Museums & galleries
Viharn Sien
What it is
Viharn Sien, officially Anek Kusala Sala, is a museum and shrine built in the style of a Chinese royal temple. It was established in 1987 by the Thai-Chinese philanthropist Sa-nga Kulkobkiat, on land granted by King Bhumibol Adulyadej, to house an art collection presented to the Chakri dynasty. Inside you'll find Chinese-style statues, paintings, and religious artifacts spread across a large hall with an ornate, temple-like exterior. It appeals to travellers interested in Chinese-Thai heritage and religious art rather than those looking for a typical "museum" experience.
Getting there
Viharn Sien sits inland from central Pattaya, near Wat Yansangwararam. There's no direct public transit, so travellers typically go by taxi, rented car, or motorbike, or as part of an organized tour that combines it with nearby sights. From central Pattaya, the drive takes roughly 30-40 minutes depending on traffic and starting point.
Time to allow
Most visitors spend around 1 to 1.5 hours here, enough to walk through the exhibition halls and view the exterior architecture and grounds.
When to go
Because it's set back from the coast and less heavily promoted than some Pattaya attractions, it tends to be quieter than beach-area sights. Mornings are generally more comfortable given Thailand's heat and humidity; an air-conditioned interior offers some relief once inside.
Combine it with
- Nong Nooch Tropical Botanical Garden (3.3km) — close enough to pair in the same half-day trip.
- Ramayana Water Park (4.1km) — a practical add-on if travelling with kids or wanting a contrast to the museum visit.
Since the area is a bit removed from central Pattaya, grouping it with these two nearby stops makes for a more efficient day out than a single-destination trip.
Updated September 20, 2026 · Edited by the World by City editors
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