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Koh Samui Temples – Koh Samui

No visit to Koh Samui would be complete without taking a visit to some of the many beautiful temples (known as ‘Wats’) on the island.

Thailand has a rich cultural history which is deeply steeped in the Buddhist religion. Their culture of worship is clearly demonstrated by the sheer number of temples located on the island and the way that they are revered by the local people.

Koh Samui Temples, Buddhist Wats, Dress Code & Entry Fee for Tourists


During your trip, make sure to visit Wat Plai Laem, which is located near Choeng Mon Beach in Koh Samui. It is one of the most interactive and colourful temples on Koh Samui. The main attraction of this Wat is the beautiful eighteen-armed statue, sitting in the middle of a lake.

One of Koh Samui’s most famous Wats includes the popular Wat Phra Yai near Chaweng beach. This Wat is known for the Big Buddha statue as well as its beautiful sculptures. Those interested in exploring the island’s rich Buddhist culture should consider taking a tour of the area.

Nestled alongside the Laem Sor Temple is the beautiful Laem Sor Pagoda, which has some of the most picturesque scenery on Koh Samui island. The pagoda has been an important shrine on this island for a number of years and Buddhists come here to worship and pray.

Make sure to dress conservatively when visiting the Koh Samui Temples. This means wearing clothing which covers the knees, shoulders and midriff. Some temples will charge a small fee for entry which often goes towards maintaining the temple and grounds.

There are literally hundreds of temples on the island, so click the links below to browse some of the most popular places of worship on Koh Samui.



Big Buddha

Big Buddha

Bophut, Koh Samui

Koh Samui’s beautiful coastline and renowned Big Buddha sculpture will be the first thing you will notice as you approach the island from the air. This majestic 12-metre tall golden statue sits on an elevated...

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Wat Plai Laem

Wat Plai Laem

Bophut, Koh Samui

Wat Plai Laem is located near Choeng Mon Beach in Koh Samui and is one of the most interactive and colourful temples on Koh Samui. The attraction of this wat is the beautiful eighteen-armed statue, sitting in the middle...

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Wat Phra Yai

Wat Phra Yai

Bophut, Koh Samui

Koh Samui’s most famous wats include the popular Wat Phra Yai near Chaweng beach. This wat is known for the Big Buddha statue as well as its beautiful sculptures. Those interested in exploring the island’s...

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Guan-yu Koh Samui Shrine

Guan-Yu Koh Samui Shrine

Hua Thanon, Koh Samui

The Guan-Yu Koh Samui Shrine is a notable historical attraction in Koh Samui. It is a symbol of China’s influence on Thailand’s rich and colourful history. The shrine was built to honour Guan Yu, also known...

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Khao Hua Jook Chedi

Khao Hua Jook Chedi

Bophut, Koh Samui

Ko Samui’s fascinating culture and unique architecture captivate many visitors from all over the world. Some of the most famous landmarks on this island include a number of wats and temples. Khao Hua Jook Chedi is...

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Mummified Monk

Mummified Monk

Na Muang, Koh Samui

The concept of mummifying a monk’s body is quite common in Thailand and in Koh Samui, you will come across many sites where a monk’s body has been mummified and stored. The most popular mummified monk is at...

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Wat Phu Khao Thong

Wat Phu Khao Thong

Maenam, Koh Samui

Wat Phu Khao Thong is a popular religious site in Mae Nam in Koh Samui. Located not far from the city centre, many come to see the temple for its intricate adornments and Thai architecture. Visitors may come to pray...

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Buddhas Footprint

Buddhas Footprint

Na Muang, Koh Samui

When it comes to Koh Samui’s traditions and heritage, visitors can’t look past the island’s famous temples. These beautiful Buddhist temples not only showcase excellent architecture but also represent...

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Laem Sor Pagoda

Laem Sor Pagoda

Taling Ngam, Koh Samui

Koh Samui’s coastline is lined with amazing entertainment venues and a wide choice of man-made attractions. It’s no wonder that the island is becoming a favourite holiday destination amongst travellers...

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Wat Khao Chedi

Wat Khao Chedi

Taling Ngam, Koh Samui

Wats in Koh Samui are generally separated into two categories; the original Buddhist wats and the Chinese temples. The latter is inspired by the original Chinese-Thai culture which was initiated by Chinese immigrants...

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Wat Khao Hua Jook

Wat Khao Hua Jook

Chaweng, Koh Samui

Koh Samui’s century-old Buddhist culture will fascinate many history buffs. The island is home to many quaint temples and artifacts, and some Buddhist wats also feature the mummified bodies of renowned monks. The north...

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Wat Kiri Wongkaram

Wat Kiri Wongkaram

Taling Ngam, Koh Samui

The Wat Kiri Wongkaram is a picturesque white temple in Koh Samui that is distinct for its elegant white colour. The roof is built with vibrant tiles in green, yellow, and red colours. It houses some beautiful art, and...

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Wat Lamai

Wat Lamai

Lamai, Koh Samui

Wat Lamai is an old Buddhist temple located in Ban Lamai, also known as Lamai beach. This temple is special because it serves important purposes other than just being a place of worship. This is a significant attraction...

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Wat Na Phra Lan

Wat Na Phra Lan

Maenam, Koh Samui

The Wat Na Phra Lan is a small but beautiful temple located near the Lomprayah pier in Maenam. If you are in the area or going to the pier for your boat trip, a visit to the temple is highly recommended. Wat Na Phra...

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Wat Samret

Wat Samret

Na Muang, Koh Samui

Wat Samret is a unique, off-the-beaten-path temple in Koh Samui. It may be a less popular temple, what makes it unique is that you’ll most likely have it all to yourself when you come to visit. Wat Samret...

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Wat Sila Ngu

Wat Sila Ngu

Lamai, Koh Samui

Wat Sila Ngu is a beautiful golden temple in Koh Samui, often visited by many locals as a place of worship. The Wat Sila Ngu is on the 4169 ring-road, which is just a kilometre south of Hin-Ta Hin-Yai, near the beach...

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Koh Samui Central Mosque

Koh Samui Central Mosque

Hua Thanon, Koh Samui

The Koh Samui central mosque is the main place of worship for the large Muslim community on the island. Located on Ban Hua Thanon, the mosque is distinct for its vibrant gold, green, and white colours; easily seen from...

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The Holy Ascension Church

The Holy Ascension Church

Lamai, Koh Samui

The Holy Ascension Church, also known as the Russian Orthodox Church, is located in 127/245 Moo 3 Maret, Koh Samui. The idea to establish the church was conceptualised by the Representative of the Russian Orthodox...

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Wat Bophut Tharam

Wat Bophut Tharam

Bophut, Koh Samui

The island of Koh Samui features a number of historic sites and wats. Wats are generally a type of Buddhist temple where people can meditate, offer prayer and worship. Koh Samui is famous for a number of world famous...

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Wat Samut Tharam

Wat Samut Tharam

Lipa Noi, Koh Samui

Wat Samut Tharam is a beautiful temple where you can immerse yourself in Buddhist culture. Although Koh Samui is famed worldwide for its pristine beaches, only a few realize that it is also home to numerous Buddhist...

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Wat Sawang Arom Chaweng

Wat Sawang Arom Chaweng

Chaweng, Koh Samui

Wat Sawang Arom is a small, quaint temple near Chaweng Beach in Koh Samui. Getting here is easy, especially if you are driving or taking a motorbike; just take the 4169 ring road on the way to Chaweng Beach. The temple...

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What are the most popular temples to visit in Koh Samui?
Where are the most popular temples in Koh Samui located?

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