​

Big Buddha temple sits on a small rocky island called Koh Faan off Koh Samui’s north-eastern corner. Known locally as Wat Phra Yai, its golden, 12-metre seated Buddha statue is reached by a causeway from the main island. The Big Buddha sits in the Mara posture, with the left hand’s palm up resting on the lap and the right hand facing down, the fingers hanging over the knee and grazing the ground. It depicts a time during Buddha’s journey to enlightenment where he successfully subdued the temptations and dangers thrust at him by the devil-figure Mara by meditating and remaining calm. The pose is a symbol of steadfastness, purity and enlightenment. The small island of Wat Phra Yai has plenty of activity surrounding the statue with many restaurants and market stalls and is a must see for Samui.

The Laem Sor Pagoda sits at the end of a rocky beach a short walk from the house. The pagoda has a golden glow, especially in the sunlight, with the contrast of the blue waters making some beautiful images. The entrance to the pagoda is guarded by two colorful yaks, which means “giant”, each holding a large sword. About a hundred meters away from the pagoda you will find the Boat Hall. This building with glass walls contains a small boat and a wax figure of the monk who built the pagoda and used the boat. This monk is highly revered, local people come here to prey for safety at sea and put small model boats inside the large boat. There is a forest and a lake with some tables making it an excellent place for some relaxation.

The Pagoda Khao Chedi is a Srivijaya-style chedi situated on a hill above Laem Sor Pagoda. It is rarely featured in tourist information and is a little hidden gem. There are spectacular views including mainland Suratthani, Bang Kao Bay all the way to Koh Tan and Koh Matsum. If you stay here at sunset you get a birds eye view of the huge fruit bats coming over from Matsum to feed on the fruit of Samui which is a spectacular sight. We can direct you to here as it is a must see and well hidden. You will most likely have the whole place to yourself and possibly the one resident Monk who looks after the grounds.

Secret Buddha Garden is hidden away high in the hills in Koh Samui's interior, offering majestic views and an unusual collection of statues amid lush jungle and waterfall surrounds. The gardens are the creation of an old Samui fruit farmer, Nim Thongsuk, who at the age of 77 began erecting several statues and temples around his family's verdant land. The statues depict a number of animals, deities and humans in various poses, including one of Khun Nim himself, in a relaxed position sitting on a rock. Khun Nim continued to work developing his garden until his death at the age of 91.

Wat Lamai is a prominent temple and cultural centre which is the hub of the local community and tourists wishing to discover a bit more about the Thai culture. There is also a Folklore Museum housing artefacts from Samui's history. It will give you an insight of Koh Samui's culture and its religious beliefs. This is another fully working temple and often there are wedding, funerals and local craft and food market fairs once a month. There is plenty of parking and you could combine this visit with shopping or eating in Lamai town.

Wat Plai Laem is a Buddhist temple compound on the north-east coast featuring a striking white 18-arm image of Guanyin, the Goddess of Mercy and Compassion. Wat Plai Laem offers visitors a view into Chinese-Thai beliefs as well as some elaborate Buddhist-themed art and architecture. This area is a living and active temple, where devotees come daily to pay homage to Guanyin and the Buddha, who is also depicted in a number of statues and murals around the temple. This is a relatively new temple but the art techniques used in its creation are centuries-old and based on ancient beliefs. Adding to its feel of tranquillity, the temple is surrounded by a lake teeming with fish. Visitors who make a donation to the temple are given a bag of food to feed the fish.