artwork]()
In the "What Did the Buddha Realise?" exhibition at the replica Mahabodhi (Bodh Gaya) Chedi you will see the decorative Buddhapada which is a representation of the Buddha’s footprint. This symbolic devotional artwork has five spirals represent the toes, while the wheel-like symbol in the centre represents the "Dharmachakra" Wheel of Dharma. The smaller compartments depict the traditional 108 auspicious symbols associated with the Buddha and Buddhist cosmology.
![White Jade Buddha image]()
Enshrined inside the Replica Bodh Gaya Chedi at Wat Yansangwararam is this white jade Buddha image. The Buddha is seated cross-legged with both hands resting in the lap in the dhyana mudra, representing meditation, concentration and inner tranquillity.
![green jade Buddha image]()
You will find the green jade Buddha image inside the Replica Bodh Gaya Chedi at Wat Yansangwararam. In this posture, the Buddha is depicted in the Bhumisparsha mudra, with the right hand reaching towards the ground. Known in Thailand as the Subduing Mara, it represents the moment the Buddha called the Earth to witness his enlightenment.
![Asian water monitor]()
If you come across a "Dragon Lizard" that inhabits any of the lakes, ponds, canals, and grass areas around Wat Yansangwararam, then please keep your distance, and never attempt to feed them. Their proper name is the Asian water monitor. They will usually avoid people but can be dangerous if approached and feel threatened. They swim around all day and eat fish, frogs, insects, and eggs, then rest on the grassy areas at the waters edge.
How To Get To Wat Yansangwararam, Opening Times, and Other Nearby Places To Visit
How to Get There From Central Pattaya
This temple is located about 20 kilometres (12.5 miles) south of central Pattaya.
The address is 999 Moo 11, Huai Yai, Bang Lamung District, Chonburi.
Driving yourself provides the most freedom because you can move between the widely separated buildings at Wat Yan and visit other nearby attractions in the area. Thailand has left hand side of the road driving and their own distinct ways of road etiquette. See the Self Driving In Thailand page for driving tips.
To reach this temple by private car, travel south along Sukhumvit Road, also known as Highway 3, before turning inland at the signposted road for Wat Yansangwararam and Khao Chi Chan. The final section passes through a quieter semi-rural area before reaching the reservoir and temple grounds.
Using the Grab or Bolt app to hire a car is the easiest and most comfortable option, but more expensive. The journey from central Pattaya normally takes approximately 30 to 45 minutes in ordinary traffic, or closer to an hour during peak periods. Allow approximately 300 to 550 baht each way. Prices can rise during rain when the journey takes longer, weekends and periods of high demand. When using the mobile phone app, enter the complete temple name of “Wat Yanasangwararam Woramahawihan”. Then check the map marker carefully before confirming the ride.
Finding a return vehicle can take much longer. It's best to arrange a collection time with the driver, book the return journey before you finish exploring or consider hiring a car with a driver who will wait. A return taxi with two or three hours of waiting time may cost approximately 1,000–1,800 baht, depending on your (polite) negotiation skills.
Joining an smaller organised tour with hotel pickup and drop-off would be a stress free way of enjoying a one day tour where you travel in air-conditioned comfort at a discounted group-tour price. Many of these tours will also take you to other nearby attractions. The only down-side is this option would be time-limited and may not suit your expectations.
See below for the interactive map that shows the exact location.
Wat Yan Opening Times and Entry Fees
Official opening times are between 8:00 am until 5:00 pm daily.
Admission is free, but it would be nice if you leave a contribution in one of the donation boxes located in some of the buildings.
Opening arrangements can change on Buddhist observance days and during royal or religious events.
Is Parking Available?
Several parking areas are located around the Wat Yansangwararam complex, and parking is normally free. Cars, scooters and tour vehicles can park near the principal temple buildings.
Because the complex is so extensive, you can use your own private car to drive between the main sacred area, the reservoir, and the hilltop Buddha Footprint Pavilion rather than leaving the car in one place. Spaces near the hilltop pavilion are more limited.
Nearby Attractions
Viharn Sien is a separate Chinese art and antiquities museum situated nearby. It has its own opening arrangements and admission charge.
Khao Chi Chan Buddha image is also well worth a visit when visiting Wat Yan. It is only about a 10 minutes drive of 5.7km (3.5 miles).
