Temples and Wats in Koh Samui

Although the Buddha footprints can be a bit hard to find, its well worth putting in the extra effort to get there. Located on a hilltop shrine near the Butterfly garden, there are in fact four footprints engraved one on top of each other. After you negotiate the 163 steps you are rewarded with one of the most spectacular views on the island. Route 4170, 2km west of the turnoff for the Butterfly Garden

A relatively young temple, at just over thirty years old, when one thinks of the hundreds of years we generally speak of. As all of the Chinese temples on the island seem to be this is just one small building, with a small altar, without any huge statues, but beautifully decorated with colourful paintings that tell stories of Zhao Mei Guan Im. Pay particular attention to the painting on the stone alter just to the right of the temple building as it is extremely well done and certainly worth a look and a photograph. The location for this one is fantastic because it sits right on the coast at the southwest end of Koh Samui with a wonderful view of Koh Taen (Turtle Island), Koh Mud Sum and the Suratthani mainland.  From here you can watch the longtail fishing boats and the longtail boats going to and from Koh Taen for snorkelling and then there is the sunset which you can watch from your own private beach just below the temple grounds. To get there take the main road (4169) to the turn off for Ban Taling Ngam (4170) and follow it for six kilometres to the Samui Snake Farm. From there just across the 4170 go down Keeree-Mas Road, the same way you get to Wat Khiri Mat, about eight hundred meters to the first left turn, which starts out as a dirt road and follow this almost to its end before turning left again onto the temple grounds. There are only Thai language signs to follow, but it's still easy to find.

On the northern coast of Koh Samui is the famous Big Buddha shrine. Probably Samui's most well known landmark, the 12 metre high golden Buddha can be seen from several kilometres away. Inside the surrounding temple are many different shrines and other smaller ornate Buddhas. There is also a small market selling a wide range of lucky charms and other souvenirs, alongside numerous food stalls. Route 4171, near the airport.

Right in the center of Nathon, the unofficial capital of Samui, is this little, brightly coloured gem of a temple. Nathon is an old town with not much shine to it and as the main business is shopping you will certainly appreciate the time out in this quiet haven. As you walk down Thaweerat Phakdee Street (4169 as it runs through town) going about your business look for Soi Angthong 4. It's marked by a bright red shield, over this small side street, announcing the location of this temple, which was built in 1862.  You can actually see the temple compound from there, but take a closer look and you'll also see the two fierce looking golden lions guarding the main gate. The main (only) building is surrounded by a walled garden and, amazingly enough, the traffic noise is virtually non existent inside, which is all the more amazing considering the huge construction trucks and loud vehicles of all descriptions pounding down the main thoroughfare just 100 meters away. The small space inside the temple is dedicated to an altar for candles and incense while praying. Always dress properly when entering temples on Koh Samui because it's a matter of respect. Nathon Main Road.

This is wonderfully small, peaceful temple to the left of the Hin Lad Waterfall trail. Cross over the bridge and stop for a moment of reflection while you feed the fish. You didn't bring anything to feed the fish with, 'mai-pen-rai' (no problem) fish food cost just 20 Baht at the small restaurant near the bridge. The Buddha statue sits far back to the right in a small, natural, niche formed from the side of a huge boulder and the lush vegetation surrounding it. This place is well shaded and calm making it perfect for a stop after the four kilometre, round trip, hike to the waterfall. And the trail is just that, a jungle trail. Pay extra attention to the signs, posted at intervals along the temple pathways, they contain sayings of wisdom in Thai and English. Let them surprise you. The monks daily maintenance of the grounds borders on obsessive cleanliness, but you will definitely appreciate their efforts. (Near Nathon)

This pagoda is to be found at the southern most tip of Koh Samui, which is also the end of Bang Kao Beach. Its golden hue, glowing in the sunlight, makes for an astonishingly beautiful contrast to the Columbia blue sky and the turquoise sea behind it. The entrance is guarded by two 'Yak' (meaning giant) warrior statues with immense swords, colourful clothing and scary faces. Buddha stands in the doorway to the rear of the statues. This one is always a great photo opportunity as there is absolutely nothing obstructing your view and it all fits on one photograph. It's located eleven kilometres south of Lamai. Take the 4169 to route 4170 and make a left. There's another left at Laem-Sho-Road and then about 1 kilometre to the pagoda.

