Koh Samui Temples Worth Visiting: Big Buddha, Wat Plai Laem and More
The most beautiful temples on Koh Samui: the golden Big Buddha, colourful Wat Plai Laem, the mummified monk and hilltop Wat Khao Hua Jook, with dress code and visiting tips.
Koh Samui's temples are some of the happiest places we have ever visited: bright colours, smiling Buddhas, flower offerings, fortune-telling machines and sea views. Most of them are free, and you can visit several in a single afternoon.
We explored the island's temples by scooter over several long stays, from the famous Big Buddha to tiny hilltop shrines where we were the only visitors. These are the ones we think are worth your time, in a route that makes sense, plus the etiquette you need to know.
The two biggest temples, the Big Buddha and Wat Plai Laem, are just a few minutes apart in the north-east of the island, so they are easy to combine with a sunset.
Quick answer: The best temples on Koh Samui are Wat Phra Yai (Big Buddha) and Wat Plai Laem in the north-east, Wat Khunaram with its mummified monk in the south, hilltop Wat Khao Hua Jook near the airport and the golden Laem Sor Pagoda in the south-west. Entry is free (donations welcome); cover your shoulders and knees and take off your shoes.
1. Wat Phra Yai (Big Buddha)
Koh Samui's most famous landmark is a 12-metre golden Buddha, built in 1972, sitting on a small island connected to the north-east coast by a causeway. You climb a wide staircase lined with multi-headed dragons (naga) and are rewarded with views over the sea towards Koh Phangan.
Around the base you will find smaller statues of the Buddha sitting, standing and reclining, bells to ring for good luck, and people bringing flowers, coconuts and incense as offerings. At the bottom of the steps are souvenir stalls and small restaurants.
Don't miss the fortune-telling machines. They look like old slot machines, each with a different Buddha. Put in a coin, watch the lights spin, then read the fortune pinned to the wall under your number. Tomek's promised "wishes fulfilled, fortune approaching"; Dasza's said "long journeys will be undertaken safe and sound". So far, both have come true.
Tips: entry is free. Shoes off on the upper platform, shoulders and knees covered (sarongs are available on site). Avoid midday, when the stone steps are scorching; come in the late afternoon for sunset.
2. Wat Plai Laem
A few minutes west of the Big Buddha, Wat Plai Laem is Koh Samui's most colourful temple complex, built around a lake. Its star is a huge white statue of Guan Yin with 18 arms, each holding a different symbol. Next to it sits a giant, round-bellied laughing Buddha, and in the middle of the lake is a temple building that seems to float on a lotus flower.
Everything here is bright: pink, baby blue, gold, red and green. The lake is full of fish and turtles; a small donation (around 10 THB) buys a bag of food. You can also write a wish on a roof tile for the temple's construction.
3. Wat Khunaram: the mummified monk
On the ring road in the south of the island, Wat Khunaram keeps the body of Luang Pho Daeng, a monk who died in 1973 while meditating. He has been sitting upright in a glass case ever since, wearing sunglasses. It is one of the strangest and most fascinating sights in Thailand. Read the full story in our guide to the mummified monk of Koh Samui.
4. Wat Khao Hua Jook
This small hilltop temple near the airport has the best panorama on the island: the whole north-east coast, the Big Buddha, the islands of Koh Phangan and Koh Tao, and planes landing right below you. The golden central stupa, surrounded by smaller ones, glows at sunset. It is one of Tomek's favourite places on Koh Samui.
5. Laem Sor Pagoda
In the quiet south-west, the gold-tiled Laem Sor Chedi stands right at the water's edge. It is rarely busy and pairs perfectly with a swim at the peaceful beach next to it.
6. The Secret Buddha Garden
Not a temple, but a jungle valley high in the hills filled with stone statues of Buddhas, gods, animals and dancers, created by a local fruit farmer. See our Secret Buddha Garden guide.
Temple etiquette in Thailand
- Cover shoulders and knees. Many temples lend sarongs, but it is easier to bring a light scarf.
- Take off your shoes before entering any temple building or platform.
- Don't point your feet at a Buddha image or a monk, and don't touch anyone's head.
- Women should not touch monks or hand objects directly to them.
- Be respectful with photos, especially during prayers.
- Find your birthday Buddha. In Thailand, each day of the week has its own Buddha posture. Tomek was born on a Tuesday, represented by the reclining Buddha; Dasza on a Sunday, the Buddha standing in contemplation. Locals leave a small donation at the statue for their day.
A temple route by scooter
Start in the north-east at Wat Plai Laem, continue to the Big Buddha for sunset, and finish at Wat Khao Hua Jook if you still have light. On another day, combine Wat Khunaram, the Hin Ta and Hin Yai rocks, the fishing village of Hua Thanon and the Laem Sor Pagoda in the south. Our guide to getting around Koh Samui has scooter rental tips.
More ideas: 22 best things to do in Koh Samui.
Sources checked: Home is where your bag is – Koh Samui sightseeing.
About the authors
Dasza — Writer and photographer behind PTraveler. Polish-born, raised in Germany, happiest renting a flat in a new city for a month.
Tomek — Project manager, fixer and tour leader. Plans the routes, finds the free days and tests every street-food stall.
