Big Buddha Temple (Wat Phra Yai)
วัดพระใหญ่
A 12-metre golden seated Buddha on a small island at the northeast corner of Koh Samui, built in 1972. It is visible as planes come in to land and is the island's landmark. Climb to the top for views over the bay.
Big Buddha Temple lies on Koh Faan, a small island at the northeast corner of Koh Samui, connected to the main island by a causeway. The temple was completed in 1972. The golden seated Buddha on the hilltop is about 12 metres tall and adopts the 'earth-touching' mudra, with the right hand touching the ground, symbolising victory over temptation and fear. It can be seen from the surrounding sea and as planes land, making it one of Koh Samui's most famous landmarks. From the temple square, climb the staircase flanked by naga (serpent) balustrades to the Buddha platform, where you get a 360-degree view of Koh Phangan to the north, the airport to the east and the surrounding bay. Rows of small Buddha statues and bells line the platform, and visitors can ring the bells for blessings. At certain times, monks sprinkle holy water on worshippers. At the foot of the hill are stalls selling incense, candles and flowers, a souvenir market and several seaside restaurants, making it a small attraction that combines temple, market and sea views. Admission is free (donations welcome). About 2 km south of Big Buddha is Wat Plai Laem, famous for its 18-armed Guanyin statue in a lake and its brightly colored, big-bellied Maitreya Buddha. The two temples are usually visited together, taking about 1.5 hours in total. Nearby, Fisherman's Village and Mae Nam Beach can be linked into a half-day tour of the north coast. Getting there: from Chaweng, take a songthaew or taxi for about 15-20 minutes (taxi about 300 baht). From the airport, it is about 10 minutes. Renting a motorbike and riding along Route 4171 will get you there. Notes: visitors must wear knee-length bottoms and tops with sleeves (sarongs can be borrowed at the entrance), and must remove shoes before climbing the stairs. The stone steps are scorching at midday. Climbing on the Buddha statue or its surroundings is prohibited.
Opening hours
06:00–18:00
Nearby sights
- Wat Plai Laem
- Choeng Mon Beach
- Samui Elephant Sanctuary
- Fisherman's Village Bophut
- Chaweng Beach
- Maenam Beach
- Silver Beach (Crystal Bay)
- Hin Lad Waterfall