Koh Samui has some of the most beautiful and colourful Buddhist temples in Thailand. We’ll share five of the most iconic ones on the island, tell you how to get to them, and offer some guidelines about dress and behaviour. We’ve also given some recommendations of temples to visit in one trip to make the most of your time and spare you from driving more than you have to.
Cape Fahn Hotel offers private and spacious pool villas that serve as an excellent base to explore the colourful and iconic temples of Koh Samui.
Wat Sila Ngu
This temple is also known as Wat Ratchathammaram in Koh Samui and is often referred to as the Red Temple for its deep red terracotta colour. The temple is fascinating to view up close because of the walls and ceilings filled with detailed bas-relief sculptures of Hindu legends. Inside the centre of the temple sits a golden Buddha flanked by two smaller statues of elephants. The temple sits in a complex of many temples that are intriguing to explore, with a viewpoint offering a spectacular coastal view.
Wat Sila Ngu is located in the southeastern part of the island off to the left of route 4169 between the villages of Lamai and Hua Thanon. You can see it plainly from the road.
Wat Khunaram
Wat Khunaram is inland in the same part of the island as Wat Sila Ngu. This makes it practical to visit both temples within the same trip. The temple is famous not so much for its beauty but for its content. Wat Khunaram is the final resting place of a monk named Luang Pho Daeng. He died in 1973 and ordered that his body be put on display as a reminder of the impermanence of human existence. His mummified body has made the temple a popular tourist attraction in Koh Samui.
To visit Wat Khunaram from Wat Sila Ngu, simply continue south along route 4169 as it turns right and heads inland. After passing Proo Na Mueang Road on your left, keep your eye out for signs indicating the turnoff for the temple on your left.
Wat Phra Yai (Big Buddha Temple)
On the western side of the northern peninsula of Koh Samui, opposite Cape Fahn Hotel on the east side, The 12-metre-tall golden Big Buddha of Wat Phra Yai gazes down on the coast. The temple is located on a small, rocky island connected to the mainland by a road. The temple and its imposing statue were built in 1972 and show the Buddha in the Mara posture, the left hand facing up and the right facing down. The Buddha is located at the top of a staircase with a colourful dragon railing.
From Cape Fahn Hotel, head inland until you reach route 4171, and turn right. Follow it across the peninsula until you see the Buddha looming directly above you as you reach the coast.
Wat Plai Laem
Wat Plai Laem is just a short drive inland from the Big Buddha Temple. It’s located on an island in the middle of a lake and may be one of the most picturesque temples in Koh Samui. The main feature of the temple is a giant, white and gold, 18-armed statue of Guanyin, the Chinese-Thai Goddess of Mercy and Compassion. The statue has several stunningly beautiful Buddhist buildings on the short causeway leading up to it.
To reach Wat Plai Laem, simply head back on 4171 until you reach Tongsai Road. Turn left on Tongsai Road and look for signs to the right indicating Wat Plai Laem.
Wat Khao Chedi
Wat Khao Chedi may require its own trip to visit it, but it’s well worth the effort. The Chedi sits at the top of the hill on the furthest point south of Koh Samui. You’ll have to hike up to view the Chedi, but those who do will be rewarded by spectacular views of the coastline. The Chedi is built in the Srivijaya style in white with gold Buddha statues at the base. There are other buildings and statues around the Chedi that add to the serenity of the location.
To get to Wat Khao Chedi, continue south along route 4169 until you see a junction on the left for 4170. Follow 4170 until you see Santi Sook 1 Road off to your left. Take Santi Sook 1 Road until you see the signs for Wat Khao Chedi.
Temple Etiquette
Dress conservatively when visiting Buddhist temples in Koh Samui. Always cover your shoulders. This means no tank tops for men or spaghetti straps for women. Men should also wear long trousers, and women should wear long trousers or a long skirt. Always remove your shoes before entering a temple. Your behaviour should be respectful. Never raise your voice, and don’t touch any art or statues on the walls. Also, never touch any monks or representations of Buddha in the temple. With these basic guidelines in mind, you’re now ready for a memorable temple tour of Koh Samui.
Book Your Holiday Stay at Cape Fahn Hotel
After a long day of touring the temples of Koh Samui, what could be better than returning to a 5-star resort hotel in Koh Samui by the sea? Cape Fahn Hotel offers a range of one and two-bedroom pool villas, fitness facilities, a boutique, a reading room, an activities pavilion and two dining outlets – Long Dtai Restaurant and Hue All Day Dining. Plus, we offer many activities, excursions and trips aboard our luxury yachts. Book your next holiday in Koh Samui at Cape Fahn Hotel.
