Phra Tamnak Mountain Viewpoint
Phra Tamnak Mountain Viewpoint
4.5
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4.5
150 reviews
Excellent
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Very good
47
Average
12
Poor
2
Terrible
0
dj_john_lucas
Halifax, Canada5 contributions
Oct 2023 • Friends
What an amazing place. First of, they don't allow cars to drive the steep road that goes all the way to the top, so be prepared to walk up a really steep walkway. Once you make it to the top the Cafe seating has one of the best views of Pattaya and surrounding area. There are two temples, one of them sits next to a breath taking view point, have your camera ready. I visited in the morning (8-9am) and it wasn't too busy. I can only imagine it does get quite busy later in the day. Actually on a side note, planning activities early in the morning will help deal with the hot afternoon temperatures. All in all, I would definitely make this a must see place when visiting Pattaya.
Written 29 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
macedonboy
Glasgow, UK186,135 contributions
Mar 2024 • Friends
This viewpoint is located on the highest point of Pattaya and give impressively scenic views of Pattaya Beach, Beach Road and all the surrounding areas. From the nearby Prince of Chumphon Monument, you can even see parts of Jomtien.
The climb up is pretty steep. The hot & humid condition makes it even more of a challenge, but it's worth it for the views.
The climb up is pretty steep. The hot & humid condition makes it even more of a challenge, but it's worth it for the views.
Written 28 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
horst_8877
Shanghai, China413 contributions
Feb 2014 • Friends
The view point on the hill (Khao Phra Tamnak) in Pattaya South opens a stunning panoramic view over the whole bay of Pattaya. Only taking pictures there would be already a good reason for the nice 40 minutes walk from the south end of Walking Street uphill along Chaloem Phrabrat Rd. and Phra Tamnak to the sign “view point”, from where to follow a small road to the end. But just sharing the same place there are more attractions. The small but a bit exotic temple Wat Khao Phra Bat with an interesting background story hosts some unusual sculptures and rituals and a replica of Buddha’s footprint. Opposite of the temple is the memorial of Marine Admiral Krom Luang Jumborn, honored as great contributor to the Royal Thai Navy. The visitor terrace of this memorial is nicely decorated with plenty of colorful flowers and greenery. Just beside of the memorial is the gate to a radio station, where two funny sculptures of Thai policemen in the style of garden gnomes keep watch. But for the joy of all of us there is a little fancy coffee shop named “coffee break”, which reminds to the good old Hippie times, selling coffee and other drinks from an original 60’s old-timer “VW Bulli”, surrounded by a little improvisational terrace under few trees. We enjoyed their refreshing ice tea and relaxing informal friendly atmosphere very much above the roofs of Pattaya! Don’t miss “coffee break” for a rest when visiting this place on Pattaya hill.
Written 6 March 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Vincent M
New Orleans, LA2,245 contributions
July 2014
Khao Phra Tamnak is my personal pick as the single most intriguing attraction in Pattaya, though I am obviously in the minority here: Walking Street easily draws a thousand visitors to Khao Phra Tamnak's 1. The beauty of this very special place is also, unfortunately, being undermined by rapid commercial development on all sides. Catch it while you can.
Why go up there? 1. The monument. 2. The viewpoint. 3. The coffee with view. 4. The Wat. 5. The park. I'll take them in reverse order. I will also attach some photos.
5. The Pattaya City Park is on the southern approaches to the top of the hill with the "Pattaya City" sign on it. Nice paved paths and roads through natural areas which vary from flame trees to, unexpectedly, stands of prickly pear cactus. Some interesting Thai sculpture. Like most everything and everyone in Pattaya, the park is a bit past its prime and shows its age in the harsh light of day, but at its best it has some marvelous vistas and delightful surprises, including walkways to some of the letters of the Pattaya sign. (Caveat: the washroom facilities beside the car park below the view are NOT a surprise of the delightful variety; avoid at all costs; due to continual use but lack of maintanance for a year or more, these are the most disgusting WC facilities I have ever seen in Asia, including rural Tibet; pay 5 baht to ones that are maintained, at the top of the hill.)
4. The Wat, Wat Khao Phra Bat, is a relatively small temple but quite old. The golden statues are artistically second-rate. The wall murals are more interesting. Unfortunately the ceiling murals at the main shrine are almost completely obliterated, and in desperate need of major restoration.
