The Wat Phra Yai temple of Koh Samui, also known as the Big Buddha Temple Koh Samui, is a Buddhist temple in Ko Phan (also spelt as Koh Faan). It is home to an enormous 39-foot-high Buddhist gold-painted statue located in the northeastern area of Koh Samui, Thailand, on a small offshore island. Built in 1972, this gorgeous temple is one of Koh Samui’s biggest landmarks and tourist attractions. An impressive site, it is visible from far away and heralds travellers from all over the world. The splendour and tranquillity of the Big Buddha Temple make it a fabulous place to visit during your trip to the Land of Smiles, Thailand.
History And Features Of Big Buddha Temple Koh Samui
The Big Buddha Temple was built in 1972. Its original purpose was to protect the people of Koh Samui. The Buddha is in the pose of Subduing Mara, also known as calling the Earth to Witness. The story behind the pose is from the Buddhist scriptures of Thailand, which were written just before the Buddha attained enlightenment. To stop the Buddha from his divine destiny of attaining enlightenment, the demon Mara, with his armies and 3 daughters, came to attack Buddha and distract him by either physical harm and destruction or seduction.
The Buddha, however, called on for the aid of the Earth Goddess, Phra Mae Thorani, who took the form of a beautiful woman and subdued the demon Mara and his forces, thus allowing the Buddha to meditate and reach enlightenment. The mudras that the statue has thus go according to the story and signify persistence, purity, steadfastness and enlightenment. A few years ago, the existing statue was changed, and a Dhamma wheel, signifying Buddha’s teachings about the path to attain enlightenment, was added. A dragon, too, was added.
At night, the entire sculpture is lit up by spotlights.
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Location
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The Big Buddha Temple, or the Wat Phra Yai temple, is located at the Big Buddha Beach (also known as Bang Rak), along Route 4171 in Bophut, Koh Samui. The beach used to be called Bang Rak Beach earlier, and some locals may still refer to it by that name.
The temple is easy to access. It is close to the Samui International Airport and is about 3 km North of it. Alternatively, if you are travelling to the Big Buddha Temple from Chaweng or Lamai Beach, the easiest way to reach is by taking a songthaew, a pickup truck converted to serve as a bus, usually identifiable by its bright red colour. You can also take a taxi. From the mainland of Koh Samui, you reach Fan Island, where the Big Buddha Temple is located, via a 400-metre-long bridge. After that, you must climb about 72 steps to reach the zenith. The view from the top is mindblowing and must not be missed.
Accessibility
The Big Buddha Temple has many steps, and thus, certain areas are not accessible to people with disabilities or mobility restrictions. However, new mobility aids like ramps and lifts are constructed every year to ensure that the location is open to all. While entry to the temple itself does not have an admittance fee, voluntary donations to help maintain the temple’s upkeep are encouraged.
The temple is not just a site of tourism but also a place of worship. Thus, it is important that you respect the religious sentiments and traditions of Thailand. You may be asked to remove your footwear at the temple. You must also follow a dress code and dress modestly, with covered shoulders and arms and no clothes that go above the knee. Saron wraps are provided free of charge at the temple so that you can borrow them just in case, and you may wear them while visiting the temple.
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Places To Visit Near The Big Buddha Temple Koh Samui
The temple can be covered within a few hours, so covering a few places alongside the Big Buddha Temple is highly recommended. The Bophut beach nearby and the Fisherman’s Village combined make it a perfect one-day trip for you to visit alongside your family. Many souvenir shops are nearby, which sell little Buddha figurines, necklaces, flowers and even food items for you to enjoy. A veritable plethora of items to fuel your frenzy, the colourful display of souvenirs is a great moment and gifts.
You can also visit a nearby temple, Wat Plai Laem, famous for its two Chinese statues, and Lamai Beach. Another unique and fascinating place to visit is Wat Khunaram, a temple famous for its mummified monks. Visiting the Big Buddha Temple Koh Samui is a must-have experience on your journey to The Land of Smiles.
Further Read: Best Tourist Places In Thailand
Now that you have a list of things to remember for your next trip to Thailand, make sure you add these fabulous spots to your itinerary for the experience of a lifetime. Don’t miss out on these opportunities to visit Big Buddha Temple Koh Samui; book your tickets now!
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Frequently Asked Questions About Big Buddha Temple Koh Samui
How much time will be required to cover the Big Buddha Temple?
You can cover the area in about 2-3 hours.
What to wear in Thailand?
It’s recommended to wear light, airy cotton clothes that will protect you from the Sun. It gets humid easily, thus it is recommended to avoid heavy, constricting clothes.
What are some tourist attractions in Thailand?
The Khao Yai National Park, The Grand Palace, Falls at Erawan, The Temple of the Emerald Buddha, the Wat Arun Ratchawararam Ratchawaramahawihan are some of the great places to visit on your amazing trip to Thailand.
What is the Climate in Thailand like?
Thailand has a tropical climate throughout the year, with humid summers and monsoon. The best time to visit is in winter, from November to February. The Big Buddha Temple is best visited during the winters, on weekdays, to avoid the weekend rush.
What is Koh Samui famous for?
The area is famous for its tourist spots like the Secret Buddha Garden, also known as the Ta Nim Magic Garden; the Grandfather and Grandmother Rocks (Hin Ta Hin Yai), Mu Ko Ang Thong National Marine Park, the Samui Elephant Sanctuary at Bophut, the Lamai Beach and the numerous temples nearby.
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