Have you ever dreamt of a tropical island with pristine beaches and dense jungles, hiding ancient temples? You might have seen such places in movies, but surprisingly they exist in the real world as well. Koh Samui, the second largest island in Thailand, is where you can find adventure and relaxation. This culturally rich holiday destination offers you a peaceful stay in the deluxe resorts. The ancient temples, evoking a sense of mystery and curiosity are the top lures of Koh Samui. These special sites boast antique carvings and statues, telling the stories of the bygone era.
So, if you want to explore these marvels, then visit Koh Samui at least once in your life. Nowadays, many travel firms arrange Koh Samui luxury holidays that offer guided tours to the following 3 famous Wats.
1- Big Buddha (Wat Phra Yai)
This iconic landmark is located on Koh Fan, a small island connected with Koh Samui by a short causeway. Interestingly, the temple got its name for housing a 12 m tall golden Buddha statue. Set in a Mara posture, the statue symbolizes persistence, purity, and joy. You can reach this ancient site by covering a 3 km distance from the Samui International Airport. The route is quite comfortable, and you can reach the temple by walking as well.
Top Attractions
The following are some of the major attractions for which tourists visit this place:
Unique Statue
The giant Buddha statue itself is a focal point for visitors. People from all over the globe climb the wat’s traditional stairs to reach the base of the statue and enjoy the stunning surroundings.
Temple Complex
It is the area, encompassing Big Budha. The Temple complex is home to antique carvings, smaller statues, and shrines. It is one of the ideal spots to say prayers.
Souvenir Shops and Food Stalls
The base of the Big Buddha is home to numerous local shops and food stalls. From there you can buy unique handicrafts, religious items, and delicious Thai snacks.
How to Enjoy Visiting Wat Phra Yai?
Though the temple is primarily a religious site, you can enjoy there by:
- Exploring the surrounding coastal areas and taking photographs amidst the natural beauty.
- Participating in the local Buddhist rituals and attending traditional events.
- Heading to the nearby beaches, such as Bang Rak and Cheong Mon to enjoy fun-filled water activities.
2- Wat Plai Laem
Nestled on the northeastern coast of Koh Samui, this temple is close to the Big Budha. You can easily reach there from the famous tourist areas like Bophut and Chaweng via bus, car, or train. Jarit Phumdonming, a renowned Thai artist designed the temple with a unique blend of Thai and Chinese architectural styles. Countless tourists head to Wat Plai Laem to say their prayers and visit the Goddess of Mercy and Kindness, named Guanyin. According to Chinese Buddhism, this statue is believed to help the needy people.
Major Attractions
The Wat Plai Laem stands out for the following lures:
1- Unique Prayer Hall
This calm place is beautifully adorned with antique murals, depicting Buddhist teachings and tales. The temple’s prayer hall is a spacious place, where people can comfortably worship.
2- Guanyin Statue
As discussed above, this 18 m tall statue is the centerpiece of the wat. Besides its religious value, people also visit the temple to praise the captivating details of the statue. It is fascinatingly designed with colorful pearls and stones.
3- Laughing Buddha
A 30 m tall statue of the laughing Buddha is another major highlight of this temple. Designed with sparkling reds and golds, this cheerful figure shines in the sun. You can take pictures on this popular spot and make lifelong memories.
4- Lotus Pond
The temple is surrounded by a beautiful lotus pond, filled with a variety of marine life. Locals believe it is one of the most spiritual ponds. There you can feed the fish and make a wish for good luck and prosperity.
How to Make Your Temple Visit Woth-Remembering?
Here are some of the practical tips to make your visit memorable:
- Explore the temple’s shrines, carvings, and statues and discover their rich details.
- Capture the pictures of stunning Buddhas and their captivating surroundings.
- Celebrate the Songkran Festival at Wat Plai Laem and learn about Thai customs.
- Take boat tours to explore the nearby attractions, such as Big Buddha and Bhoput.
3- Wat Samret
Situated off Route 4170, west of Ban Hua Thanon, Wat Samret is the famous temple located in the south of Koh Samui. It is one of the most secluded places to pray and reflect. The temple typically stands out for its marble Buddha statues, featuring sitting positions. The temple’s Buddhist cemetery is one of the most spiritual places for tourists. According to the locals, it is the place where holy spirits of monks and Buddhas reside. Wat Samret is easily accessible via taxi from Lamai. Car and scooter rentals are some other acceptable transit options.
Famous Points
The following are some of the unmissable attractions of this temple:
1- Reclining Buddha
Surrounded by many tiny statues, this long reclining Budha is one of the major spiritual figures of this wat. It is beautifully adorned with gems and stones and offers a perfect place for photography.
2- Mandalay Sitting Buddha
Carved from solid marble, this unique statue is quite uncommon in southern Thailand. Its captivating sitting position makes it different from other Buddha statues.
3- Forest Stupas
The temple’s back is rich with fascinating antique stupas. You can find a vast collection of these moldering murals and learn about the wat’s culture and history.
How to Make the Most Out of Your Wat Samret Visit?
- Take a leisurely walk on the temple’s ground and admire the historical statues.
- Soak in the sun and relax in the temple’s expansive yard, offering a peaceful atmosphere.
- Capture the pictures of marble Buddha, reclining Buddha, and the antique forest stupas.
- Participate in the temple’s annual festivals and engage with the local culture. This will not only make your trip memorable but add to your knowledge as well.
- Combine your visit to Wat Samret with other nearby attractions. You can head to Na Muang Waterfalls or the Hua Thanon fishing village to have a fun-filled day.
In short, a Koh Samui holiday trip is incomplete without exploring its famous temples. Virikson Holidays, one of the most trusted travel agencies, is renowned for arranging the Koh Samui luxury holidays for you at cheap prices. These deals also include guided tours to the island’s temples. So, what more do you want? Contact them right now and get the most out of your holiday trip.
Syeda Mishal, an author of 70+ websites across multiple niches, welcomes collaboration opportunities. For guest posts, contact her to leverage her extensive expertise and reach a diverse audience.