3. Very nice little coffee shop just below the viewpoint. Good inexpensive cappuccino or caffe latte. And you can drink it sitting on the edge of the hill with a superb unobstructed view of Pattaya and the bay. (Staff gets special kudos from me because when it began to drizzle they not only rushed me to a different seat, where an eave sheltered me from the rain, but on their own initiative rustled up two plastic bags to protect my camera and phone from the rain.)
2, The viewpoint, which is adjacent to the monument, is really a spectacular vista of the city, bay, gulf, islands, and distant highlands to the east. Day, night, sunset--quite a prospect! Marred, however, by new construction in progress, including, incredibly, one mega-high rise which is immediately south of the hill, but was allowed to be even higher! Once it's completed, occupants will be looking down at the viewpoint and monument. I suggest the developers consider renaming it "Eyesore Tower" and marketing it on the grounds that if you're on the inside looking out, you'll now be the only folks in Pattaya whose view isn't marred by the worst eyesore in town.
1. The monument honors one of the most revered men in Thailand, literally. Abhakara Kiartivong, Prince of Chumphon, son of King Rama V, was born in 1880 and in his teens was sent to England to study naval warfare. On his return, he spearheaded the modernization of the Thai Royal Navy, and this monument honors him in this role: he is shown in the full naval dress of an admiral, the monument is decorated with naval shells, and the garden at the viewpoint is set into the prow of a "warship." He was also of course a royal prince, with the usual other perks (wife and five concubines, etc.) and Thais have the greatest respect for their royals. But there was more to the man than this, which why this site is more than a monument to a militarist. The prince also had other interests, including traditional herbal medicine, and he personally treated anyone who was in need. So to the people, the Prince of Chumphon became "Doctor Phom" and after his early death (at 44) that reverence increased. One source states that due to his wisdom in the supernatural arts, some followers now believe he now is one of the "108 deities in heaven." I can say for sure that this is not just a monument, but a shrine, which is considered a holy place by Thais, who offer incense, and pray for good fortune. Hence the sign to remove your shoes when stepping up to the monument. Foreign visitors should be suitably respectful, and dress and act as they would at a Buddhist Wat.
If you're in Pattaya, and want temporary relief from the culture of beer bars, night clubs, and water sports, this is a great place for a daytime break.
Why go up there? 1. The monument. 2. The viewpoint. 3. The coffee with view. 4. The Wat. 5. The park. I'll take them in reverse order. I will also attach some photos.
5. The Pattaya City Park is on the southern approaches to the top of the hill with the "Pattaya City" sign on it. Nice paved paths and roads through natural areas which vary from flame trees to, unexpectedly, stands of prickly pear cactus. Some interesting Thai sculpture. Like most everything and everyone in Pattaya, the park is a bit past its prime and shows its age in the harsh light of day, but at its best it has some marvelous vistas and delightful surprises, including walkways to some of the letters of the Pattaya sign. (Caveat: the washroom facilities beside the car park below the view are NOT a surprise of the delightful variety; avoid at all costs; due to continual use but lack of maintanance for a year or more, these are the most disgusting WC facilities I have ever seen in Asia, including rural Tibet; pay 5 baht to ones that are maintained, at the top of the hill.)
4. The Wat, Wat Khao Phra Bat, is a relatively small temple but quite old. The golden statues are artistically second-rate. The wall murals are more interesting. Unfortunately the ceiling murals at the main shrine are almost completely obliterated, and in desperate need of major restoration.
3. Very nice little coffee shop just below the viewpoint. Good inexpensive cappuccino or caffe latte. And you can drink it sitting on the edge of the hill with a superb unobstructed view of Pattaya and the bay. (Staff gets special kudos from me because when it began to drizzle they not only rushed me to a different seat, where an eave sheltered me from the rain, but on their own initiative rustled up two plastic bags to protect my camera and phone from the rain.)
2, The viewpoint, which is adjacent to the monument, is really a spectacular vista of the city, bay, gulf, islands, and distant highlands to the east. Day, night, sunset--quite a prospect! Marred, however, by new construction in progress, including, incredibly, one mega-high rise which is immediately south of the hill, but was allowed to be even higher! Once it's completed, occupants will be looking down at the viewpoint and monument. I suggest the developers consider renaming it "Eyesore Tower" and marketing it on the grounds that if you're on the inside looking out, you'll now be the only folks in Pattaya whose view isn't marred by the worst eyesore in town.
