Samui Explorer selected the Top 5 Temples in Koh Samui for their uniqueness, beauty, fascinating facts, and significance to the Thai locals.
Koh Samui has a variety of temples around the island, but only a few are open to tourism. Most visitors will have heard of the two main temples, Wat Phra Yai, AKA Big Buddha Temple, and Wat Plai Leam in Bangrak and Plai Leam. Both temples are within 10 minutes walking distance of each other.
Tourist itineraries constantly include Wat Plai Leam and Big Buddha Temple, while the others receive little recognition. Each has something unique and special to offer.
Let us start with the most iconic of the five temples in Koh Samui, the Big Buddha Temple, AKA Wat Phra Yai.
Big Buddha, Wat Phra Yai, Bangrak Koh Samui
Big Buddha Temple is at the top of the list because it was home to Samui Explorer for ten years and has a special place in our hearts.
The Big Buddha Temple is on Koh Faen, a small island off Koh Samui. Before the construction of a causeway, Koh Faen was only accessible by a bamboo bridge connecting Plai Leam Beach to the island.
Before the construction of the Big Buddha Temple (Wat Phra Yai) in 1972, the island was home to wild deer (Faen), who locals claim died after a severe monsoon. Unable to leave the island for food, they perished.
Years later, it was a burial ground for babies and young children. The locals speak of a lady who haunts the island, keeping watch over the children, both alive and deceased.
Samui Explorer’s home and office were situated in one of the houses where she is known to stroke young women’s foreheads. I confirm that this is accurate, having experienced this spiritual encounter personally.
Koh Faen has a variety of shops, cafes, and restaurants around the Big Buddha, where you can relax and enjoy the views of Koh Phangan. Sunset around the Big Buddha is stunning, and it is the perfect location to capture fabulous sunset photographs.
When it’s possible to visit:
Although access across the causeway is possible 24 hours a day, seven days a week, the gates around the Big Buddha close at 6 PM daily.
Thai Festivals – Loy Krathong Water Festival: Purchase a Krathong at the Temple Gate at the Big Buddha, then float it in the sea.
Where is the Big Buddha Temple located?
Big Buddha Temple (Wat Phra Yai)
Parking Available
Wat Plai Leam – Plai Leam Koh Samui
Wat Plai Laem is a living and active temple open seven days a week to Thais and Burmese who come daily to pay homage to Guanyin and the Buddha, depicted in several statues and murals around the temple. It is also one of the main tourist temples, and new visitors to Koh Samui will pass through its gates.
The giant Guanyin statue, a towering white structure with a multitude of arms, illustrates her ability to reach out and provide help worldwide. Many who come here pray for her help in bearing healthy children, viewing her as a fertility goddess.
Guanyin is believed to be a source of unconditional love and a protector of all beings. People see Guanyin’s multitude of arms as an illustration of her ability to reach out and provide help worldwide. Each hand carries specific items that are believed to be essential for everyone to have a healthy and fruitful life.
Many who come here pray for her assistance in bearing healthy children, viewing her as a fertility goddess.
Other standout features at Wat Plai Laem include a large white laughing Buddha statue, the main chapel, and an elaborate chapel (ceremonial hall) set on an island in the lake. The mural inside tells the story of Buddha.
The original temple was built in 1856, and buildings were added over the years. A famous Thai artist, Jarit Phumdonming, created Wat Plai Leams’ modern designs.
Wat Plai Leam is also home to Wat Plai Leam Primary School, which serves as the main Phra for both Wat Plai Leam and Big Buddha.
Thai Festivals: Loy Krathong water festival – Inside Wat Plai Leam, where you can purchase a Krathong and float it in the lake around the main chapel.
When it’s possible to visit:
Unless a festival is taking place, Wat Plai Leam remains open seven days a week, closing its gates at 6 PM every day.
Where to find Wat Plai Leam?
Parking Available
Luang Pu Thuad, Wat Bo Phuttharam, Bophut Koh Samui
Luang Pu Thuad is located inside Wat Bo Phuttharam, a temple that most visitors drive past while visiting Koh Samui, oblivious to its presence.
