Viharnra Sien Museum at Pattaya
Have you ever thought about taking a trip to China near Pattaya? After all, the terracotta statues of one can be seen there recovered historic underground army and for that reason alone worth a visit.
Farmers who were digging a well accidentally came across these statues in 1974, which ultimately contain no less than 9099 pieces. They served as grave goods for the first emperor of China Qin Shi Huangdi who died around 220 BC. reigned. This “army” has been underground for over 2200 years. The weapons found are still sharp and arrowheads deadly due to the high lead content used. The builders of the whole were buried alive so that no one could betray this secret.
Viharnra Sien Museum at Pattaya
Two of these life-size statues are moving through China Viharnra Sien museum donated nearby Pattaya. In addition, the Chinese government also gave two bronze chariots, which were also found in that area. The museum offers too much to name because here all. Much Chinese art and culture can be admired on the ground floor. On the next floor many statues of gods. For example, Lu Dongbin as one of the eight immortals in Taoism. At a young age, he was presented with a magical dragon sword, which eventually led to a place in the afterlife. The Taoist belief is based on the immortal (Sien) and led to a rich treasure of miracles and mythologies.
Photo: © Grigorii Pisotsckii / Shutterstock.comIn front of the building is a huge bronze statue (11 meters long, 4 meters high) of the eight immortals, crossing the ocean. They are the most famous in Taoism and symbolize good luck. They are not gods, but by applying Taoism you become immortal. Very impressive are the life size and real statues on the outdoor terrace on the first floor, but also the eight paintings about the immortals, which are more than 500 years old.
In addition, a lot of Thai art, ship models from the Sukothai era, various typical Thai houses, Thai dolls (Hoon La-kon-Lek), etc.
Photo: © eakkaluktemwanich / Shutterstock.comWhy did Sa-nga Kulkobkiat establish this wonderful museum? As an older statesman, he had great respect for Thai and Chinese culture and the good relationship between the two countries. After his death in 2003, people erected a large statue for him on the forecourt out of respect.
It is striking that there are few visitors, during the week you can just walk in, sometimes 50 Baht is requested.
The museum is located between Wat Yansangwararam (signposted on the Sukhumvit Road) and Silverlake (Vineyard).
Route: Drive from Pattaya towards Satahip, after about 15 km there is a clear sign Wat Yansang Wararam, turn left there, after 5 km at the roundabout turn right towards Silverlake (beautiful back road), after 1,5 km the colorful museum appears.
Highly recommended. I've been there a few times and it's not too busy. And you pay 50 baht entrance just like every Thai.
Route: Drive from Pattaya towards Satahip, after about 15 km there is a clear sign Wat Yansang Wararam, turn left there, after 5 km at the roundabout turn right towards Silverlake (beautiful back road), after 1,5 km the colorful Chinese-like museum appears.
I have written about the Wat Yansang Wararam before, very nice to visit in a park-like landscape with water features.
Do very interesting and from the 1st floor a beautiful view to my knowledge it is also supported by The King. We love doing this kind of interesting sightseeing.
We have been there in 2009 beautiful, we will go there again soon.
We come here regularly วิหารเซียน เอนกกุศลศาลา Wiharn Sian Anek Kuson Sala.
However, on the same lake there is another attraction, namely ญาณสังวรา รามวร Wat Yannasangwararam Worawiharn.
I didn't know this landmark at first either.
Until I actually drove in there by accident.
Central is therefore the large stupa building.
But there is much more to see on the large grounds.
There are many buses, especially on weekends.
But it is usually not disturbingly busy because the whole covers a large area,
https://www.google.nl/maps/@12.789221,100.960434,3a,75y,79.3h,94.98t/data=!3m4!1e1!3m2!1s9nvG4b9mBXkD4-whJ59U_Q!2e0!6m1!1e1
Well worth a visit and great to combine with the Wat Yan and the Buddha rock. A long time ago I did this by just talking to a baht bus driver and letting him drive around for a day. That was in the time when they were still working on the Buddha rock (I thought 1996 !!)
The disadvantage is that you are not allowed to take pictures inside and there are no (photo) postcards for sale.
Watch out for the route, the roundabout has turned into a T-junction.
You can also take an exit further and then turn left just before Khao Che Chan. A very nice route.
@Simon and FYI to other members,
Taking pictures has always been allowed to do.
Talking to the founder's son for the last time and even taking a picture with him.
So take pictures?
Visited several times and so my personal experience is no problem taking pictures inside and outside.
Been here many times and still enjoy the nice depictions of both the statues and the painting and other attributes. You can take pictures freely, no problem at all. At the sales counter there is also a booklet in Thai-English where the necessary explanation is given. there are also several other attractions in the area, including Buddha Mountain Pattaya, the Silverlake Vineyard, Phra Racha Anusaowari Park, Viharnra Sien Museum, Maha Chakri Phiphat Pagoda. So reason enough to take a look at the area.