Khao Pattaya View Point: Pattaya’s Most Popular Viewpoint
It’s always exciting to view a city from a high vantage point. And, when it comes to Pattaya, Khao Pattaya View Point offers the best view of the city’s crescent shaped bay.
Situated on top of Khao Phra Bat (also known as Phra Tamnak Hill), this view point is a great spot to enjoy a panoramic view of the city. Those stunning post card pictures of Pattaya are clicked here.
Unfortunately though, the location of this view point is no secret (unlike Pattaya City Sign Viewpoint – details below). On a busy day, you’ll see hundreds of tourists here. The good part, however, is that every 10-15 minutes a tour bus leaves and the area becomes quiet. You might have to wait for a bit to get an exclusive photo, but your time will come.
The best time to take a photograph is just before sunset. And, so that you don’t miss out on the perfect shot, a board displaying the exact time the sun will set is updated every day.
There is a 7-Eleven and other shops to buy cold drinks, snacks, and souvenirs in the area.
Getting to Pattaya View Point
Entrance fee: Free
Timings: 7:30 am – 9:00 pm
Khao Pattaya View Point is between South Pattaya and Jomtien, about 3.5 km (2 miles) from Central Pattaya. The broadcasting station of the Royal Thai Navy (FM 104.75 MHz) is also located here.
If you plan to drive to view point, it’s best to type ‘Navy Radio Station 5 Pattaya’ on Google maps and follow directions – this way you won’t end up somewhere else.
(The names of hills (and even viewpoints) in Pattaya are often interchanged because they sound similar).
Map Showing View Point Pattaya, Big Buddha Temple, & Pattaya City Sign Viewpoint
Since the road up the hill can get jammed, reaching view point by bike or motorbike taxi (35 Baht ($1)) is recommended.
A taxi from central Pattaya will cost about 350 Baht ($10) (by car), including 1 hour waiting time. You can also take a songthaew (shared taxi) to view point for 20 Baht.
Shrine to Prince of Chumphon (Father of the Thai Navy)
Not everyone visits View Point Pattaya only for the view. A number of Thai people come here to pay their respect to Admiral Prince Abhakara Kiartivongse.
Also known as ‘Father of the Thai Navy’, the Admiral is still widely revered amongst Thai people. The Prince of Chumphon has a fascinating story involving military prowess, healing abilities, and supernatural powers.
Attractions near View Point Pattaya
Wat Phra Khao Bat, an interesting temple, is only about 100 meters from the view point.
800 meters from View Point Pattaya, on the top of Big Buddha Hill, is the famous Wat Phra Yai Temple. This important Buddhist temple is home to a striking 18 meter tall Buddha statue. The views of Pattaya from here are also remarkable.
Consider covering both View Point and Wat Phra Yai in a single trip.
Pattaya City Sign Viewpoint: Best View Point in Pattaya
You can also get a superb view of Pattaya from the platform below the Pattaya City sign.
For some reason, this spot is not promoted by the Thai government or the Tourism Authority of Thailand. No tour buses come here. In fact, routes to this spot are not even marked.
This means that Pattaya Sign View Point is quiet and not touristy like Khao Pattaya View Point.
Getting to Pattaya City Sign Viewpoint
To reach Pattaya City Sign, you’ll have to walk past Pattaya pier (Bali Hai Pier) to the part below the sign. Walk along the trees and search for a board that says ‘way to park’ (it doesn’t say way to Pattaya sign). Turn left and take the steps leading up to the site.
Alternately, you can drive up Pratumnak Hill, park, and then climb down a flight of stairs to reach the huge Hollywood style sign. There are no signs on the road to guide you so you’ll have to use Google maps and head in the general direction of the sign to reach this view point.
Pattaya City Viewpoint in our opinion is the best view point in Pattaya. If you have time, consider visiting both viewpoints to decide which is better for yourself.