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Koh Samui is very popular with holiday-makers because of its beautiful beaches. But did you know there are more than 30 temples on Koh Samui, many of which are truly worth seeing? Besides the most famous one, the Big Buddha, there are a number of less touristy temples that are not often visited.

The 11 Most Beautiful Temples on Koh Samui

This article introduces numerous temples you can visit on your trip to Koh Samui. You might already know some of them, while others are still quite unknown.


Accommodation in Koh Samui – Our Hotel Tip

A hotel where we felt very comfortable from the start is the Amari Koh Samui. The resort is located right on the beautiful Chaweng Beach, but not directly in the busy center. Despite its central location, the Amari exudes a relaxed atmosphere. You are also in the middle of the action in just a few minutes.

The hotel offers two swimming pools and beautiful, modern rooms of various categories. All are equipped with air conditioning, TV, minibar and free WiFi. You can choose between a garden or sea view. The beds are of great quality and ensure a comfortable night’s sleep.

Swimming pool, rooms and restaurant at the Amari Koh Samui (Photos: Amari Koh Samui)
Swimming pool, rooms and restaurant at the Amari Koh Samui (photos © courtesy of Amari Koh Samui)

If you are looking for other hotels on Koh Samui, for example in places like Lamai, Maenam or Bophut? Then take a look at this overview.


1. Wat Phra Yai and the Big Buddha

Wat Phra Yai with its 12-meter-high Buddha statue is one of Koh Samui’s landmarks. You can often see the statue when you’re landing by plane, and it “greets” you as you arrive on the island. The Big Buddha was built back in 1972 and attracts many visitors.

Strictly speaking it’s not on Koh Samui at all but on the small island of Koh Fan, which you can reach via a causeway in the Bangrak district. Around Wat Phra Yai you’ll find many shops selling souvenirs, clothes, snacks and drinks.

The Big Buddha at Wat Phra Yai on Koh Samui

You reach the Big Buddha via a staircase, remember to dress appropriately, with shoulders and knees covered as in every Thai temple. If needed, a small stand on the right at the entrance lends clothing free of charge so you can enter. There’s no admission fee, but donations are always appreciated.

Info: You can also visit the Big Buddha on the Koh Samui: 7-hour Jungle Safari, which combines it with Namuang Waterfall and other highlights.

2. Wat Plai Laem

Built in 2004, Wat Plai Laem is one of the most interesting temples on Koh Samui. On the grounds you’ll find a huge Chinese “fat” Buddha (Budai) and an 18-armed statue of Kuan Yin.

The large Kuan Yin statue at Wat Plai Laem

The latter represents the Chinese Bodhisattva of compassion and is especially revered by Thai-Chinese residents. There’s also a large lake with turtles and fish you can feed for a 10-baht donation.

The large Budai at Wat Plai Laem on Koh Samui

The temple complex is continually being expanded, so you’ll find more Buddha statues and temple buildings there. Admission is free, but donations toward maintenance and expansion are always welcome.

3. Chinese Temple of Maenam

On the north coast of Koh Samui in Maenam you’ll find a small but very colorful Chinese temple. Even from the outside it looks quite different from the many Thai temples on the island.

Because many Chinese immigrants live on Koh Samui, this is their place of worship. A brief stop at the Chinese temple is worthwhile if you’re in Maenam. It’s especially busy during Chinese New Year, when many parades start at the temple and a huge festival with food stalls and cultural dances takes place.

The Chinese temple of Maenam on Koh Samui

The Walking Street market, held every Thursday in Maenam, also passes by the Chinese temple, so you can combine a visit with a stroll through the market, which starts every Thursday at 05.00 PM.

4. Khao Hua Jook Pagoda

You can see the golden chedi of Khao Hua Jook Pagoda high on Chow Daow Mountain from many parts of Chaweng. The best way to reach it is by scooter or a hired taxi, as no public transport goes up the hill.

View of Khao Hua Jook Pagoda from Chaweng Lake on Koh Samui
Khao Hua Jook Pagoda above Chaweng

Entry to the temple is free, and even the trees and shrubs along the stairs are adorned with Buddhist sayings. At the top you can view a Buddha footprint inside, or admire the wonderful panorama of Chaweng Lake and Koh Samui Airport from the golden chedi’s platform.

5. Wat Lamai

Wat Lamai is the main temple of the town of the same name and lies right on the ring road you drive through (just before a left-hand bend). Besides the temple buildings and many Buddhist statues there’s a cultural hall on the grounds where locals hold funerals and weddings.

Wat Lamai also houses a folklore museum where you can learn about Koh Samui’s past. The museum entrance is guarded by two large “yak” warriors. Inside you’ll find artifacts up to 2,000 years old from different eras on Koh Samui.

Buddhist statues inside Wat Lamai on Koh Samui

The temple grounds also include a temple school, and local festivals are sometimes celebrated here. You’ll often encounter monks on site. There’s no admission fee, but it would be nice to leave a donation.

6. Wat Sila Ngu

Wat Sila Ngu also lies directly on Koh Samui’s ring road and attracts many visitors thanks to the large red temple building you can see from the road.

