Wat Chaimongkol (Wat Chai Mongkhon)
Founded in 1937 and tucked just off Walking Street, Wat Chaimongkol is Pattaya's oldest temple - a quiet, active monastery in the middle of the city, and free to visit.
Quick facts
The essentials before you go - what Wat Chaimongkol (Wat Chai Mongkhon) offers and what it costs.
Menu & prices
| Treatment | Duration | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Highlights | ||
| Main shrine hall & Buddha images The heart of the temple | Free | |
| Monks' living quarters An active monastery — visit quietly | Free | |
| Traditional temple architecture Dating from 1937 | Free | |
| Quiet courtyards A calm break from the city | Free | |
Facilities
About Wat Chaimongkol (Wat Chai Mongkhon)
Wat Chaimongkol, also written Wat Chai Mongkhon, is the oldest temple in Pattaya, founded in 1937 when the area was still a small fishing village. It sits in South Pattaya within walking distance of Walking Street, making it an easy, calming contrast to the surrounding nightlife district.
It remains an active monastery where monks live and study, with a main shrine hall, Buddha images and traditional temple architecture set around quiet courtyards. Visitors are welcome during daytime hours, though some buildings close earlier in the afternoon, around 16:00.
As a place of worship rather than a tourist attraction, the temple asks visitors to dress modestly, remove their shoes before entering shrine buildings and keep noise to a minimum. There is no entry fee; a donation box supports the temple if you wish to contribute.
Good to know
- Free entry — donations welcome but optional
- Daytime hours; some buildings close around 16:00
- Pattaya's oldest temple, founded in 1937
- An active monastery — keep noise to a minimum
- Modest dress required (shoulders & knees covered)
- Remove shoes before entering shrine buildings
- Walking distance from Walking Street
Getting there
Frequently asked
More things to do
Other locally verified places around Pattaya.
