Big Buddha Temple (Wat Phra Yai)
Attraction Big Buddha Bo Put Ko Samui District Surat Thani, Thailand Published on: 13-11-2015
1 hour | |
08:00 AM - 05:00 PM | |
08:30 AM | |
09:30 AM | |
First-time visit | |
Attraction
Historic
Landmark
Must see
Kids
Free
Temple & Monument
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0.00 USD |
Big Buddha Temple (Wat Phra Yai) is good for





- Highly recommended by fellow travellers.
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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/
Selling points
- “Decent photo opportunities"
- “Really Big Buddha”
- “Beautiful statue and great view”
- “Gorgeous views from temple”
- “Well worh a visit”
Location
Big Buddha Bo Put Ko Samui District Surat Thani, Thailand
Tips for you
Reviews
Big Buddha is one of the few attractions on Samui to see. The view, from the raised platform on which the statue of The Big Buddha, looking across the waters to the beaches beyond is quite relaxing and nice. Unfortunately there is no history to the place. Once you have seen the statue and the views you are ready to go the next destination on your conducted tour.The place is certainly worth a visit
A free of charge must visit if your near here. Fabulously adorned. Everywhere you look you'll just be in awe. Don't miss this.
A visit to the Big Buddha is usually included in the many round-island tours on offer on Koh Samui. It is certainly worth a visit. The golden statue, sitting in perfect calmness, is indeed big, although once one has looked at it from a few angles one is ready to check out the market stalls nearby.
Big Buddha is one of the few attractions on Samui to see. The view, from the raised platform on which the statue of The Big Buddha, looking across the waters to the beaches beyond is quite relaxing and nice. Unfortunately there is no history to the place. Once you have seen the statue and the views you are ready to go the next destination on your conducted tour. The place is certainly worth a visit
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