1. The monument honors one of the most revered men in Thailand, literally. Abhakara Kiartivong, Prince of Chumphon, son of King Rama V, was born in 1880 and in his teens was sent to England to study naval warfare. On his return, he spearheaded the modernization of the Thai Royal Navy, and this monument honors him in this role: he is shown in the full naval dress of an admiral, the monument is decorated with naval shells, and the garden at the viewpoint is set into the prow of a "warship." He was also of course a royal prince, with the usual other perks (wife and five concubines, etc.) and Thais have the greatest respect for their royals. But there was more to the man than this, which why this site is more than a monument to a militarist. The prince also had other interests, including traditional herbal medicine, and he personally treated anyone who was in need. So to the people, the Prince of Chumphon became "Doctor Phom" and after his early death (at 44) that reverence increased. One source states that due to his wisdom in the supernatural arts, some followers now believe he now is one of the "108 deities in heaven." I can say for sure that this is not just a monument, but a shrine, which is considered a holy place by Thais, who offer incense, and pray for good fortune. Hence the sign to remove your shoes when stepping up to the monument. Foreign visitors should be suitably respectful, and dress and act as they would at a Buddhist Wat.
If you're in Pattaya, and want temporary relief from the culture of beer bars, night clubs, and water sports, this is a great place for a daytime break.
Written 8 July 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kiinok
Samut Prakan, Thailand16 contributions
Sept 2019
Some days this gets swamped with tourists and other days peaceful. It is a nice temple on top of the mountain overlooking Pattaya. I live Khao Phratamnak and have the fortune to listed to the Monks chanting on all the Buddhist holidays. I think there are some good photographic opportunities here. At minimum, a view of the city and surrounding area. Depends on what attracts you are what you like.
Written 28 November 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jetrax
Finland, Europe48 contributions
Mar 2019 • Family
Definitely worth a visit in the late evening when it's already dark. You can see the lights over whole Pattaya and the harbor. All the lights of the ships and restaurant boats out on the sea. Lots of Chinese tourists
Written 28 March 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
FemaleFarang
Liverpool25 contributions
Nov 2014 • Solo
This place attracts lots of tourists - understandably as it's quite dramatic. A huge, imposing golden buddha figure located at the top of the highest point in Pattaya, approached via a completely over-the-top naga staircase. Chickens cluck around, dogs and cats stroll across the path and they've been joined by guys with cameras who'll 'pap' your expression as you gaze up the naga staircase in awe at the buddha. Then try to flog it back to you in the form of a piece of tourist tat on a plate. But try to ignore all that and find a peaceful space to spend some time in contemplation. The garden of Kuan Yin is a lovely, tranquil spot in keeping with her spirit as the source of compassion for the world. Above all, respect the site for what it is.
Written 14 November 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SOH KIEN PENG
Singapore, Singapore10,010 contributions
Nov 2014 • Solo
There is little write up on how to climb up this Khao Phra Tamnak, the highest hill at Pattaya. Most visitors went there by tuk tuk or mini-vans. The one research that I have was by a group of expatriate enthusiastic of keeping fit to climb up in the evening from the light house at the end of Beach Road of Pattaya Beach. I happened to alight at the bus stop at Jomtien and climb my way up the hill.
There were many stray dogs that kept on barking at you as I climbed up the hill at about 5.30 am. Nevertheless, you just need to ignore them, they are unlikely to bite you. I was hesitant when I reached the cross junction of the hill where even more ferocious dogs were guarding the entrance. A jogger told me that I was too early as the temple is still closed. I then walked my way down from the main road, passed by the Tourist Police office and ended up at the Walking Street and the Pattaya Pier. So, there are more than one way up the hill. One way from Jomtien, another way from the lighthouse and another way from Walking Street or the Pattaya Pier. All ways will end up at Khao Phra Tamnak.
The best time to go up the hill of course is in the early morning when the sun is not so hot but if you are there to take photos, it would be ideal before noon when the place is more lighten up. It is not steep and I have no difficulty climbing up the second time. The only place that is steep is way up from the end of Walking Street to the Tourist Police Office.
There is a small park below the temple side of the hill at the Tourist Police office but it is a very small park of no significance. You can see some locals having their morning walk around the park.I found those stray dogs a nuisance but the cashier at the family mart (on the way up) told me that people are more scarier than dogs. She has some meaning in it as she was all alone in the mart.
