Koh Samui temples

Much of the South of Thailand is predominantly Muslim, including Koh Samui. Having said that, Buddhist culture is still to be seen everywhere on the island. Because of an increase in tourist numbers on Koh Samui, the main religion of Thailand (Buddhism) also became an important part of the culture on Samui. This is best seen when you arrive on the island by airplane and land on the northern shore, where the famous Big Buddha is located.

Most people know Koh Samui as a beach and coconut island. But besides that it also has a lot of Buddhist culture to offer. From modern and colourful temples to ancient Buddha images, there are a lot of sights to see and places to visit. Below you can read our suggestions. If you decide to visit one or more of these Koh Samui temples, please remember to behave politely. That means no revealing clothing or beachwear, and show respect to the temple grounds.

Phra Yai Temple and Big Buddha

This temple is home to Koh Samui’s most famous landmark, the Big Buddha. Visitors come to gaze upon this huge Buddha and marvel at its beauty, there are always tourist here taking photos. At 12 metres tall this Buddha statue is visible several kilometers away and it is possible to even catch a glimpse of it from the air when arriving or leaving the island. The car park for the temple is clustered with souvenir shops, small restaurants and ice cream shops ready to serve the daily flow of tourists. Wat Phra Yai is located in the Northeast of Samui near to the airport.

Laem Sor Temple

laem sor temple koh samuiLaem Sor Temple is in the far south of the island found along the beaches of Taling Ngam. In the grounds of Laem Sor Temple lies a golden Chedi (Pagoda) which sits in front of the rocky water’s edge. The Chedi appears to be golden because of countless amount of small yellow tiles it is covered in. The temple is hard to find from the road, follow the track with a sign that reads “Waikiki Bungalows”, and It’s at the end of that.

Khao Chedi Temple

Also found within the grounds of Laem Sor Temple, but set a fair distance away from the golden Chedi, lies the Khao Chedi (mountain pagoda). This spoiled monument had been forgotten about and left for many years until recently. The untouched path leading to the Chedi has been cleared and now grants easy access. There is a slope around 300 meters west of the Sor Chedi Temple, at the base of the slope a little cottage can be seen, and 100 meters to one side of this residence, the path is noticeable. The path leads to a stairway which takes you up to the tranquil ruins of the Khao Chedi. The panorama seen from up here is breathtaking, you can see the Laem Sor Bay and the nearby islands.

Kunaram Temple – Mummified Monk

Koh Samui’s most famous monks body, Loung Pordaeng, has been mummified and is on show at the Kunaram Temple. He died over 20 years ago whilst meditating. Today he still sits in the lotus position as if he is meditating, undisturbed. His body shows few signs of any major decay, although you will find him wearing his sunglasses to hide his eyes. Khunaram temple is on the ring-road between Hua Thanon and Na Muang waterfalls.

Sila Ngu Temple

Sila Ngu Temple is a popular place of worship in Koh Samui and is even said to contain a relic of the Lord Buddha. The temple grounds are often visited by local travelling shows and sometimes even TV stars and used for their performances. Sila Ngu Temple is a kilometer South of Hin-Tai Hin-Yai found on the beach side of the ring road.

Sumret Temple

Sumret Temple contains many different images of the Buddha. One Buddha is found laying in the reclining position, and the tallest of the Buddha statues, stands three meters tall and was shipped from India. Wat Sumret is found opposite the beach on the left, 800 meters West of Hua Thanon Beach on the ring-road.

Buddha’s Footprint

There are four foot-prints here, each placed one on top of the other. Each footprint has been artistically en-graved. The footprints are kept in a small temple found 150 steps up a steep hill, up here there is also a great view of the mountains and plains opposite as well as an ocean view over the tree tops. There are no signs for the Buddha’s Footprint however it can be found by turning left up a concrete slope, two kilometers West of the turnoff for the Butterfly Garden on the ring road.

Plai Laem Temple

Plai Laem Temple is found in the north of Koh Samui on road ring road in between Big Buddha and Choeng Mon Beach. The temple is well known for the hundreds of big fish that live in the lake which surrounds the temples (Fish Food is available at the temple for a small donation). Plai Laem Temple is one of the most stunning temples on Koh Samui and features a Buddhist statue of Guanyin, the Goddess of Mercy and Compassion, with 18 arms set in the middle of the lake.

Kiri Wongkaram Temple

At Kiri Wongkaram Temple you can find the mummified body of the Buddhist monk Loung Por Ruam and can be viewed in a glass case. Upon his death 25 years ago he was placed here and remarkably his body is still in good condition. Kiri Wongkaram Temple is located by following the ring road South from Lipa Noi and then making a turn right between two giant elephant statues. It is a kilometer further down this road on the right hand side.