Wang Sam Sien Shrine - The Paifang(牌坊) of Templo de A-Má, Macau.
1 / 10

Wang Sam Sien Shrine

4.4
·127 reviews·Pattaya City, Thailand

A serene Chinese shrine adjacent to Pattaya's Big Buddha, offering beautiful statues, gardens, and cultural insights with free entry.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow
Loading map...
Wang Sam Sien Shrine - The Paifang(牌坊) of Templo de A-Má, Macau.

Wang Sam Sien Shrine

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A serene Chinese shrine adjacent to Pattaya's Big Buddha, offering beautiful statues, gardens, and cultural insights with free entry.

4.4
(127 reviews)

"Much quieter than the Buddha place, a very nice place with beautiful temples."

Vertical photo
TIP

Combine with Big Buddha

Visit Wang Sam Sien Shrine right after Wat Phra Yai (Big Buddha) for a complete cultural experience.

Free Admission

Enjoy this beautiful Chinese shrine and its gardens without any entry fee.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Kwan Yin Statue

Kwan Yin Statue

Centerpiece above a pond

Admire the large statue of the Goddess of Mercy, Kwan Yin, a serene focal point of the shrine.

Pictorial Displays

Pictorial Displays

Walls and garden areas

Explore vivid illustrations depicting Chinese philosophy, history, and the 24 gratitudes.

Zhong Sun Garden

Zhong Sun Garden

Garden area

Wander through the peaceful Zhong Sun Garden, a tranquil space for reflection and appreciation.

Statues of Chinese Philosophers

Statues of Chinese Philosophers

Garden areas

See statues of Confucius and Lao Tzu, honoring influential figures in Chinese thought.

Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Combine Your Visit with Big Buddha

Wang Sam Sien Shrine is conveniently located right next to the popular Wat Phra Yai (Big Buddha). Many visitors find the shrine more interesting and less crowded than the Big Buddha, making it a perfect, peaceful addition to your itinerary. Plan to spend about an hour here.

Free Entry & Ample Parking

Enjoy this cultural gem without any admission fees. The shrine offers plenty of parking spaces, making it easy to access. It's a well-maintained site with informative displays in English, ideal for a relaxed exploration.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoon
Why
Good for exploring gardens
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Combine with Big Buddha

Visit Wang Sam Sien Shrine right after Wat Phra Yai (Big Buddha) for a complete cultural experience. Reddit

Free Admission

Enjoy this beautiful Chinese shrine and its gardens without any entry fee. Reddit

Informative Displays

Read the English information boards to learn about the history and significance of the site. Reddit

Peaceful Escape

Find a quieter, more contemplative experience here compared to the nearby Big Buddha. Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

Combine with Big Buddha

Visit Wang Sam Sien Shrine right after Wat Phra Yai (Big Buddha) for a complete cultural experience. Reddit

Free Admission

Enjoy this beautiful Chinese shrine and its gardens without any entry fee. Reddit

Informative Displays

Read the English information boards to learn about the history and significance of the site. Reddit

Peaceful Escape

Find a quieter, more contemplative experience here compared to the nearby Big Buddha. Reddit

Ample Parking

Plenty of parking is available right outside the shrine, making access easy. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.4
(127 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise Wang Sam Sien Shrine for its beautiful temples, serene atmosphere, and interesting cultural displays, often finding it more enjoyable and less crowded than the nearby Big Buddha. It's appreciated for its free entry, ample parking, and informative English signage, making it a worthwhile and peaceful cultural stop in Pattaya.

"I'm not religious, but it's a very nice place.. temples are beautiful. Must visit if you are in Pattaya.. right beside the big Buddha. Not many people when I came, much quieter than the Buddha place."

J N

"Chinese shrine located next to Wat Phra Yai (Big Buddha).

There is a garden and a few sanctuary to pay homage and make merit."

Jérôme • เจโรม

"As usual, I am avoiding posting images of worship statues as much as possible. This place is an important place for the Chinese, not just taoist. It's free to visit so do drop by too on your trip to wat phra yai. It's my second time visit and glad to see this place well maintained. Plenty of parking spaces outside."

