[2025 Koh Samui Attraction] Travel Guide for Wat Plai Laem (Updated Mar)
4.6
4.6/5
62 review
No.7 of Best Things to Do in Koh Samui
Historic buildings
Thousand-hand Guanyin Temple is located in the north of Koh Samui and is a relatively new temple on Koh Samui. The temples and many colorful Buddha statues are built on the artificial lake and are magnificent. There are also eminent monks in the temple casting spells and praying for blessings. The temple features two huge Buddha statues on the edge of an artificial lake. On one side is the Maitreya Buddha sitting on a lotus seat. On the other side is the eighteen-handed Avalokitesvara. In the middle of the two Buddha statues is a temple, in the style of 18th century Indian Buddhism. There are not many tourists in the temple as a whole, and it is relatively quiet. The monks in the temple are Thai Buddhists, mostly young believers. They either clean the temple or feed the fish in the artificial lake, and live a carefree life by the lake. Many brightly colored fish are raised in the artificial lake. If tourists donate some money in the temple in the center of the lake, they can get a package of fish food to feed the fish. No shoes are allowed to enter the temple, regardless of men and women, they should not be too revealing. Ladies should not be too close to the monks, seeking peace of mind while respecting the local culture.
Address:
Wat Plai Laem, Road 4171, Thailand, Thailand
Recommended sightseeing time:
1 hour
Phone:
+66-98-0694019
Ticket Price
Free entry
Wat Plai Laem temple has a large laughing Buddha and a thousand-armed Guanyin
# Sign up for hotel trial sleepers in December
Most of the people who go to Koh Samui are chill and relax, but less tourist attractions. Because Wat Plai Laem has a large Laughing Buddha and a Thousand-Armed Avalokitesvara, it is a tourist attraction with other Thai statues and has a unique style, so many people go there. It is said that it was paid for by local overseas Chinese, and the style is particularly blingbling, somewhat similar to Burmese style. The most special thing is that it is built on the water, which is perfect for the island of Samui.
Unlike the traditional Thai temple system, it has a small Chinese style. But even the Buddha of Fortune and Honor went together, right next to him.
kkcclau
3
[Thailand Koh Samui] Tropical style
#Thailand SplashFest 2024
Koh Samui is the third largest island in Thailand. Find a little tranquility away from the city. Sunshine, beauty of nature suitable for photography, beautiful scenery, popular attractions are the Great Buddha Temple, Grandma Ame Stone, Thousand Hands Guanyin, etc.... Great and beautiful island, you can enjoy the sea in all directions.
#Thailand #Thailand Free Trip #Thailand Travel Guide
jojofee
3
Wat Plai Laem
Wat Laem Suwannaram, or as the locals of Koh Samui like to call it, Wat Plai Laem, is an old temple that was established in 1880. It is located in Ban Plai Laem, towards the north of Koh Samui. There are many sacred objects for worship, such as the thousand-handed Guan Yin, Phra Sangkachai, and a church in the middle of the water surrounded by large lotus petals. Around the church, there is also a fish pond. The beauty and grandeur of the temple make it a popular place for tourists to worship and take pictures as souvenirs. It is a great place to relax and the atmosphere is very good. #Beautiful temple #Beautiful island in Thailand #Koh Samui
กิน เที่ยว นอน
4
Praying to the Thousand-Handed Guan Yin...Wat Plai Laem...Koh Samui
#เที่ยวสไมล์่ย 🙏 Wat Laem Suwannaram or locals call it Wat Plai Laem is another famous tourist attraction on Koh Samui. It is considered an old temple located in Ban Plai Laem, Tambon Bo Phut, Amphoe Koh Samui, Surat Thani Province. Inside the temple, there is beautiful architecture such as:
🎪 A large white statue of Guan Yin with a thousand hands stands tall in the middle of the water. Each arm of Guan Yin represents a different aspect of Buddhism.
🎪 A large statue of Phra Sangkachai, who bestows happiness, prosperity and love, is also enshrined in the middle of the water.
In addition, inside the temple, there is a church in a lotus flower in the middle of the water for locals, tourists, and those who are religious to pay homage and ask for blessings for good fortune.
Coordinates: Tambon Bo Phut, Amphoe Koh Samui, Surat Thani Province
Open for visits: 6:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
ssu.2607
7
Wat Plai Laem Suwannaram
Address - Ban Plai Laem, Koh Samui, Surat Thani
Atmosphere/Place - Wat Plai Laem, one of the important ancient temples for Buddhists who like to worship and ask for blessings from the large Guan Yin statue. They can also make merit by donating coffins, feeding birds and fish, releasing birds and fish, and making merit by offering alms to monks. This temple is a popular tourist attraction among foreigners, so it is not surprising that if we visit the temple, we will meet many foreign tourists.