There is a Chinese temple before you arrived at the Big Buddha temple. Nothing touristy at the Chinese temple. As you proceeded up from the Chinese temple, you can see the Big Buddha temple about 20 m from the Chinese temple. The climb up the Big Buddha is easy. The dragon body leading up to the Big Buddha was quite unique and the Big Buddha was real big and magnificent. There are a number of other Buddha structures up at the top and you can have a panaromic view of Pattaya at a corner at the top of the temple.
The moment I came down from the Big Buddha, a stray dog kept barking at me until someone from the shop stopped the dog from further barking. Because of the stray dogs, I found this place not very welcoming or friendly. Nevertheless, it is serene and quiet up at the Big Buddha.
In order to proceed to the other side of the hill where the monument of a late Navy Commander was located, you have to go down the hill to the cross section and up a road up to the other tiop side of the hill. From the monument, you can see a great view of Pattaya Crescent. It was beautiful and you can have a taste of the coffee from a shop beside the monument.
It was interesting to climb up the hill and explore on yur own. Try doing so.
There were many stray dogs that kept on barking at you as I climbed up the hill at about 5.30 am. Nevertheless, you just need to ignore them, they are unlikely to bite you. I was hesitant when I reached the cross junction of the hill where even more ferocious dogs were guarding the entrance. A jogger told me that I was too early as the temple is still closed. I then walked my way down from the main road, passed by the Tourist Police office and ended up at the Walking Street and the Pattaya Pier. So, there are more than one way up the hill. One way from Jomtien, another way from the lighthouse and another way from Walking Street or the Pattaya Pier. All ways will end up at Khao Phra Tamnak.
The best time to go up the hill of course is in the early morning when the sun is not so hot but if you are there to take photos, it would be ideal before noon when the place is more lighten up. It is not steep and I have no difficulty climbing up the second time. The only place that is steep is way up from the end of Walking Street to the Tourist Police Office.
There is a small park below the temple side of the hill at the Tourist Police office but it is a very small park of no significance. You can see some locals having their morning walk around the park.I found those stray dogs a nuisance but the cashier at the family mart (on the way up) told me that people are more scarier than dogs. She has some meaning in it as she was all alone in the mart.
There is a Chinese temple before you arrived at the Big Buddha temple. Nothing touristy at the Chinese temple. As you proceeded up from the Chinese temple, you can see the Big Buddha temple about 20 m from the Chinese temple. The climb up the Big Buddha is easy. The dragon body leading up to the Big Buddha was quite unique and the Big Buddha was real big and magnificent. There are a number of other Buddha structures up at the top and you can have a panaromic view of Pattaya at a corner at the top of the temple.
The moment I came down from the Big Buddha, a stray dog kept barking at me until someone from the shop stopped the dog from further barking. Because of the stray dogs, I found this place not very welcoming or friendly. Nevertheless, it is serene and quiet up at the Big Buddha.
In order to proceed to the other side of the hill where the monument of a late Navy Commander was located, you have to go down the hill to the cross section and up a road up to the other tiop side of the hill. From the monument, you can see a great view of Pattaya Crescent. It was beautiful and you can have a taste of the coffee from a shop beside the monument.
It was interesting to climb up the hill and explore on yur own. Try doing so.
Written 8 November 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
davidwilliambarnes
Blackpool, UK1,540 contributions
Mar 2019 • Couples
Thanks to reading some TA reviews we went armed with mosquito repellent - you certainly need it! The views are stunning but it was very busy with Chinese Tourists - this didn't detract us from us enjoying the scenery(whoops). There are some important landmarks to observe such as the temple and the Naval Admiral statue. A great place to see the sun going down.
Written 14 March 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Miike2000
Brisbane, Australia4,629 contributions
Mar 2019 • Solo
It’s a great place for a morning or evening walk. It gets very warm and you might like some mosquito spray. It’s free and it’s good for about an hour, there is parking and it’s also good for a bike ride.
Written 6 March 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Is this payable or free ? If payable then what is the entry cost ?
Written 27 November 2018
Hi guys! How long it takes to get to the top of the hill?
Thanks in advance!
Written 5 October 2017
it's easily accessible by car at top, no hassle on walking up but tourist bus need to stop in provided area and walk up a little distance.
Written 5 October 2017
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