Big Buddha

Big Buddha Temple – Wat Prah Yai

Wat Phra Yai or Big Buddha temple is Koh Samui‘s most famous landmark. This temple has a 12meter (40foot) high buddha statue located on the north eastern beach of Bang Rak (Big Buddha Beach).

The Buddha statue was built in 1972. Big Buddha Temple was built on a small island connected to Koh Samui by a causeway. The Statue is placed on a elevated platform which can be reached by a stairway flanked with Nagas (mythological serpents).

The platform provides a great view to the neighboring island of Koh Phangan as well as Bang Rak beach.

Keep in Mind:

Appropriate clothing and dressing is required! Clothing has to cover shoulders and legs!

Wat Prah Yai – Big Buddha Temple

Big Buddha Statue Wat Phra Yai

Souvenir shops, silver shops, cloth shops and small restaurants are located within the grounds of the temple. Big Buddha is one thing to see while visiting Koh Samui and most of the tourists/travelers coming to Koh Samui do not leave the island without a visit to the impressive Buddha statue. Wat Phra Yai (Big Buddha) opens daily until early evening for visits.

The busiest day of the week is Sunday. As on Sundays many foreigners as well as local Thai people visit the temple to pay respect to the buddha. They wish for things such as health, happiness and wealth, donating food, drinks, money and flowers to the buddha and the temple.

Admission to the temple and the Big Buddha statue is free. Donations for renovation are welcome!