Highlights - Fish feeding pavilion, Guan Yin statue
Average price per person - 100
Score -7/10
Nan Ticha
11
Recommended Themes
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One of the Best Temples in Samui
Getting There - Best way from Bangkok would be flying in… from other islands or nearby locations speedboats or ferry’s will do.
Attractions - From the trample you can walk about 200m to Sunset Pier and take various kinds of speedboat tours to surrounding islands for very affordable prices (some tours even include 1 or 2 meals)
Hotels - There are a lot of options all around Samui… M-village for example is just walking distance from the temple. They rent out bungalows of versions sizes for privet getaway.
Food & Restaurants - Few local restaurants and decent coffee shops around this location. For nightlife you should rent a motorbike and check out Moo 2 area south of the airport. There are some decent clubs like The Green Mango Club,Black Bamboo,Hush Bar… etc…
Xnjloz
30
#favourite
#favouriteitinerary This beautiful Buddhist Temple complex is located next to another famoue attraction Big Buddha Temple. This comples is a mix of Chinese and Thai culture n architecture. There is one big 18 arms statue of Goddess Guanyin which is worshipped by Chinese. She is also popular as Fertility Goddess. The women pray to her for bearing health children. A little away from here is 20 meter tall statue of Buddha. Beside there are also statues of Hindu Gods like Vishnu, Shiva and Ganesh
One can donate 10 Baht and buy the fish food to feed fishes in a beautiful pond surrounding the complex. There are also monks praying in the temple. The entire complex is very well maintained and the vibe all aroud is very calm and serene. A proper dress attire is expected here.
Worth visiting..
Dinda.Pratiwi
5 Days in Koh Samui: The Perfect Travel Guide 🌴✨
5 Days in Koh Sami
🗺️ Destination Overview
Koh Samui is a tropical paradise known for its stunning beaches, vibrant nightlife, and cultural landmarks. Whether you seek relaxation or adventure, this 5-day itinerary covers the best spots on the island!
📍 Itinerary
👉 Day 1: Arrival & Chaweng Beach
🧭 Route: Arrive → Check-in → Chaweng Beach → Night Market
✈️ Transport: Taxi, hotel shuttle, or scooter
🏖️ Must-Visit:
• Chaweng Beach – Soft sand & lively atmosphere
• Central Samui – Shopping & dining
🥘 Food: Chaweng Night Market, Jungle Club (hilltop views)
🏠 Stay: COSI Samui Chaweng Beach
👉 Day 2: Culture & Scenic Views
🧭 Route: Chaweng → Big Buddha → Wat Plai Laem → Fisherman’s Village
✈️ Transport: Scooter or shared taxi
🏖️ Must-Visit:
• Big Buddha Temple – Iconic 12m golden Buddha
• Wat Plai Laem – Stunning temple with a lake
🥘 Food: Coco Tam’s (beachfront dining & fire show)
🏠 Stay: COSI Samui Chaweng Beach
👉 Day 3: Island Hopping & Snorkeling
🧭 Route: Koh Samui → Koh Tao → Koh Nang Yuan
✈️ Transport: Speedboat tour
🏖️ Must-Visit:
• Koh Nang Yuan – Pristine snorkeling paradise
🥘 Food: Beach cafés on Koh Tao
🏠 Stay: COSI Samui Chaweng Beach
👉 Day 4: Waterfalls & Secret Beaches
🧭 Route: Chaweng → Na Muang Waterfalls → Silver Beach
✈️ Transport: Scooter or taxi
🏖️ Must-Visit:
• Na Muang Waterfalls – Natural swimming pools
• Silver Beach – Hidden gem with crystal-clear water
🥘 Food: The Cliff Bar & Grill (ocean views)
🏠 Stay: COSI Samui Chaweng Beach
👉 Day 5: Relaxation & Departure
🧭 Route: Hotel → Spa → Airport
✈️ Transport: Taxi or hotel transfer
🏖️ Must-Visit:
• Tamarind Springs Spa – Relax before departure
🥘 Food: Bakubung Café (brunch spot)
🏠 Stay: COSI Samui Chaweng Beach (if extending)
💡 Quick Tips:
✔️ Rent a scooter for flexibility
✔️ Book island tours in advance
✔️ Carry cash for small vendors
✔️ Visit night markets for budget-friendly food
#travel #beachlife #staycation #thingstodo #seascapes #thailand #samuiisland #kohsamui
Save this guide & start planning your Koh Samui trip! 🌊✨
SuperInf
1
Thailand visa-free travel guide! Save this post!
Planning a trip to Thailand for the Lunar New Year? Check out this 6-day Thailand travel guide and enjoy a wonderful holiday in Thailand! Don't miss out on these useful tips!
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🛫 Itinerary:
Day 1: Fly from Chengdu to Koh Samui and get ready for your exotic journey! 🌴
Day 2: Visit the mysterious Guanyin Temple and experience the religious culture. Take a walk in Samui Butterfly Garden and enjoy the beauty of nature. Visit Guanyin Temple again to learn more about its history.