Lucas Tan

What People Like

Beautiful temples
Peaceful atmosphere
Interesting cultural displays

What People Dislike

Can be overlooked

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Wang Sam Sien Shrine is located right next to Wat Phra Yai (Big Buddha) on Pratumnak Hill in Pattaya. You can easily reach it by taxi, songthaew, or private car. There is ample parking available on-site. Reddit

Yes, it's very easy to find as it's adjacent to the prominent Big Buddha statue. Just head towards Wat Phra Yai, and you'll see the shrine nearby. Reddit

Absolutely! The two attractions are right next to each other, so you can easily walk between them. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

There is no admission fee to visit Wang Sam Sien Shrine. It is free to enter and explore. Reddit

The shrine is generally open daily during daylight hours. It's best to visit during the day to fully appreciate the statues and gardens. Specific hours are not always posted, but it's typically accessible from morning to late afternoon. Reddit

No, booking tickets in advance is not necessary as there is no admission fee. You can visit anytime during its operating hours. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You can see beautiful statues, including the Kwan Yin statue, as well as pictorial displays of Chinese philosophy and history, and the Zhong Sun Garden. There are also statues of Confucius and Lao Tzu. Reddit

Yes, many visitors who are not religious find the shrine to be a very nice place with beautiful temples and interesting cultural displays. It's appreciated for its art and tranquility. Reddit

Most visitors spend around 30 minutes to an hour exploring the shrine, especially if they are combining it with a visit to the Big Buddha. Reddit

Yes, there are information boards around the site that provide explanations in English, making it accessible for international visitors. Reddit

Compared to the nearby Big Buddha, Wang Sam Sien Shrine is often much quieter and less crowded, offering a more peaceful experience. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The Kwan Yin statue over the pond, the detailed pictorial displays on the walls, and the serene Zhong Sun Garden offer excellent photo opportunities. Capture the intricate details and peaceful ambiance. Reddit

Generally, photography is allowed in most areas. However, it's always respectful to be mindful of worshippers and avoid taking intrusive photos of religious ceremonies or statues if they are being actively used for prayer. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Wang Sam Sien Shrine offers a calm and visually engaging experience for families. The pictorial displays of Chinese stories and virtues can be a great way to spark curiosity and conversation with children about different cultures and moral lessons. The Zhong Sun Garden provides a pleasant space for kids to walk around and explore in a safe environment. Reddit

Since it's less crowded than the Big Buddha, families can enjoy a more relaxed visit without worrying too much about keeping children quiet. The English information boards can also help older children learn interesting facts about Chinese philosophy and history. Remember to bring water, especially on warmer days, as you explore the grounds.

🧘 Solo Travelers & Spiritual Seekers

For solo travelers or those seeking a spiritual or contemplative experience, Wang Sam Sien Shrine is an excellent choice. Its peaceful ambiance and well-maintained grounds offer a perfect setting for quiet reflection and meditation. The statues, particularly the Kwan Yin statue, are inspiring and conducive to a sense of calm. Reddit

Take your time to wander through the gardens, read the informative displays, and absorb the cultural significance of the site. It's a place where you can connect with yourself and appreciate the artistry and history without the distractions of large crowds. The free entry makes it an accessible and rewarding stop for any solo itinerary.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Cultural Significance and Artistry

Wang Sam Sien Shrine is a significant site for the Chinese community, dedicated to Taoist beliefs and Chinese culture. It's not just a place of worship but also an artistic showcase. The shrine features a beautiful pictorial display of the 24 gratitudes, illustrating filial piety and moral conduct. Visitors can also admire statues of influential Chinese philosophers like Confucius and Lao Tzu, offering a glimpse into the foundations of Chinese thought. The centerpiece, a large statue of Kwan Yin (Goddess of Mercy), is a serene and commanding presence, often depicted over a tranquil pond, adding to the site's spiritual ambiance. Reddit

The multilingual information boards around the site are a thoughtful addition, providing context and history for visitors who may not be familiar with Chinese traditions. This makes the shrine accessible and educational for a diverse range of visitors, enhancing the appreciation for the intricate details and stories presented. The well-maintained gardens, including the Zhong Sun Garden, offer a peaceful environment for contemplation and enjoying the artistry. Reddit

A Peaceful Alternative to Crowded Attractions

Many travelers find Wang Sam Sien Shrine to be a welcome respite from the bustling crowds often found at more popular tourist spots in Pattaya, such as the nearby Big Buddha. Reviewers frequently mention that the shrine is much quieter and offers a more peaceful atmosphere, allowing for a more personal and reflective experience. This makes it an ideal stop for those seeking a moment of calm amidst their travels. Reddit

The shrine's serene environment, coupled with its free admission and ample parking, makes it an easily accessible and enjoyable destination. It's a place where visitors can appreciate the cultural heritage and artistic expressions without feeling rushed or overwhelmed. The well-maintained grounds and informative displays contribute to a positive and enriching visit, often exceeding expectations for those who might initially overlook it in favor of larger attractions. Reddit

You may also like

1 of 2