Where polo meets the Buddha Mountain

An hour southeast of Pattaya's noise, the land turns to reservoir country: vineyards, horse paddocks and green hills — one of them bearing the largest Buddha image in Thailand, etched in gold down a cliff face. This is Khao Chee Chan, and the countryside around it has quietly become Southeast Asia's most scenic polo neighbourhood. This site is the visitor's guide to both.

The landmark

• The Buddha Mountain

  The story of the laser-carved cliff Buddha of 1996.

• Visiting Khao Chee Chan

  Getting there, when to go, what to expect on the ground.

• Photographing the cliff

  Light, angles and drone rules to know about.

• Temple-site etiquette

  Respect at a sacred site: dress, conduct, images.

The polo country

• Thailand's polo scene

  How serious polo took root on the Eastern Seaboard.

• The season

  When the cool-season chukkas run and how to catch them.

• Watching polo here

  A first-timer's guide, tropical edition.

• Polo, explained fast

  The two-minute rules primer for valley visitors.

Around the valley

• Silverlake & the vineyards

  Wine country, Thai-style, at the mountain's foot.

• Day itineraries

  Combining mountain, vineyards and polo in one loop.

• Nearby attractions

  Gardens, beaches and temples within half an hour.

• FAQ

  Quick answers for planning.