Koh Samui has approximately 30 Buddhist temples. For a Thai person, visiting a wat is a regular part of life: a morning offering to monks, a prayer before an exam, a thanksgiving ritual after a successful business deal. For a visitor, a wat offers a rare chance to see living religious practice rather than a museum exhibit.

The Island's Main Temples

Wat Phra Yai (Big Buddha) — the most visited temple on Koh Samui. A twelve-metre golden seated Buddha stands on the small island of Ko Fan, connected by a causeway to the north-east shore. The viewing platform takes in the Gulf and neighbouring islands. Market stalls and restaurants line the approach; the best time to visit is early morning before the souvenir shops open.

Wat Khunaram — the temple of the mummified monk. Luang Pho Daeng, a highly revered monk who died in 1973, bequeathed his body to the temple. The mummy in its glass case is kept in a crypt; Thai visitors bring offerings. The surrounding monastery buildings are actively in use — young monks can be seen studying and meditating.

Wat Lamai — modest in size but architecturally interesting. The grounds include a small museum of traditional household objects and folk custom imagery. Located in the centre of the Lamai area.

Wat Samret — less touristy and more 'lived in'. It houses a large marble Buddha statue carved in Myanmar. On Buddhist holidays (Visakha Bucha, Makha Bucha) local families come with offerings — the atmosphere is quite different from the tourist-focused wats.

Buddhist Rituals: What You Will See

Tambun (merit-making) — donations to monks of food, money or daily necessities. In the early morning (06:30–08:00) a procession of monks in orange robes walks the streets; residents place trays of rice, fruit and water outside their homes.

Sai sin thread blessing — a monk recites a prayer and ties a white thread around the wrist, transmitting a blessing. Visitors who approach the ceremony respectfully are often invited to participate.

Meditation sessions — some wats offer open meditation classes in English. Check the schedule directly with the monastery.

Temple Etiquette

  • Dress. Shoulders and knees must be covered. Sarongs or wraps are available at the entrance free of charge or with a small deposit.
  • Shoes. Remove them at the entrance to any building containing a Buddha image. Follow the signs or the example of other visitors.
  • Photography. Ask permission inside buildings. Using a Buddha image as an ironic selfie backdrop is considered disrespectful.
  • Voice and behaviour. Speak quietly; do not touch statues or ritual objects without an invitation.
  • For women. Physical contact with a monk or passing objects directly from hand to hand is not permitted.