Koh Samui Temples
Thailand is a great place for spending your vacation, and many tourists go to experience beaches and nightlife. But like other regions in Thailand, Koh Samui also offers numerous possibilities to experience Thai culture. If you’re interested in Thai culture and architecture, visiting some of the Koh Samui Temples and learning more about the Buddhist tradition can be a highlight of your stay on Koh Samui.
There are a number of Buddhist temples in the area worth visiting. We are giving an overview of the most interesting temples on Koh Samui in this travel guide below.
The Big Buddha Temple
The Big Buddha Temple is famous among visitors as the most recognizable landmark on the island. The Big Buddha temple is found to the north of Bophut on a small, rocky island named Koh Faan. The golden, seated Buddha statue stands 12 meters tall and is also referred to as Wat Phra Yai. It was constructed in 1972 and remains one of Koh Samui’s most visited places of interest.
From the balcony, you have a wonderful view of the nearby island of Koh Phangan, in addition to the lovely temple architecture and the numerous colorful decorations.
Wat Ratchathammaram
Wat Ratchathammaram, the Red Temple of Koh Samui, is an astonishingly beautiful place. It is one of the lesser-known attractions. The building is almost entirely terracotta red, and while there are no other colors applied, the exterior and interior are heavily decorated with stone ornaments and sculptures.
A golden pagoda glows brightly in the sunlight next to it. In addition, there is a stairway decked out with heads of snakes that leads straight into the water. This hidden temple is a standout, and it’s also one of the best temples in Koh Samui. This temple is located in Koh Samui’s Bo Put, in the Lamai main street.
Khao Hua Jook Chedi
The Khao Hua Jook Chedi is also known as the Golden Temple. This temple complex is stunning to behold from the exterior and features many other gorgeous details that can be found in the interior. You will be given a wristband to wear throughout your tour if you want to have a monk bless you at this location.
The temple is situated on the top of the mountain; the terrace provides visitors with a breathtaking panorama of the surrounding island. Visitors can see the Big Buddha from here. This temple is located in Koh Samui’s Bo Put, close to Chaweng Beach.
Secret Buddha Garden
On top of Pom Mountain, one of the highest peaks in Koh Samui, there is a private sculpture park known as the Secret Buddha Garden. Beautiful trees on all sides surround it. The road to the garden has some steep stretches, so be careful if you are driving up there yourself. However, after you reach the peak, you will be blessed with breathtaking views of the entire island.
There is a fee to be paid at the entrance of the park. Once inside, you can enjoy the carefully scaped park ambiance, with water streams and numerous little statues spread across the garden. Far away from the crowded beaches and urban streets, this is a perfect serene escape.
Wat Plai Laem – Lady Monk Temple
The Wat Plai Laem, popularly known as the Lady Monk Temple, is a modern temple on Koh Samui in the island’s north. It is another highlight and is widely considered to be among the most stunning examples of Buddhist architecture on the island.
The temple has a spectacular lake setting and the temple´s architecture is marked by Thai and Chinese influences. The 18-armed statue of Guan Yin is a popular motive for mercy and compassion. In addition to this main statue, there is also a laughing Buddha statue. The doors to this temple are open from early morning till late in the evening.
Dressing and Rules at the Temples in Koh Samui
A Thailand holiday wouldn’t be complete without at least one visit to some of these temples. Just be aware of some of the following rules :
- When you go for a temple visit, it requires that you dress in appropriate attire at all times. That entails that the shoulders have to be covered and that the length of the pants or skirt has to be up to knee-length. Visitors are required to remove their shoes before entering the temple.
- Within the temple’s boundaries, barefoot walking is required at all times. You are allowed to walk about, but you must maintain a quiet manner. It is allowed to take photographs. It is forbidden to touch monks in any way.
Conclusion
These are the 5 best temples in Koh Samui for visiting. However, several other temples are also worth visiting for tourists, like Hin Lad Temple, Gaun Yu Shrine, etc. On this island, you definitely must take a visit to each of these magnificent temples.
