Wat Yansangwararam and the lakeside pavilions
A royal temple in a green park by a lake, with pavilions in different national styles and a peaceful hilltop shrine.
- Area
- Countryside
- Start from
- Pattaya
- Distance
- about 20 km south
- Time needed
- half a day
- Best season
- All year
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Transport
- Car, scooter or Grab
- Tickets & rules
- None; dress respectfully
Why go
Wat Yansangwararam is a large temple complex in parkland south of Pattaya, founded under royal patronage. Its grounds are spacious and quiet, with a lake, gardens and buildings that reflect different architectural traditions, including Chinese and other Asian styles.
Climb the stairs to the hilltop for a shrine holding relics and wide views over the countryside. Below, families feed fish in the lake and walk in the shade.
Nearby is Viharn Sien, a Chinese-style hall and museum with a collection of Chinese art and statues, a good combination on the same trip.
The temple is also a place of study and meditation. If you're lucky you may hear monks chanting in the late afternoon, a sound that fills the whole park.
The story
The temple was founded in connection with Somdet Phra Yannasangwara, a revered monk who later became Supreme Patriarch of Thailand, and it received support from the royal family.
The idea of buildings in different styles reflects a message of harmony between cultures and faiths, which you feel walking through the grounds.
Viharn Sien, nearby, displays thousands of Chinese artefacts and statues, including figures of Chinese deities and historical personalities, collected with the aim of celebrating Thai-Chinese friendship.
Getting there
Drive or take a Grab south along Sukhumvit Road, then follow the signs inland. A driver can combine it with Khao Chi Chan and Silverlake.
The temple is about 30–40 minutes from central Pattaya by car depending on traffic. A hired driver for half a day lets you add Khao Chi Chan and Silverlake on the same trip.
A suggested plan
- MorningWalk the gardens and the main halls.
- HilltopClimb to the upper shrine for the view.
- Late morningVisit Viharn Sien nearby.
- AfternoonCombine with Khao Chi Chan and Silverlake vineyard for a full countryside loop.
Where to stay
Day trip from Pattaya or Jomtien.
Good to know
- Remove shoes before entering halls.
- Bring bread or buy fish food at the lake for children.
- Respect signs and roped-off areas; some halls are for prayer only.
- Mornings are quieter and cooler.
- Respect quiet areas where monks meditate.
- Bring a hat; there's a lot of open space.