Wat Plai Laem
Koh Samui, Thailand
Big Buddha, Koh Samui
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Photo: kallerna, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia CommonsFit in nearby today
The essentials in 10 seconds
- Entry
- Free; donation boxes
- Hours
- Daily, roughly 7:00–18:00
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From reliable travel sources; we are still checking it against an official one. Double-check before you go. - Time on site
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A typical visit without queueing. In high season add 15–30 minutes. - 45 min
- With kids
- Fine with kids
- Statue
- Golden Buddha 12 m high, 1972
- Dress
- Shoulders and knees covered; shoes off at the platform
- From the airport
- ≈ 3 km, about 7 minutes by taxi
- From Chaweng
- ≈ 8 km, 15–20 minutes
Key facts
12 mheight of the gold-painted Buddha
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en.wikipedia1972the year the statue was built
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en.wikipediaKo Fanthe islet joined to Samui by a short causeway
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en.wikipediaMara postureright hand reaching to the ground — victory over temptation
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en.wikipedia≈ 3 kmnorth of Samui airport
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en.wikipediaBang Rakthe nearby beach, known as Big Buddha Beach
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en.wikipedia1.1 kmto Wat Plai Laem — easy to combine
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OSRM0 bahtto get in; donations welcome
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travel guidesWhat is the Big Buddha?
The Big Buddha is a gold-painted statue 12 m high at Wat Phra Yai ('Temple of the Big Buddha'). It stands on the islet of Ko Fan off Samui's northeast coast, joined to the main island by a short causeway. It was built in 1972 and has since become Samui's signature landmark.
The Buddha is shown in the Mara posture: the left hand rests palm-up in the lap, the right reaches down towards the ground. It marks the moment the Buddha resisted temptation and fear and found calm. Around the statue are a figure of Maitreya, the Buddha of the future, and rows of bells, and a staircase with naga-serpent railings leads up to the platform.
How the temple works
A naga staircase leads up from the car park. At the top, a platform circles the Buddha, with views of the sea, Bang Rak beach and Koh Phangan on the horizon. Locals come here to pray and ring the bells.
At the foot of the stairs is a bazaar of souvenirs, amulets and offerings, with cafés and shops around the temple. Entry is free, with donation boxes. Guides give different hours — most often roughly 7:00 to 18:00.
What to see
- The golden Buddha statue, 12 m high.
- The naga staircase — serpent guardians.
- Bells around the platform.
- The statue of Maitreya, the Buddha of the future.
- Sea views over Bang Rak beach and Koh Phangan.
- The bazaar at the foot with amulets and souvenirs.
How to get to the Big Buddha
Tap a route to highlight it on the map.
Where are you starting from?
We’ll draw it on the map on foot and by taxi; metro and buses open in your maps app. Your location isn’t stored.
On foot
- Wat Plai Laem is about 16 min away on foot.
More tips
- From Samui airport — ≈ 3 km, about 7 minutes by taxi or Grab.
- From Chaweng — ≈ 8 km north, 15–20 minutes by taxi or scooter.
- From Bophut — ≈ 5 km east, about 10 minutes.
- By songthaew — the blue shared trucks run along ring road 4169; from the turn-off onto route 4171, walk or take a taxi.
- Wat Plai Laem is 1 km away — easy to visit both in one trip.
Morning or sunset
| Morningyou are here | Few | Cool | Soft, from the sea side | Just opening |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Evening | More, especially at sunset | Hot from the day | Golden, the statue glows | In full swing |
How long do you need?
Allow 30–45 minutes for the Big Buddha: climb up, walk round the platform and browse the bazaar. With Wat Plai Laem, about an hour and a half.
Afterwards, head down to Bang Rak beach or have dinner in Fisherman's Village in Bophut, 10 minutes' drive away.
Is the Big Buddha worth visiting?
Yes: it's Samui's symbol, entry is free and the platform has a lovely sea view. It's only a few minutes from the airport.
The YesGo take: the statue isn't huge by Thai standards, and by day it's busy with tourists and vendors. Come in the morning or towards sunset, and combine it with nearby Wat Plai Laem.
Before you go: checklist
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You are ready for the visit
Temples of Koh Samui: compare and choose
Temples and shrines on Koh Samui rated by YesGo. Tap a column heading to sort.
| Big Buddhayou are here | 44 | 45 min | Free | — |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wat Plai Laem | 44 | 40 min | Free | 12 min walk |
| Red Temple (Wat Sila Ngu) | 30 | 30 min | Free | 13.7 km |
| Wat Khunaram (Mummified Monk) | 30 | 20 min | Free | 15.0 km |
Northern Samui in a day
The Big Buddha in the morning, then Wat Plai Laem, and Fisherman's Village in Bophut in the evening. Add them to your route — YesGo fits in the timing and transfers.
- Big Buddhayou are here45 min · free
- 12 min walk from the previous stopWat Plai Laem40 min · free
- 71 min walk from the previous stopFisherman's Village, Bophut2 h · free
3 places · about 4 h 48 min with walks · 83 min on foot in total
Nearby — add to your day
How to do it right
- In the morning the tiles are cool — easier barefoot.
- Wraps are usually available on site.
- Sunset from the sea side makes a fine shot.
- Combine it with Wat Plai Laem.
- Nearby: Wat Plai Laem, 1 km.
Questions
How much does the Big Buddha cost to visit?
Entry is free; donations are welcome.
How tall is the statue?
12 metres.
When was the Big Buddha built?
In 1972.
What should I wear?
Cover shoulders and knees; shoes come off at the platform.
How do I get there from the airport?
About 7 minutes by taxi, ≈ 3 km.
What are the opening hours?
Daily, roughly 7:00–18:00 (sources vary).
How long do you need?
30–45 minutes, about an hour and a half with Wat Plai Laem.
What's nearby?
Wat Plai Laem 1 km away and Bang Rak beach.
Have you been? Was it worth your time?
1 — no, 5 — absolutely
Your vote counts towards the YesGo score.
Sources and fact-check
- English Wikipedia: Wat Phra Yai — statue, height, year, posture, location, bazaar
- Travel guides (The Koh Samui Guide, Thailand Magazine and others) — hours, entry, dress code (unofficial)
- Wikidata Q15907894 — coordinates; OSRM — road distances
- YesGo general facts for Thailand — payment, transport
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