Koh Samui Temples and Shrines

The main religion of Thailand is Buddhism, and temples and statues can be found all over Koh Samui. In fact just about every village has their own local temple even though they may not be visible. Thailand has no system of Government or State support for the sick or the elderly and so these temples serve this function socially and are very much a part of Thailand's social fabric. But some temples seem to have gone one step further: they have something unusual to offer also and have become an attraction for tourists visiting the island.

Big Buddha Statue

The most famous temple on Samui is Wat Phara Yai temple in the northeast of the island between Bo Phut and Choeng Mon - more usually known as Big Buddha.

If you are coming to Samui by air, keep an eye out of the left-hand side of the aircraft as you will pass only a few hundred feet over this monument as you come in to land.

Standing 12 metres high and covered in gold paint, this is a landmark that can be seen from miles away.

The temple itself has a small compound just outside with several Thai-style cafes and souvenir shops which are well worth exploring.

Kunaram Temple

Heading down the coast to Lamai will bring you to The Kunaram Temple.This is probably one of the prettiest temples on the island, decorated in gold, blue and pink. But what people come to see is the famous 'mummified monk' - Loung Pordaeng.
He passed away peacefully in 1973 whilst sitting cross-legged in contemplation. Upon this discovery the monks placed him reverently inside a glass case where he remains to this day, astonishingly desiccated and naturally preserved, still cross-legged.

It is a tribute to the fun-loving nature of Buddhists that one of the monks thoughtfully equipped him with a pair of sunglasses for the afterlife - and these he still wears today!

Kiri Wongkaram Temple

Loung Pordaeng is not the only well-preserved holy man on Samui. Surprisingly there's another one near Ban Saket near Hua Thanon in the south of the island. (Head under the two giant elephant statues.)
This one has only been here since 1996 though - only a youngster!

Laem Sor Pagoda Temple

Otherwise known as "The Chedi Pagoda" or "The Golden Chedi", this is an impressive monument appearing to be made of solid gold. On closer inspection the chedi turns out to be covered in millions of tiny golden tiles - an staggering feat it in its own right. it's one of Samui's famous photo spots, sitting with the sea behind and the vast expanse of wide blue sky above.

It's to be found down in the deep south of the island, off the beaten track between Ban Tale and Ban Pang Ka.

Buddha's Footprint

Another stunning view is offered from the site of Buddhas Footprint, also close to Hua Thanon in the south of the island.

In actual fact there are four footprints, each one slightly smaller than the others and all nested inside each other. They are more than 300 years old and symbolise the Path to Liberation as described by The Lord Buddha.

To reach them you'll have to heave your way upwards via 163 steps (the "Steps of Bodily Pain'?) but, once at the top, the views are utterly stunning and offer another great photo opportunity (when your body has stopped shaking.)

Right next to this temple is the famous Samui Butterfly Garden, also well worth visiting - seeing as you're there anyway.

Wat Plai Laem

This is another gorgeous temple, located on the north coast not far from Choeng Mon.

The multi coloured Buddha statue with its 18 arms is set in the midst of a small carp-filled lake.

Although not as popular as the others, this is possibly one of the most striking of Samui's temple monuments.

Uncle Nim's Waterfall & Magic Garden

The "Magic Garden" or "Secret Buddha Garden" is not strictly a temple it is surely one of Samui's most astonishing sights. It is entirely the life's labour of a Samui farmer, Nim Thongsuk, who began working on this at the age of 77 years when he was too old to work anymore!

As well as dozens of elaborately carved statues - all in honour of The Buddha or other deities - a waterfall and gardens have all been landscaped around it and remain still tended and cared for today by his descendants.

It's probably the most obscure and difficult to discover of all Samui's cultural landmarks, but it really is magical. It's small, hidden away high in the hills and only accessible via a 4-wheel drive vehicle - you first to pass through a guarded military base!

This is one trip that is worth asking the professionals about and taking an organised tour to discover.

Each temple and shrine on the island has a unique attribute that is worth seeing and these are only a few of the many. There are so many temples and shrines on the island that it would take a week to see all of them.

If you need help narrowing down your choices, ask at reception for more advice, or visit one of the many tour operators.