This Buddha image is supposedly carved out of the cliff face by laser beams. However, close up work with a good telephoto lens - or binoculars - will soon show that the gold outline is actually millions of small golden tiles placed into hand hewn crevices. The truth is probably that the image was projected onto the cliff face to allow the Thai craftsmen to see where they should be sculpting, without having to stand back and admire their work too often.

Whatever! It is a magnificent - and very different - Buddha image than those normally seen in Thailand.

At the Laser Buddha area there are some nice gardens and a few superb specimens of trees. There is a good view point for taking photographs, but do not be afraid to experiment in order to get some 'different' photos of this magnificent laser Buddha.

These images of the Laser Buddha can be enlarged with mouse click and they show .....

• Close up of the intricate work that went into 'sculpting' the Laser-Generated Buddha Image.

• A zoom into the Buddha's Face.

• An attractive stepping stone path which leads to a different view point for the laser Buddha. It is to the extreme left of the cliff face, and easily reached and walked upon.

• A zoom into the inscription at the base of the Laser Buddha.

The area of the Laser Buddha is not too well served with food or drink. There is normally a small stall in or near the bus/coach park. Also on the other side of the main road, there are several food and eating places.

An added attraction is that the Buddha is near to another good visitor attraction - The Silver lake Vineyard. There are reasonable eating facilities at the Vineyard!