The Old Buddha Image is, simply, a large seated Buddha statue in a pavilion. That's it. The seated pose is called Pang "Manrawichai" and the Buddha uses this position to ward off bad spirits, which try to make him angry. It's easy to find and, also, easy to overlook although it sits right at the edge of the road with nothing obstructing your view especially when you are driving along this road at speed. A little over one kilometre from the 4169, turn at Ban Thurian, on route 4173. It will be on your right side.

The Pagoda Khao Chedi ('khao' means 'white') is a 'Srivijaya' style chedi situated on a hill above the area Laem Sor. It, also, goes by the name Laem Sor Pagoda, which can be a bit confusing for newcomers to the island seeing as there is another Laem Sor Pagoda below it on Bang Kao Beach, but this one's golden. You get spectacular views to all sides from this vantage point including mainland Suratthani, Bang Kao Bay all the way to Laem Set Point and the islands ('Koh' means island in Thai) Taen (Turtle island) and Mudsum in addition to Wat Laem Sor. It is, without a doubt, one of the best places on Koh Samui to watch the sun go down. Mix in a little ATV riding adventure, swimming and general relaxation on the beach for a full day of pleasure away from the usual tourist crowds. Located eleven kilometres south of Lamai take the 4169 to route 4170 and make a left. There's another left at Laem-Sho-Road and then the second right up a very steep hill. Motorcycles generally won't make to the top with two foreigners aboard so be prepared to walk a few steps. It's worth it to lie in the hammock at the top and watch the sunset.

Another superbly designed Wat located in Nathon, Wat Chaeng has an adjoining school which seems to be its main purpose now. The temple building is fronted by a large, seated Buddha in the Pang "Prathanporn" pose. The Buddha has one hand raised with the index finger and thumb touching and the other hand is resting in his lap with the palm facing up. The Wat and Buddha are guarded by two huge statues in vivid green and gold colours. At the southern end of Thaweerat Phakdee Road (4169 through Nathon) you will turn left onto the temple grounds. Nathon.

Although this 'mountain' is only 90 meters tall you will have an incredible view from the peak. The entire strip from the Samui airport is virtually at your feet. If you like take offs and landings this is the place to sit for a while. After all how many other airports can you watch from above without flying? The islands Koh Phangan, Koh Tao, Koh Sum, Koh Lum Noi, Koh Tao Poon and Koh Fan (where Big Buddha sits) plus Big Buddha, Wat Bang Rak, gorgeous sunsets and much more from Koh Samui are all visible from this spot. At this time here is some construction going on right at the top, but the view is so breathtaking that you may not notice it. This temple contains, according to the sign, a replica of Buddha's footprint, but it's not on any island tour so you'll have to 'rough it' and drive yourself there. On your way to the top you will also pass the fabulous 'Nathalie's Art Palace' and the Samui branch of Bangkok's famous 'Q Bar'. To get there take the 4169 to Chaweng and turn off the main road towards the beach after one point 5 kilometres, opposite Chaweng Lake you will find the Arch marking Kao Hua Juk Road and directing you up to the Wat. Once you turn here drive about 150 meters until you see the stairs on your right. These stairs lead to a gently curving walkway taking you to the summit.

His remarkable longevity is ascribed to the simple diet he followed in life and his frequent marathon meditation sessions, which considerably slowed down his metabolism. A guide, giving the full details of Loung's remarkable life is on sale at the Wat alongside various Buddhist amulets depicting him.  Route 4169, South of Lamai Town.

There is an ornately designed, highly visible, blue and yellow arch showing the way to this temple at the end of Keeree-Mas Road in Ban Pang Ka ('Ban' is Thai for 'town'). There is some work going on, but past that in the far right hand corner you will find the Wat. The temple building sits atop a small hill and is one of the few, on the island, with grass and trees growing in abundance. Directly in front of the temple, at the bottom of the hill, is a rather large pagoda with a glass enclosed Buddha statue inside. The way there: from the 4169 in Ban Saket turn onto the 4170, in the direction of Ban Taling Ngam, and follow it for six Kilometres to the corner where the Samui Snake Farm is. Across from the Snake Farm take Keeree-Mas Road for one kilometre to a right hand turn that appears as if it is going into a dirt parking lot. Drive slowly and pay attention as there are no signs announcing this Wat along the road.

