Big Buddha Hill

Also known as Pattaya Hill is just an eight to ten minute's drive from Viewpoint, subject only to the erratic behavior and density of the traffic along the beach road.

Heading towards Pattaya at the top of Pattaya Hill as you leave Jomtien you will come to a set of traffic lights, turn left, after about 1 kilometer you will see a turn right to Big Buddha and left to the top of Pattaya Hill the home of Pattaya Radio and the monument to HRH Admiral Krom Luang Jumborn Khet Udomsakdi.

Big Buddha Hill is dominated by a massive big Buddha painted in gold some 300 feet above Jomtien and Pattaya's coastline alike.

Pattaya history

Pattaya was just a small village some forty years ago with a few huts scattered along the beach the Monks of Pattaya and Jomtien with financial assistance from a couple of wealthy business people and contributions from the community, Big Buddha was built by hand, taking over one year in the construction using many tons of concrete even the spindles made of wood supporting the side handrail structure have the centers bored out and are filled with cement.

Originally the Buddha was white but later painted in gold and can be seen for many miles around.

Surrounding the Big Buddha are some ten or so smaller Buddha's each with their own role in life and represent in seven cases, the days of the week.

Dependant on the day which you were born you have your own guardian Buddha which is named on the day of it's birth.

Budda for every day

Hence, saying a few words to the Buddha born on the same day as yourself will bring you good luck!

• Mondays Buddha will bring you peace.
• Tuesdays Buddha will give you peaceful sleep.
• Wednesdays Buddha means you are a giving person.
• Thursdays Buddha allows you peace of mind to meditate.
• Fridays Buddha will give you happiness.
• Saturdays Buddha will ensure your protection from the elements.
• Sundays Buddha will search for the needy and care for them.

As you reach the top of the long straight stairs turn right and here you will find a small, quaint temple for praying, before entering make a contribution to the Monks in a collection box of your choice which pays for the upkeep, pick up some flowers and incense sticks, remove your shoes and enter.

Place the flowers on the plate and your burning incense in the receptacle provided, have a few quiet words then continue to try the Semsee sticks.

These are long flat strips of wood numbered 1 - 28 placed in a circular container, shake up and down until one jumps out.

When you have the number read the charts on the wall behind you - this will be your destiny.

Departing Big Buddha head down the hill to the staggered cross road's, go straight across and immediately right up to the top of Pattaya Hill where the views are amazing by day or night, take your camera.

Here is Pattaya radio, a small Temple and the shrine to Admiral Krom Luang Jumborn Khet Udomsakdi, this I am sure. Is the highest point in Jomtien?

Admiral Krom Luang Jumborn Khet Udomsakdi

Admiral Krom Luang Jumborn Khet Udomsakdi or the Prince of Jumborn - formerly HRH Prince Abhakara Kiartiwongse, during the reign of King Chulalongkorn (RamaV) was best known for his great contribution in developing the Royal Thai Navy.

HRH Prince Krom Luang Jumborn Khet Udomsakdi was born on the 19th December 1880 in the Grand Palace - the 28th child of King Rama V, his mother Chom Monda Mode was of the Bunnag family.

HRH Prince Krom Luang Jumborn Khet Udomsakdi was a born navigator, his skilled seamanship was very apparent to all during King RamaV first journey to Europe.

The Prince assumed the helm of the Royal ship from Ceylon to Europe returning to Thailand successfully in 1920 during which time he was also recognized as the first Thai officer to train naval cadets in foreign waters.

HRH Prince Krom Luang Jumborn Khet Udomsakdi always sought ways and means to develop and strengthen the capabilities of The Royal Thai Navy in order to make it as strong and modern as those of other European Countries.

As a consequence of his progress the Ministry of the Navy was established in 1887 to oversee the growth of naval affairs.

The Prince was later made Minister of the Navy.

With his sacrifice and dedication to the Royal Navy at all times the Prince of Jumborn received his basic education at an early age of 13 and was sent by the King to further his studies in England becoming the first Thai Prince to become a cadet in the Royal Navy where he spent six years before returning home after completing his training.

On the 13th June 1900 the Prince of Jumborn was promoted to sub-lieutenant and given a new assignment as commanding officer of the "MURATHARADISAWAT" a Siamese naval ship.

HRH Prince Krom Luang Jumborn Khet Udomsakdi was the first Thai Prince to be associated with the Royal Thai Navy and the first Thai naval officer to develop its organization keeping it in line with that of the western naval systems.

He taught the naval tactics and strategies of European countries to the Thai Naval officers, training them to master the skills of seamanship.

He also founded the Royal Thai Naval Academy and the Marine Engineering School.

He is honored today as "The Father of the Royal Thai Navy"

More places to visit...