The temples in Koh Samui

When visiting temples, please remember to dress politely (no beachwear or revealing costumes) and behave with the appropriate respect on temple grounds.

Wat Phra Yai
This temple is the home of Koh Samui's most famous landmark the Big Buddha. Most Visitors come to marvel at the sheer size and beauty of this remarkable statue at some point during their holiday. Visible from several kilometers away and even from the air when arriving on or leaving the island , the 12 meter tall golden image stands proud. At the base of the structure, several shops and restaurants cater to the needs of devotees and tourists alike. Wat Phra Yai is in the Northeast of Samui on route 4171 near the airport.

The Coral Buddha
Formerly one of Samui's main attractions, this small, dilapidated statue is now only visited by Buddhist devotees. Although it is in a state of disrepair, the Coral Buddha is still revered and is a place of worship for the monks from nearby Wat Sumret. The only direction sign is a small tatty board parallel to the road which is easy to miss when driving past. It is on the 4169 ring-road approximately 800 meters West of Hua Thanon

The Lord Buddha's Footprint
There are actually four artistically engraved footprints here, superimposed one upon the other and housed in a modest shrine 150 steps up a steep hill. Go up the concrete slope on the left, 2km west of the turnoff for the Butterfly Garden on route 4170.

Wat Sumret
This old temple is the guardian of the ancient White Marble Buddha, believed by many, including the resident monks, to be many hundreds of years old. It also harbours within its grounds the Secret Hall of Buddha's, which will only be opened on request. 200m down the second concrete road on the left, west of Hua Thanon on Route 4169.

Wat Kiri Wongkaram
This temple is noted for the mummified body of the Buddhist monk Loung Por Ruam, which has been on display for the last 25 years. Follow Route 4170 south from Ban Saket, then turn right between the two giant elephant statues and look for the temple 1km farther along on the right.

The Laem Sor Chedi
This ornately designed chedi (pagoda) sits on the rocks at the water's edge on the grounds of Wat Laem Sor. Off Route 4170 between Ban Tale and Ban Pang Ka. Follow the track with a sign that reads "Waikiki Bungalows" to the end.

Wat Khunaram
The body of Samui's most famous mummified monk, Loung Pordaeng, is on display here in the same meditation position he died in over 20 years ago. Route 4169 between the Na Muang waterfalls and Hua Thanon.

Wat Samui
A very quiet temple on the central road of Samui. Eventhough many temples look alike, each of them has it's own personality and history. The monks houses near the temples are often interesting, some of them even with a antique style. The place is usually very peaceful, unless there is a ceremony or a festival and you will always appreciate the shade provided by enormous and very old trees.

Wat Sila Ngu
Said to contain a relic of the Lord Buddha, the golden chedi facing the temple's entrance is a popular place of worship. Many local travelling shows and even visiting TV stars sometimes use the temple grounds here for their performances. Wat Sila Ngu is on the 4169 ring-road, one kilometer South of Hin-Ta Hin-Yai on the beach side of the road.

Wat Khao Chedi
Also Wat Laem Sor grounds, but a fair distance away lies the Khao (mountain) Chedi. Until a few months ago, this ruined monument had been forgotten about for many years. Now, the overgrown path leading to the chedi has been cleared and there's easy access.

About 300 meters West of the Laem Sor Chedi there is a hill. At the base of the hill a small hut can be seen, and 100 meters to the right of this dwelling, the path is visible. It leads to a stairway which takes about 10 minutes to climb. At the top, the peaceful ruins of the Khao Chedi greet the intrepid explorer. The panorama of Laem Sor Bay and the nearby islands from here is breathtaking.