The red temple of Wat Sila Ngu on Koh Samui’s ring road

The temple is also known as the Snake Stone Pagoda or Wat Racha Thammaram. Facing the sea, you’ll find a golden pagoda next to the impressive red temple adorned with many carvings. It’s not proven, but locals say it contains a Buddha relic.

Wat Sila Ngu temple on Koh Samui

The temple is also a popular location for Thai TV series, so you’ll occasionally see filming here. There’s no admission fee, but as always, donations are welcome.

7. Wat Samret

Wat Samret is not one of the temples included on typical Koh Samui sightseeing tours. The quiet grounds are seldom visited by tourists and therefore exude a special charm.

You’ll find it off the main ring road where it bends slightly inland in the south. It’s signposted as the White Jade Buddha Temple. However, you can see the Jade Buddha statue only on request. The highlight is hidden in a smaller building next to the large temple.

The House of a Thousand Buddhas in Wat Samret temple on Koh Samui

This is known as the Secret Hall of Buddhas and houses numerous Buddhist statues inside, all gathered around a 3-meter-high Buddha. Wat Samret is considered one of the oldest temples on Koh Samui; at first glance it’s not impressive, but on closer inspection it’s a great off-the-beaten-path destination—especially with the Secret Hall of Buddhas.

8. Wat Khunaram

Close to the entrance to Namuang Waterfall 2 – the island’s most famous waterfall – Wat Khunaram lies on the ring road. Many locals come here to pray, and many tourists come to see the mummified monk whose body has not decomposed after decades.

Koh Samui’s mummified monk in Wat Khunaram

According to legend the monk predicted the day of his death and the non-decomposition of his body. He died in a seated meditation position in 1973, and his body has been preserved in a glass case ever since. It’s impressive to see him there in his orange robe and sunglasses.

9. Laem Sor Pagoda

Located a little off the beaten path on the southern coast, Laem Sor Pagoda is visited by few tourists. The golden pagoda and the sea behind it make a great photo subject. Next to the pagoda you’ll find the so-called Boat Hall, housing a boat and a wax figure of a monk.

The Laem Sor Pagoda in the south of Koh Samui

He is said to have built the pagoda, whose construction date is unknown. The quiet surroundings and the beach right next door invite you to linger a while – you can enjoy views of Koh Madsum from here.

10. Wat Rattanakosin

Not far from Laem Sor Pagoda you can see Wat Rattanakosin, also known as Wat Khao Chedi, perched on a hilltop. You can easily reach it by turning right onto the last road before Laem Sor Pagoda and following it up the hill.

Buddha statue in Wat Rattanakosin temple on Koh Samui

At the top you’ll see several Buddha statues and the white chedi, from which the name Wat Khao Chedi comes. The view over Koh Samui’s south coast and the palm groves beyond is truly impressive and makes for a very interesting temple visit.

The view from Wat Rattanakosin over Koh Samui’s coast

11. Wat Teepangkorn

Wat Teepangkorn sits on Khao Pom mountain, the highest point on Koh Samui at 635 meters. Besides the large golden Buddha statue you’ll also have a spectacular view over the island.

The temple is relatively little visited and is still being expanded. However, some island tours have already included Wat Teepangkorn in their programs, so you may encounter visitors at certain times.

Standing Buddha at Teepangkorn temple in Koh Samui’s mountains

The highlight here is of course the large golden Buddha statue named Phra Buddha Teepangkorn. But you can also discover a few other temple buildings in the area. Admission is free.

Getting there on your own is a bit tricky. From the Tarnim Magic Garden you need to take an unpaved road farther toward the summit. You can manage it on a scooter, but it’s difficult and recommended only for experienced riders.

A second route leads from Lamai: after you follow the bend in the ring road past Wat Lamai, turn right into the island’s interior. Follow this road up the mountain and at the end go right to the Jungle Route 360 Viewpoint and left to Wat Teepangkorn. In my opinion this is the easier route.

Koh Samui: Tours and Tickets

Do you prefer to travel with a guide who knows the area very well? Then we recommend a guided tour with a local. This way you can get to know Koh Samui in a completely different way. GetYourGuide offers a wide selection of exciting tours for Koh Samui.

Plan your trip to Koh Samui now


How to Get To Koh Samui

The easiest and fastest way to Koh Samui is with a direct flight from Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur or Singapore. The international airport of Koh Samui was built by Bangkok Airways and therefore the price for a flight ticket is kind of more expensive, because they preserve a monopoly – with a few exceptions.

It’s cheaper when you go to Surat Thani or Nakhon Si Thammarat on the mainland of Thailand. Airlines like AirAsia, Thai Lion Air and Nok Air fly to those cities from the Don Mueang airport in Bangkok. At the destination airport you can take a bus to the Donsak Pier or Tapee Pier and from there a ferry to Koh Samui.

You can find the cheapest flights to Koh Samui on Skyscanner. I absolutely can recommend Thai Lion Air by the way.

Note: Bus and train connections are also available if you want to arrive even cheaper. However, the travel time increases a lot. Tickets and information on times can be found at our partner 12go.asia.

Have you ever visited a temple on Koh Samui? Which Koh Samui temple is your favorite? We look forward to your comment below the article.