Wat Plai Laem

วัดแหลมสุวรรณาราม (วัดปลายแหลม)

A colorful temple in a blend of Chinese and Thai styles, with an 18-armed Guanyin statue and a large-bellied Maitreya Buddha rising from a lake. It sits next to the Big Buddha Temple and is ideal for feeding fish and taking photos.

Wat Plai Laem sits beside a lake about 2 km south of the Big Buddha Temple, in the northeast corner of Koh Samui. It is a modern Buddhist temple built around 2004, designed by Thai artist Jarit Phumdonming. Its architecture blends Thai, Chinese, and Indian styles. On a white platform in the lake stands an 18-armed Guanyin statue about 30 meters tall, symbolizing compassion and salvation through many hands. A second platform holds a smiling, large-bellied Maitreya Buddha. The main hall is a Thai-style shrine with white walls, a gold roof, fine murals, and glass mosaics. It houses several Buddha statues and paintings of the Jataka tales of the Buddha's past lives. With its bright colors and clear reflections on the water, the temple is one of the most photogenic on Koh Samui.

Thousands of fish live in the lake. For a donation, visitors can buy fish food and feed them, which children especially enjoy. The temple grounds also have a small market selling incense and souvenirs. Admission is free, though donations are welcome.

The Big Buddha Temple is only 5 minutes away by car, so the two are usually visited together. Adding Fisherman's Village, about 15 minutes away, makes a half-day tour of the north coast. You can also stop at the nearby Secret Buddha Garden in the island's central hills or at Wat Phra Bet Gram.

Travel tips: Visit between 9 and 10 a.m., when light from the east illuminates the Guanyin statue and creates reflections on the lake. Allow 30–45 minutes.

Getting there: From Chaweng, a shared songthaew or taxi takes about 15–20 minutes. From the airport, it takes about 10 minutes. From the Big Buddha Temple, it is a 25-minute walk or a 5-minute bike ride.

Note: Cover your knees and shoulders, and remove your shoes before entering the shrine. Do not climb the statue platforms. Locals chant scriptures on weekends, so keep quiet.

Wat Plai Laem

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Nearby sights

Places to eat nearby