Luang Pu Thuad-Wat Bo Phuttharam, Bhoput, is located just before Fisherman Village at one of the busiest junctions in Koh Samui. A moat surrounds a boat where a large black Buddha stands tall. You can walk inside and find items to purchase to pay your respects.
Thai people respect Luang Pu Thaud and come from all over Southern Thailand to pay respect, purchase an amulet, and hope for good luck and health.
The construction of Wat Bo Phuttharam began in 1934. Over the years, Wat Bo Phuttharam remained almost unchanged until the construction of Luang Pu Thuad, which was completed in 2016, although the building work began in 2013.
Thai Festivals – Yearly Temple Markets, for two weeks, certain temples host a temple market where they sell a wide variety of Thai street food, cakes, clothing, and market stalls where visitors can win items.
When it’s possible to visit:
Wat Bo Phuttharam is open seven days a week and has no entry gates. However, it is a cremation temple. Please exercise caution when entering during a funeral, departing, and returning another day out of respect.
Where to find Luang Pu Thaud?
Wat Sawang Arom – Chaweng Koh Samui
The original name was Wat Chaweng; it has always been the village temple of the Bophut Sub-District.
Phra Arjarn Kaew built it in 1794. In 2015, Phra Kru Phra Pat Tumakhun said the old chapel was too small and wanted to make a new one. During the construction, Phra Kru Phra Pat passed away. On June 10th, 2015, they decided to build a smaller chapel next to it and, within, lay to rest the mummified Phra Kru Phra Pat Tumakhun.
Despite the completion of the main chapel in 2015, the mural inside remained incomplete until December 2020. The color contrasts indoors, and the mural is nothing short of magnificent.
Wat Sawang Arom is also home to Wat Sawang Aron Nursery School.
When it’s possible to visit:
Wat Sawang Arom is open seven days a week, with the gates closing at 6 PM. However, it is a cremation temple. Please exercise caution when entering a funeral in progress, departing, and returning on a different day, out of respect.
Where to find Wat Sawang Arom?
Wat Sawang Arom & Nursery School
Parking Available
Wat Ratchathammaram, AKA Lamai Red Temple, Lamai Koh Samui
Wat Sila Ngu and Wat Ratchathammaram are on the same temple grounds.
Built in 1872, the Samui people call it Wat Sila Ngu because it’s on the beach, and the rocks look like snakes. They painted the chapel red by mixing limestone with cement.
The architectural design is half Srivchai Stsyke and half Bayon. Internally, the carvings are stunningly red and tell the Buddha’s story.
When it’s possible to visit:
Wat Ratchathammaran is open seven days a week.
Thai festivals – temple markets Every year for two weeks, certain temples hold a temple market, selling a wide variety of Thai street food, cakes, clothing, and market stalls to win items. Wat Ratchathammaran Temple Market also extends to the parking area across from the temple.
Where to find Wat Ratchathammaran, AKA Lamai Red Temple?
Wat Ratchathammaram Red Temple
Parking Available
Temple Attire at the Top 5 Temples in Koh Samui
Remember to dress appropriately when visiting temples, especially when visiting less touristy temples around Thailand. 9 temple tips below:
- Always cover your shoulders.
- Wear a dress or shorts to cover below the knees.
- Remove your shoes.
- Do not point your feet when you sit down to pray or receive a monk’s blessing. You should either place your feet pointing to the side or kneel.
- Keep your head bowed when around a monkey.
- Avoid touching the Buddha statues on their heads.
- Do not climb on the statues or remove items from spirit houses. For more information about Spirit House, read my blog below.
- Do not show any physical contact or public affection.
- Stand up when a monk enters the temple.
Thai Culture – Spirit Houses are shrines to the protective spirit that is found in Thailand. You find more information about this in our blog Thai Culture – Spirit Houses.
Sightseeing Tour: If you’re interested in taking a private tour with a licensed guide to learn more about temples or Buddhism, contact Samui Explorer directly or click the link below. Simply request a customized tour and arrange add-ons, such as a monk’s blessing. Book our Private Tour Explore Koh Samui here.
