Big Buddha
Koh Samui, Thailand
Wat Plai Laem, Koh Samui
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Photo: Mustang Joe, CC0, Wikimedia CommonsFit in nearby today
The essentials in 10 seconds
- Entry
- Free; donations welcome
- Hours
- Daily, during the day; best in the morning
- Time on site
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A typical visit without queueing. In high season add 15–30 minutes. - 40 min
- With kids
- Fine with kids
- Main statue
- 18-armed Guanyin — the bodhisattva of mercy
- Also
- White laughing Buddha (Budai), hall on the lake
- Dress
- Shoulders and knees covered; shoes off at the halls
- From the Big Buddha
- ≈ 1 km, 3 minutes by car
- From the airport
- ≈ 3.6 km, about 7 minutes
Key facts
18 armson the main statue — Guanyin in the form of Cundi
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en.wikipediaNot the Buddhathe main statue is Avalokiteshvara, bodhisattva of compassion
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en.wikipediaBudaia white 'laughing Buddha', a symbol of plenty
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en.wikipediaTwo traditionsChinese and Thai, blended in the architecture
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en.wikipediaLakethe ordination hall stands on a platform in the water
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en.wikipediaJarit Phumdonmingthe Thai artist who helped design the temple
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en.wikipedia≈ 1 kmto the Big Buddha
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OSRM0 bahtto get in
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travel guidesWhat is Wat Plai Laem?
Wat Plai Laem is a modern Buddhist temple on Samui's northeast tip, about 1 km from the Big Buddha. Its design blends Chinese and Thai traditions, and the noted Thai artist Jarit Phumdonming helped create it.
The main statue isn't the Buddha but a white 18-armed Guanyin: Avalokiteshvara, bodhisattva of compassion, in the form known as Cundi. She stands in the open air on a platform in the middle of the temple lake. Nearby are a huge white Budai, the 'laughing Buddha', and small shrines to Ganesha, Vishnu, Shiva and Sakka.
How the temple works
The grounds are small: walkways and jetties around the lake take you past every statue in half an hour. The main ordination hall, with tiered orange roofs, stands on a pink lotus-shaped base right in the water.
From the jetties locals and visitors feed the fish — the lake is full of them; food is usually sold on site. Entry is free. Mornings are quiet with softer light; by day tour groups arrive, pairing the temple with the Big Buddha.
What to see
- The 18-armed Guanyin — the temple's main statue.
- The lotus hall in the middle of the lake.
- The white laughing Buddha (Budai).
- Shrines to Ganesha, Vishnu, Shiva and Sakka.
- Fish feeding from the jetties.
- Reflections of the statues on a still morning.
Who is Guanyin?
Guanyin is the Chinese name of the bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara. In Buddhist teaching a bodhisattva postpones their own liberation to help all living beings. The statue's many arms show that Guanyin's mercy reaches many at once.
People pray to her for help, protection and peace, and flowers and incense are often left at her statue. If you leave an offering, place it quietly, without disturbing worshippers.
How to get to Wat Plai Laem
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
- Big Buddha is about 16 min away on foot.
More tips
- From Samui airport — ≈ 3.6 km, about 7 minutes by taxi or Grab.
- From Chaweng — ≈ 9 km north, 15–20 minutes.
- From Bophut — ≈ 5 km east, about 10 minutes.
- From the Big Buddha — ≈ 1 km along route 4171, 3 minutes by car or 15 minutes on foot.
- By scooter you can cover both temples and Bang Rak beach in a morning.
Wat Plai Laem or the Big Buddha
| Wat Plai Laemyou are here | 18-armed Guanyin and the lake | Chinese and Thai | Fewer | Free |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Big Buddha | 12 m golden Buddha | Thai | More | Free |
How long do you need?
Allow 30–40 minutes for Wat Plai Laem. With the Big Buddha it's about an hour and a half, and half a day with Bang Rak beach and lunch.
If you land during the day, both temples make an easy first stop: the airport is minutes away. Catch sunset at the Big Buddha and visit Wat Plai Laem before it, while it's light.
Is Wat Plai Laem worth visiting?
Yes: it's Samui's most unusual temple — a white many-armed goddess above a lake and a blend of Chinese and Thai styles. Entry is free and the Big Buddha is right next door.
The YesGo take: the temple is small and new, without a long history. But it looks striking, especially in the morning when the statues are reflected in the water. Always pair it with the Big Buddha.
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.
| Wat Plai Laemyou are here | 44 | 40 min | Free | — |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Big Buddha | 44 | 45 min | Free | 12 min walk |
| Red Temple (Wat Sila Ngu) | 30 | 30 min | Free | 14.0 km |
| Wat Khunaram (Mummified Monk) | 30 | 20 min | Free | 15.4 km |
Northern Samui in a day
Wat Plai Laem in the morning, then the Big Buddha, and Fisherman's Village in Bophut in the evening. Add them to your route — YesGo fits in the timing and transfers.
- Wat Plai Laemyou are here40 min · free
- 12 min walk from the previous stopBig Buddha45 min · free
- 60 min walk from the previous stopFisherman's Village, Bophut2 h · free
3 places · about 4 h 37 min with walks · 72 min on foot in total
Nearby — add to your day
How to do it right
- In the morning the statues are reflected in the lake.
- Fish food is usually sold on site.
- Don't point your feet at the statues.
- The Big Buddha is about 15 minutes on foot.
- Nearby: the Big Buddha, 1 km.
Questions
How much does Wat Plai Laem cost?
Entry is free.
Who does the main statue depict?
The 18-armed Guanyin, bodhisattva of mercy — not the Buddha.
What should I wear?
Cover shoulders and knees; shoes come off before the halls.
How far is it to the Big Buddha?
About 1 km, 3 minutes by car.
Can you feed the fish?
Yes, from the jetties; food is usually sold on site.
How do I get there from the airport?
About 7 minutes by taxi, ≈ 3.6 km.
How long do you need?
30–40 minutes, about an hour and a half with the Big Buddha.
When is the best time to go?
In the morning — quieter, with lovely reflections.
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 Plai Laem — statues, architecture, artist, lake
- Travel guides (The Koh Samui Guide and others) — entry, dress, fish feeding (unofficial)
- Wikidata Q15980279 — coordinates; OSRM — road distances
- YesGo general facts for Thailand — payment, transport
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