Big Buddha Temple (Wat Phra Yai)
Koh Samui's iconic golden 12-metre Buddha sits on a small islet connected by a causeway lined with naga serpents. An active monastery with sea views, souvenir stalls, and ferry access to nearby islands just steps away.
About this Place
Koh Samui's most recognisable landmark, the 12-metre golden Big Buddha statue sits on a small rocky islet connected to the main island by a short causeway in the northeast of the island. Officially named Wat Phra Yai, the temple is an active Buddhist monastery with monks in residence who welcome respectful visitors throughout the day. A ceremonial stairway flanked by golden naga serpents leads up to the main platform and the towering Buddha image, which faces north across the Gulf of Thailand. Below the statue, souvenir stalls, amulet sellers, and open-air seafood restaurants line the causeway in a lively mix of commerce and devotion. The adjacent beach, Bang Rak — also known as Big Buddha Beach — offers a quieter alternative to Chaweng, with calm shallow water suitable for families and convenient ferry connections to Koh Phangan and Koh Tao departing nearby. Modest dress is strictly required throughout the temple grounds; cover shoulders and knees or borrow a sarong from the entrance. Visit in the morning or late afternoon when the golden statue catches the best light and the heat is manageable.
Location
9.5447, 100.0614
More Nearby Locations
A UNESCO-protected archipelago of 42 limestone islands in the Gulf of Thailand — Ang Thong's Emerald Lake, sea caves, kayaking routes, and coral reefs inspired Alex Garland's novel The Beach.
Koh Samui's iconic 8km white sand beach with calm turquoise waters ideal for swimming, paddleboarding, and kite surfing by day — and a buzzing strip of beach bars, clubs, and restaurants by night.
Koh Samui's most charming neighbourhood — century-old Chinese shophouses line a quiet beachfront, home to boutique cafes and galleries by day, and a beloved Friday night market with street food and live music by evening.
Twin jungle waterfalls in Koh Samui's interior — the purple-tinged Na Muang 1 offers a natural swimming pool after a short walk, while the taller Na Muang 2 rewards a 1.5km jungle hike through dense rainforest.