A large complex of attractions, including the Chinese temple and the Viharnra Sien Museum - a fairly famous place where almost everyone who visits Pattaya travels. Maybe I'm wrong, but it seemed to me so, judging by the reports on the network.
In my opinion, first of all, it is worth seeing Viharnra Sien and the Mondop temple (Phra Maha Mondop Phutthabat) on the hill, but the Wat Yan complex can be missed. In addition to the temples, this place has a small lake with a bike path along the coast and beautiful, but neglected gazebos.
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Viharnra Sien Chinese Temple and Museum
Thailand and China are neighbors and they are linked by rather close long-term relations; a lot of people from China live in Thailand. Therefore, the presence of a Chinese temple near Pattaya is not surprising. But Viharnra Sien is still a very unusual place.
Wat Viharnra Sien or Anek Kuson Sala or «house of thai-chinese friendship»- this is the name of the temple-museum in the southern suburb of Pattaya, the building of which is made in a not very typical for Thailand, purely Chinese style.
It is located next to the Wat Yan temple complex and not far from the Golden Buddha Mountain, Khao Chi Chan. The unusualness of the temple is that, in fact, it is a museum dedicated to Thai and Chinese history and culture, and it contains a large number of ancient very valuable art objects from China..
For example, there are several authentic figurines of terracotta warriors from the famous Terracotta Army, Chinese ceramics from different dynasties, musical instruments, paintings, the golden throne of the emperor, items decorated with precious materials. Particularly valuable museum exhibits were donated to King Rama IX of Thailand by the Chinese government as a sign of friendship and respect.
The museum was founded by Mr. Sa-nga Kulkobkiat, who was born in Thailand and raised in China. In 1987 he began working on the implementation of his project, which was completed in 1993. Now the sculpture of the creator of the complex can be seen on the right side of the central entrance. The life story of Mr Sa-nga Kulkobkiat is carved on a granite slab.
Entrance to the temple, view from the road
Small garden on the territory of the temple
Viharnra Sien Chinese Temple and Museum (Wat Viharnra Sien or Anek Kuson Sala)
Figures of warriors
The building of the temple-museum consists of three floors, plus a courtyard with flowers and bonsai and an extensive terrace. Everywhere, both in front of the entrance to the complex and on the territory and inside, there are a lot of interesting and unusual statues. From lions, the same appearance that guards the entrance to the royal palace in Beijing, ending with the figures of Shaolin warriors in fighting poses.
There is a figure of the god of luck and wealth, statues of bodhisattvas, miniature copies of royal chariots, dolls, a model of a Chinese wall and a terracotta army, murals, gorgeous colorful wall panels, models of traditional Thai housing and much more..
If you are interested in learning more about something, there are signs with signatures next to the museum exhibits. The entire third floor of the building tells about the life of Gautama Buddha and Thai culture. Here are interesting murals on the walls and a large golden statue of Buddha in the center of the hall..
Anek Kuson Sala can be called a museum of culture and a kind of guide to the religions of the Asian region - Buddhism, Taoism and Confucianism. The name can also be translated as «a place with an atmosphere like heaven» or «monastery of saints» - and there are indeed many statues of people and deities revered by adherents of Buddhism and Taoism.
Hall with exhibits
The name would also suit the temple «million and one statue» - figures of all sizes, styles and textures and materials from teak and jade to bronze and granite, there are really a lot of.
The territory of the complex is very clean, well-groomed and bright. Especially in clear sunny weather: flowers, neat trees, bells on bright scarlet ribbons, colorful dragons and ornaments on buildings.
It is quiet and calm (when there are no organized groups with Chinese tourists), the atmosphere is pleasant, and it disposes to take a leisurely walk, looking at the statues and exhibits. The upper floors and the terrace offer a pretty view of the reservoir, next to which is the temple, green surroundings with picturesque hills, the Golden Buddha Mountain and the silhouette of Pattaya in the distance.
Souvenirs and food are sold near the temple, there is a simple and inexpensive cafe on the territory.
Information to visit
Entrance costs 50 baht (free for children). The ticket office is to the left of the entrance.
To enter the territory of the temple, you need to take off your shoes. But a large terrace with statues of warriors is in the open air and in the daytime the tiled tile burns the feet of the sun, so it will not be superfluous to take socks with you to calmly walk and see all the figures.
Since this is still a temple, it is better to choose clothes that are not quite beachy, covering the shoulders and knees. Also, it is not allowed to bring your food and drinks into the territory of the temple..
Working hours: from 8.00 - 17.00 hours.
How to get there
The Viharnra Sien Temple Museum is located adjacent to the Wat Yan temple complex and near the Golden Buddha Mountain Khao Chi Chan, about 20 km south of Pattaya city center. You can get there by your own transport, taxi or as part of an excursion.
But you can also try to get there partly by public transport: take Sukhumvit in a white tuk-tuk going towards Sattahib (travel costs 20 baht), get to the left turn to Wat Yan (turn to Greta farm and Ban Dusit) or a little further, at the turn to the Golden Buddha (on the opposite side of Sukhumvit there will be a BMW Mini salon), and then catch a taxi.
In Thailand, transport is not difficult to catch. In the area where Viharnra Sien is located, there are many attractions, so taxi drivers go there regularly.
If you want to go with an excursion and a guide, Sien is brought to the Viharnra temple with a tour «Wat Yan and the village of long-necked women» or «Khao Chi Chan and Wat Yan», can be checked with a specific travel agency. It is easiest to visit the temple on your (rented) transport: there will be enough time to take a leisurely walk and see everything.
On the map
Chinese temple and museum
Chinese temple and museum
An interesting Chinese temple of Viharnra Sien, it is also a museum where you can see ancient terracotta warriors, the installation of the Great Wall of China and many relics and statues. On the third floor, along the entire perimeter of the walls, paintings are painted that tell the story of the life of the Buddha..
More about the temple.
An interesting Chinese temple of Viharnra Sien, it is also a museum where you can see ancient terracotta warriors, the installation of the Great Wall of China and many relics and statues. On the third floor, along the entire perimeter of the walls, paintings are painted that tell the story of the life of the Buddha. More about the temple.
