Chonburi - Wat Yansangwararam - Somdej Phra Yanasangworn

Some 20 kilometers South of Pattaya lies the enormous Wat Yansangwararam Temple complex. Set in a huge area of around 145 acres, the complex houses several buildings of very different architectural styles, as well as well kept gardens and a large lake, that make the complex a nice and peaceful place to relax.

When you enter the Temple complex, the first building you will see is the Viharn Sien, a Chinese temple and museum with a magnificent collection of Chinese artifacts and antiques, one of its kind in Thailand.

The main temple building of Wat Yansangwararam or Wat Yan for short, is known for its modern design and is built in a very different style than most Thai temples. A pavilion called mondop or mandapa contains a replica of a footprint of the Buddha. Inside a large white chedi (a Buddhist stupa) a number of relics from the Buddha and his followers are kept.

A number of buildings in different architectural styles, such as Indian, Japanese, Chinese, Lanna Thai and Swiss can be seen in the Wat Yan complex. Besides temples, there are a number of monuments, including one of King Prajadhipok.

The Wat Yansangwararam Temple was constructed in 1976 to honour the Supreme Patriarch Somdej Phra Yanasangworn, who was then the head of the Thai Monastic Order. Now, the complex is under the patronage of the current Thai King, King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX).

Standing in a certain spot in the Wat Yan complex, you can see the huge golden Buddha mountain (Khao Cheejan) in the distance.

The Wat Yansangwararam and the Viharn Sien can ideally be visited together in one day. The large gardens and lake make for a serene and tranquil atmosphere and are very suitable for relaxation, food and drinks can be bought from the restaurant.

The complex is usually quiet, except on Thai public holidays and on weekends, when it can get busy with Thai people. If you are interested in trying meditation, daily classes are offered at the Wat Yansangwararam at 6 am and 6 pm.


Location
Near kilometer 160 exit of Sukhumvit road About 15 kilometers South of town Pattaya

Address:  Bang Lamung District, Chon Buri, Thailand



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