The must-see temples in Koh Samui are great for experiencing the island's traditional lifestyle and taking a break from its splendid beaches. Buddhism is the dominant religion in Thailand, followed by Chinese folk religions such as Taoism. Wat is the Thai name for Buddhist temples, while san jao for Chinese shrines.
Koh Samui's most important temples and wats have beautiful edifices that belong to Buddhism or have close ties to it. A visit to temples on Samui Island will give you a glimpse of real Thailand.
- Ang Thong Adventure Tour
- Ko Tao & Ko Nang Yuan Snorkeling Tour
- Jungle Adventure
- Sea Kayaking at Ang Thong Marine Park
- Around the Island Tour
- Temples & City Tour
- Big Game Fishing Full-Day Tour
- 4-Wheel ATV Adventure
- Red Baron Junk Sailing Tour with Transfers
- Guided Photography Tour with Golden Pagoda & Big Buddha
Interested in this tour? Book it here.
The Big Buddha Temple of Koh Samui sits majestically on Koh Faan, a small rocky island just north of Bophut. Its golden, 12-metre-tall seated Buddha statue, which dates back to 1972, is one of Samui's most popular attractions. Around the base of the statue is a courtyard and vendor section, where you can buy amulets, religious artefacts, clothing and souvenirs. There are 2 more Buddha images set in pavilions.
Locals often refer to the Big Buddha Temple as Wat Phra Yai, so it's a good idea to mention its Thai moniker if you're using public transport to get there. Read More...
- Opening Hours: Daily from 8 am to 6 pm
- Location: Route 4171, Bophut, Koh Samui, Surat Thani 84320, Thailand
Wat Plai Laem is a Buddhist temple on Samui's northeastern coast Samui. It has a striking white 18-arm image of Guanyin, the Goddess of Mercy and Compassion in Chinese Buddhism.
Wat Plai Laem offers you a glimpse at Chinese-Thai beliefs, as well as elaborate Buddhist-themed art and architecture. The temple is surrounded by a pretty lake, which adds to its feel of tranquillity. Read More...
- Opening Hours: Daily from sunrise to sunset
- Location: Road 4171, Bophut, Koh Samui, Surat Thani 84320, Thailand
Secret Buddha Garden lies at the summit of Pom Mountain, one of the highest peaks of Koh Samui. The sculpture park offers majestic views and an unusual collection of statues amid lush jungle surroundings.
The site, also known as Namtok Tar Nim or Magic Garden, was the work of an old Samui fruit farmer, Nim Thongsuk. In 1976, he began erecting several Buddhism-inspired and Apsara statues around his family's verdant land. Today, this garden is a great place to unwind, thanks to its mystical atmosphere. Read More...
- Opening Hours: Daily from 9 am to 6 pm
- Location: Na Mueang, Koh Samui, Surat Thani 84140, Thailand
Wat Khunaram is an impressive temple in Samui because it hosts the mummified remains of a monk, Luong Pordaeng. The mummy is in a seated meditative position, and remarkably shows little sign of decay.
For some, having a dead man (since 1973) in full view might be a shocking sight, but for Thais, it's something to reflect upon and revere. Wat Khunaram is a fairly typical Buddhist temple, where local people come every day to make merit and pray. You're welcome to buy amulets or observe the daily rituals. Read More...
- Opening Hours: Daily from sunrise to sunset
- Location: Route 4169, Na Mueang, Koh Samui, Surat Thani 84140, Thailand
The Hin Lad Waterfall Temple is in an evergreen tropical jungle in Koh Samui, just before a trail leading to the famous Hin Lad Waterfall. It has a lovely garden, walking path, various Buddha images, religious sculptures, and a meditation area.
Also known as Wat Namtok Hin Lad, this forest monastery is usually busy only on the weekends when the locals come to tam boon (make merit) and enjoy a picnic at the nearby waterfall. The temple is well shaded and calm, making it a great place to unwind and relax. Read More...
- Opening Hours: Daily from sunrise to sunset
- Location: Moo 2, Ang Thong, Koh Samui, Surat Thani 84140, Thailand
- Tel: +66 (0)92 331 9568
