Wat Yansangwararam
Wat Yansangwararam, also known as Wat Yan, was the second part of my Day trip on Sunday and it surely didn’t disappoint. The Wat is about 17 kilometers from Pattaya center and is very close to both Khao Chee Chan ( Buddha Mountain ) and Nong Nooch Gardens. Wat Yan is often overlooked for other destinations in the area but believe me when I tell you that this is one day trip that should not be missed, especially if you like taking photos as much as I do.
Wat Yan is Actually a very large temple compound comprised of many buildings that literally spring up out of the jungle. The first building you will come to as you wind around the road to the Wat is Viharna Sein ( Anek Kusala Sala ) which is a Chinese style temple built to honor Thailand’s Chinese population. Officially opened in 1993 by King Bhumibol, the temple houses a huge selection of Chinese antiques, artifacts and stunning Chinese art. Complete with dragons, terracotta statues and many beautiful depictions of Buddha’s life.
Just across a large reservoir from Viharna Sein sits Wat Yan. Covering 366 rai (146 acres) of land, this temple complex features a wide array of architectural styles and structures, surrounded by gardens and beautiful flower arrangements. Among the structures are a Khmer mandapa, housing a replica of a Buddha footprint; a white, 40-meter tall chedi containing relics of the Buddha and his disciples; a Swiss Chalet; and shrines in Indian and Japanese styles. Monuments include statues of King Rama VII and his wife, the beloved Princess Mother; and wax statues of 20 revered monks. The site also contains wildlife preserves and breeding facilities, a school, and a hospital.
Wat Yansangwararam is believed to be the heaven for those who love to meditate and practice it sincerely. Meditation courses are on offer for anyone who wishes to be enlightened daily from 6am to 6pm.
In 1976, Wat Yan was dedicated to Somdej Phra Yanasangworn, then the Supreme Patriarch, or head of Thailand’s monastic order. The temple was subsequently put under the patronage of King Bhumibol, who established a development program for it in 1982. Over 27 billion baht ( $600 million ) is said to have been spent on its construction.
This really makes an excellent day trip when paired up with Khao Chee Chan ( Buddha Mountain ) which is just 1 kilometer up the road. Entrance to the Chinese temple is 50 baht per person ( Falang and Thai alike ) And a guide book ( in Thai ) will set you back another 100 baht. Wat Yansangwararam really is a treasure hidden away in the jungle of Satahip and one that most people tend to miss out on. Plan a day to take in the sights and I guarantee you wont be disappointed.
Over 300 pictures can be found in the Wat Yansangwararam Gallery and many more pictures of the beauty that is Thailand can be found in the Thailand Photo Gallery.
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Good stuff Talen, I love the colours in the Chinese temples. You are giving me the urge to go sightseeing.
Paul Garrigan recently posted..Why I Have Decided to Lose Weight by Mindful Eating
Paul, I love the colors too, I really love a good temple but the Chinese temples are always a treat.
Talen, good to see you out and about.
I don’t always like these modern temples(there are lots in Thailand)however this looks really good despite the mix of styles.
It always intrigues me how the Thais mix Chinese/Indian stuff alongside Khmer.
Some great photos too.
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Mike, The great thing about Wat Yan is that is so spread out that the styles don’t conflict with one another. I love the older Wats myself but I think I am basically drawn to the architecture of all Wats.
Talen,
When I first came to Thailand I was fascinated by all the new things that I saw, especially temples. Than came a period where I thought that I’ve seen one temple, I’ve seen them all but now I can appreciate a good temple and the photo opportunities it can give you and I especially like to buy an amulet of the temples I visit, so many reasons to go.
This seems indeed a nice outing that you had, did you have the local female gang following you or guiding the way, paying for all your expenses once more?
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Camille, Temples always fascinate me, I’ve never been a religious person but most religions have a way with their places of worship that draws me in.
It really is a great day trip but alas I did this one alone. When I get some place like this I zone out in my own little world taking pictures which usually leaves the ladies feeling a little annoyed.
That does look like a great place to visit. Some great photos you took there.
I’m heading over in a few weeks, and it’s now on my to do list.
How do you recommend getting up there? Hiring a baht bus? Is it best to hire them for the day, or can you get one back from the Wat?
ooops…just read your last post on Buddha Mountain – you already answered my question
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Wow. Those are excellent photos Talen.
I often go to temples but it’s near on impossible to get decent photos as the wats are usually crowded with everything but the kitchen sink.
Wat Yansangwararam is stunning from all angles.
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Cat, I luck out a lot and hit places at just the right time when few are around..and then there are the times that it’s not even worth taking out the camera.
Talen I’ve not visited Wat Yan before and reading your review makes me think that even a day might not be enough to take the whole thing in.
The temples look real sweet in your photos, I like the top one and the roof top view in the bottom one as well. I also like the fact the site has animal breeding facilities because conservation of the animal kingdom is a must nowadays.
I couldn’t help but wince at your mention of the information brochure being in Thai, why oh why don’t they print more of these things in English and other languages too.
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Martyn, A day will do but it will be a good chunk of the day. The temples and grounds are very beautiful and well maintained so it makes for a lot of great photo opportunities.
Yeah, the brochure and attraction books always make me wonder. They really should be printing the book to Wat Yan in English as it gives a full history and would have been nice to read. Maybe one day they will or by that time we’ll be able to read Thai fluently.