Big Buddha Temple (Wat Phra Yai)

Why Big Buddha Temple (Wat Phra Yai) is special ?

Big Buddha temple sits majestically on a small rocky island off Koh Samui’s north-eastern corner. Known locally as Wat Phra Yai, its golden, 12-metre seated Buddha statue was built in 1972 and remains one of the island’s most popular attractions. Set on Koh Faan, Big Buddha temple is reached by a causeway that connects it to the main island. The Big Buddha can be seen at a distance of several kilometres and is often the first landmark people see when arriving to Samui by air.

The Big Buddha sits in the Mara posture, with the left hand’s palm up resting on the lap and the right hand facing down, the fingers hanging over the knee and grazing the ground. It depicts a time during Buddha’s journey to enlightenment where he successfully subdued the temptations and dangers thrust at him by the devil-figure Mara by meditating and remaining calm. The pose is a symbol of steadfastness, purity and enlightenment.

Source: http://www.kosamui.com/

What to explore at Big Buddha Temple (Wat Phra Yai)?

At the grounds in front of the stairs are a number of souvenir stands, selling items like clothing, silverware, all kinds of souvenirs and Buddhist amulets as well as shops selling drinks, snacks and food.

There is also a meditation centre on the temple grounds. For a small donation you can gong a number of large gongs with a wooden stick. If you like to have your fortune predicted and you know what day of the week you were born, go to the fortune telling area and learn about your future.

Buddhist people come to the temple to pay respect to the Buddha and wish for things as good health, happiness and wealth, by making offerings of fruit, flowers and food or burning incense sticks.

A few hundred meters away from Big Buddha temple lies another magnificent temple, the Wat Plai Laem.

Source: https://www.renown-travel.com/

How to get to Big Buddha Temple (Wat Phra Yai)?

The Wat Phra Yai with the Big Buddha is located on Big Buddha beach, which used to be called Bang Rak beach before on the North Eastern tip of Koh Samui island.

It is not far from busy Chaweng beach and very close to the airport on road 4171. From Chaweng or Lamai beach you can get there by songthaew, a converted pick up truck serving as a bus, often in red color.

Source: https://www.renown-travel.com/