This is a beautiful white temple building with the obligatory contrasting roof in red, green and yellow. There is a small Buddha statue sitting before the entrance. There's not much else to see in this compound, but this one should not be passed by because you won't often see such an unpretentious temple building in Thailand and that, alone, makes it worthwhile. You will find this one three and one half kilometres from the ring road (4169). Take the turn onto route 4170 in Ban Saket, near the buffalo fighting stadium turnoff, follow it down and go through the Elephant Gate in Ban Taling Ngam after about 500 meters you will be at the Wat.

Despite the fact that you will see this Wat listed on some maps, it no longer exists. There is only the Wat Klang School about 150 meters west of the intersection of routes 4170 and 4173.

Wat Laem Sor is a very large boat with the temple sitting astern and surrounded by a pool of water to make it appear as if it's in the ocean, which is actually about 200 meters away. The view of this temple is especially impressive when seen from the Pagoda Khao Chedi on the hill above Bang Kao Beach. What you'll see is a large, beautiful, bright blue, boat sailing amongst the coconut trees. Awesome! When seen together with the beach and Bang Kao Bay it makes a wonderful sight indeed! As you enter the temple complex look to your left and you will see, growing along the ground like a snake, (Which is unusual to say the least) a large palm tree. When you combine your visit to this temple and the two Laem Sor Pagodas with the beach and nearby ATV Adventure Park it will make for an exciting day of sightseeing, four wheel adventure, swimming, relaxation and fun. At the end of the day you can then enjoy one of Thailand's fabulous and romantic sunsets. Leave the kids at the resort. Located eleven kilometres south of Lamai, take the 4169 to route 4170 and make a left. There's another left at Laem-Sho-Road and then about 1 kilometre to the temple, which is only 100 meters away from Laem Sor Pagoda (the gold one).

The Lamai temple is the social epicentre for the local Thai community. Alongside weddings, funerals and religious festivals, it plays host to some lively temple fairs throughout the year with concerts, fairground games, food and even an outdoor cinema.The temple fairs last for over a week and if you are in Lamai when one is being held it is certainly worth checking out. The musty, dusty Cultural Hall inside the temple complex houses a quaint and unique collection of artefacts from Samui's past, ranging from brass and earthenware vessels and cooking implements to wooden agricultural tools, Armadillo skins; dried pufferfish, swords, muskets, ancient bicycles, and an amazing 2000 year old metal ceremonial drum unearthed in Lamai village. The fact that there are no explanatory notes in English means that you have to use your imagination to compose mental images of Samui's bygone days. Route 4169, Lamai.

This Wat has been under construction for more than a year and no end in sight, yet. The most notable change will be a large temple building apparently to replace the smaller one hidden on the back of the temple grounds. Despite the work going on the drive to reach it is pleasant and the temple building is unique in that it has a very long, thin tower built into it. This can be difficult to locate, but if you want to go from Ban Lipa Noi, on the 4169, take the 4174 and follow this as if you were going to the Navy Base. After passing Big John Resort and seafood Restaurant (about three kilometres) the road turns sharply to the left and from there it's just another kilometre on your left for the entrance road. These are mostly country lanes with many turns and twist so be careful if you drive a motorcycle as they can be very slippery from dust.

This temple is believed to be Koh Samui's oldest temple at around 250 years old. As well as the temple itself, Wat Pradoem also has a wooden hall full of ancient scriptures and ornate carvings. The temple is located near the Butterfly Garden and is signposted. Route 4173

An enormous wooden arch greets you right at the side of the 4169, in Bang Po, as you approach this temple. Unfortunately that's about it for this one. It seems to be used infrequently, at best, and the only other buildings, aside from the temple, are pavilions. The Wat is a small, white building with the unusual feature of having a pagoda attached to its front, which seems to be bigger than the temple itself. There were five or six barking dogs at this one, but maybe it's just me they didn't like. To get there take the 4169 north nine kilometres from Nathon and it will be on the right side directly across from the Ban Laem Hoy School.