Temple, Statue

Wat Phra Yai, known as the Big Buddha, is the most famous monument on Koh Samui. The 12-metre-high golden Buddha statue stands on a small island connected to the mainland by a bridge and is visible from afar - often even when arriving on the island, as the approach route to Koh Samui Airport passes through Wat Phra Yai. It's not a place you'd go to Thailand for, but as a diversion between beach activities, Wat Phra Yai is a great place to stay…

Temple

Wat Plai Laem is, in my opinion, the most interesting temple on Koh Samui. Unlike the classic Wat Phra Yai (Big Buddha), it is much more colorful, photogenic and overall looks more lively. The temple stands on an artificial pond and combines Thai and Chinese elements - exactly the kind of place that looks a bit "exaggerated" in photos, but in reality will pleasantly surprise you. [btn "Find hotels on Koh Samui" https://www.booking.com/region…

Pagoda, Lookout

Khao Hua Jook Pagoda is an inconspicuous temple on a hill above Chaweng Beach that offers one of the best views of Koh Samui. Unlike more famous sites like Wat Phra Yai or Wat Plai Laem, significantly fewer people head here - and that's where its charm lies. [btn "The best hotels in Chaweng" http://booking.com/beach/region/th/koh-samui.en.html?aid=2380460;label=p-samui-pagoda] Quick overview ⛩ Type of place: temple + viewpoint 📍 Location:…

Statue

Magic Stone Fruits is one of those stops you'd probably never go to on your own - but when you're driving by, it's worth a quick stop. Along the roadside you'll find a collection of stone "fruits" (durian, apple, pineapple, and more) that look a bit like a bizarre garden with no clear context. It is not an attraction in the classical sense. More of a short attraction for 5-10 minutes, ideally when moving between sites around Lamai Beach or…

Temple

Wat Khunaram is one of the most special temples on Koh Samui. Inside is the mummified body of monk Luang Pho Daeng, who died in a meditation position - and is still displayed in a glass box. On paper, this may sound bizarre. But in reality, it's a place of deep significance to the locals and has a much more peaceful feel than one might expect. [btn "The 10 best hotels on Koh Samui" http://booking.com/beach/region/th/koh-samui.en.html?aid…

Temple

Wat Ratchathammaram is just a few minutes from the famous Hin Ta and Hin Yai Rocks and also the Overlap Stones, but the atmosphere is completely different. While the rocks tend to be crowded, here you'll often see few people - or none at all. [btn "Hotels at Lamai Beach" https://www.booking.com/searchresults.en.html?ss=Lamai+Beach%2C+Koh+Samui&aid=2380460;label=p-samui-red-temple] Red Temple without crowds The main building is distinctive at…