Koh Samui’s Cultural Treasures: Must-Visit Temples and Religious Sites

This magnificent temple gets its name from the giant 12-metre statue of a golden Buddha that has stood tall since 1972. As such it is one of the island’s most popular attractions conveniently located close to top hotels and resorts like NH Collection Samui Peace Resort. To reach the base of the statue, visitors must climb an ornate staircase that features a colourful dragon design. Once at the top, they can marvel up close at the giant statue in all its shimmering glory. At the base of the statue, visitors can also explore around the courtyard that features a few vendors selling religious artefacts, amulets, souvenirs and clothing. 

For a truly serene experience, you can also visit the temple at the Hin Lat Waterfall. This evergreen sanctuary features a beautiful garden with a walking path and multiple images of the Buddha, more than a few religious sculptures and a separate area for meditating. The pathways also feature signposts that feature inspiring sayings of wisdom that enhance the overall spiritual experience as you wander around the garden.

This temple compound, located on the northeastern coast of the island near plenty of hotels in Koh Samui, is known for its brilliant white image of Guanyin, the goddess of Mercy and Compassion. Unlike the Big Buddha statue which is known for its bright golden exterior, the statue of Guanyin catches the eye with its magnificent 18 arms that fan out to create an unmissable spectacle against the blue skies. Additionally, the Wat Plai Laem gives visitors more than a glimpse into Chinese-Thai beliefs, and a look at intricate art and architecture inspired by Buddhism.

Located at the summit of Pom Mountain which is one of Koh Samui’s highest peaks, this park is filled with intricate sculptures and an unusual collection of statues that surprisingly blend well with the park’s lush green jungle surroundings. The garden was first established as the result of the work of an old local farmer Nim Thongsuk, who began building the Buddhist statues in 1976 around his family’s land. The statues now contribute a unique mystical atmosphere that is unmistakable to anyone who visits the garden, making it one of the more unique experiences on the island. 

This beautiful temple truly catches the eye with its white walls that greatly contrast with its colourful roof made of green, yellow and red tiles. Visitors will encounter a small Buddha statue just before the entrance and two more white elephant guard statues that sit side-by-side at the entrance. However, the real point of interest at this temple lies within the building - the mummified body of the Buddhist monk, Loung Por Ruam, well-preserved in a glass enclosure.