Koh Samui attractions

Temples (Wats)

	The Big Buddha

Samui's most famous landmark. Visible from several kilometers away, even from the air when approaching or leaving the island, the 12-metre golden Buddha dominates the coastline. Especially impressive when lit up at night. Not simply a tourist attraction, the temple is used by Buddhists on a daily basis. At the base of the structure, shops and restaurants cater to the needs of devotees and tourists alike.

	The Elephant Gate

Wat Bophut, located in the north of the island, is notable for the strange elephant gate at the entrance to the temple.

	Wat Kiri Wongkaram

Wat Kiri Wongkaram is noted in part for the mummified body of the Buddhist monk Loung Por Ruam, which rests here in a glass case. This venerated monk was prepared for public viewing upon his death 25 years ago, and his body remains in remarkably good condition. Follow road 4170 south from Ban Saket, then turn right between the two giant elephant statues and look for the temple 1 Km farther along on the right.

	The mummified monk Loung Pordaeng

	Wat Khun Aram

The body of Samui's most famous mummified monk, Loung Pordaeng, is on display here in a specially constructed building. After his death more than 20 years ago, he was placed in a meditation position. He still holds that posture and his body shows few signs of decay. Wat Khun Aram is on the 4169 ring road between the Na Muang waterfalls and Hua Thanon.

	Wat Sumret

This old temple is the guardian of the ancient White Marble Buddha, which is believed to be many hundreds of years old. It also harbours within its grounds the Secret Hall of Buddhas. This building houses a fine collection of revered and valuable Buddha images. So valuable are they that the temple has recently suffered a spate of thefts, and so the door now remains locked. A monk will open the hall for you upon request. Wat Sumret is located 200 meters down the second concrete road on the left, west of Hua Thanon on the 4169 ring road.

	The Golden Wat Silangu

Said to contain a relic of the Lord Buddha, the golden chedi (pagoda) facing the temple entrance is a popular place of worship. Many local travelling shows and even visiting TV stars sometimes use the temple grounds for their performances. Wat Silangu is on the 4169 ring road, 1 Km south of Hin Ta & Hin Yai on the beach side.

	The coral Buddha

Formerly one of Samui's main attractions, this small, dilapidated statue is now usually visited only by Buddhist devotees. Although it is in a state of disrepair, the Coral Buddha is still revered and is a place of worship for monks from nearby Wat Sumret. The only direction sign is a tatty little roadside board which is easy to miss when driving past. It is on the 4169 ring road, approximately 800 meters west of Hua Thanon, on the right. 50 meters after entering the dust way, pass the car wrecks and look on your left.

	Laem Sor Pagoda

This ornately designed chedi sits on the rocks at the water's edge, on the grounds of Wat Laem Sor. Covered in countless, small yellow tiles, it appears golden even from a distance. It lies in the far south of the island, off the 4170 road between Ban Tale and Ban Pang Ka. Follow the track with a sign that reads "Waikiki Bungalows" to the end.

	Wat Samui

A very quiet temple on the central road of Samui. Even though many temples look alike, each of them has it's own personality and history. The monks houses near the temples are often interesting, some of them even with a antique style. The place is usually very peaceful, unless there is a ceremony or a festival and you will always appreciate the shade provided by enormous and very old trees.