Day 3: Head to the picturesque Koh Nang Yuan and enjoy the island scenery. Then visit the famous Koh Tao and experience the unique island climate.
Day 4: Explore Ang Thong National Marine Park and enjoy the magnificent ocean views and rich marine life. 🐠
Day 5: Enjoy a relaxing day on Koh Samui. Enjoy the sunshine, beach, and sea, or explore other beautiful scenery and delicious food on the island. 🏖️
Day 6: End your wonderful trip to Koh Samui and fly back to Chengdu. 🛬
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Must-see attractions:
🌟 Koh Nang Yuan: Enjoy the beautiful Y-shaped beach and romantic dinner while walking on the fine sand at sunset.
🐠 Koh Tao: A paradise for snorkeling enthusiasts. Explore the colorful underwater world surrounded by coral reefs.
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Travel tips:
🌟 Time difference: Thailand is one hour behind Beijing time. Adjust to the time difference and enjoy your trip!
🎁 Souvenirs: Thai souvenirs are affordable, but remember to compare prices before buying to avoid overspending.
☁️ February weather: Thailand is warm and comfortable in February, with an average daytime temperature of 18°C. It is a little cooler at night, so remember to bring a light jacket! 🧥
💡 Tipping culture: Tipping is common in Thailand. Giving a tip is a way to show respect and gratitude.
🔌 Power plug: Thailand uses two-pin European plugs. Prepare a plug adapter before your trip.
🚕 Transportation: Taxis are cheap in Thailand, but remember to negotiate the price with the driver to avoid being overcharged.
📌 Important tips: Respect local customs and culture. Be polite and smile, and you will be more popular with the locals! 😊
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Enjoy the exotic scenery, delicious food, and beautiful views in Thailand. Don't forget to leave your footprints and memories! 🌴✨
DancingButterflies
Wat Plai Laem, Koh Samui
#WinterTravel #SuperChillHoliday #TravelSouth_YouCanTravel_Worship #WorshipKohSamui #ThaiTravelThailand
Wat Plai Laem is a day near Wat Phra Yai. You can go to whichever temple first because they are close to each other.
Wat Plai Laem has a large Phra Sangkachai statue, a large Guanyin statue with a thousand hands (I actually thought it was Phra Phrom), and a church in the middle of the water.
The air inside the temple is shady, the parking lot is spacious, and the bathrooms are clean. I recommend coming to worship the Buddha for good fortune.
Jeangonline
Wat Plai Laem: Koh Samui’s Spiritual Wonderland
Nestled on a tranquil lake, Wat Plai Laem is a stunning fusion of art, culture, and spirituality. This vibrant temple complex is a must-visit for its dazzling 18-armed Guanyin statue and the imposing Laughing Buddha, both surrounded by serene waters teeming with fish.
The intricate designs, vivid colours, and peaceful ambiance make it a photographer’s dream and a spiritual oasis. Don’t miss the chance to toss a coin into the lake for good luck, feed the fish, or simply marvel at the intricate Buddhist and Chinese artistry.
Whether you’re seeking serenity or a splash of island culture, Wat Plai Laem offers a magical escape that stays with you long after you leave.
#localguides #kohsamui #watplailaem #thailand
Ian91
1
Temples by the water
Whilst on the Thai Island of Koh Samui, it’s easy to spend the days lying on the beautiful beaches and the evening sampling some of its fantastic food.
For those wanting to see a little more of the countries culture, head to Wat Plai Laem. Despite it being a modern temple, the traditional carvings and elaborate decorations still provide an insight into the nations Buddhist heritage.
Don’t forget to look into the water for the thousands of fish that surround you.
Alexander.Hannay
Visiting Wat Plai Laem
was an amazing and exciting experience. The temple features a combination of traditional architecture and artistic design, where you can see large and colorful statues decorating the place. 🏛️ The most striking is the statue of Besak, symbolizing wisdom and kindness, and it is characterized by a magnificent scene in the center of the temple 🌟. The lake around the temple adds an extra aesthetic touch with fish swimming in the clear water 🐟. The atmosphere was quiet and relaxing, which helped in enjoying the visit and meditation. The service was good as the staff provided useful information and support during the tour 🤗.
Spiel
1
Stunning Temple in Koh Samui
#temples
📍Wat Plai Laem, Koh Samui, Thailand
Visited this beautiful and stunning temple while travelling to Koh Samui and this temple is certainly one of the spots to not miss! The architecture of the temple is meticulously and beautifully crafted! The ambiance of the entire place was serene and peaceful. Visitors should dress appropriately and modestly while visiting temples in Thailand. Beautiful experience, would recommend!
#100waysoftravel
Milowei
Koh Samui island in sunny days
#thailandtrip
#island
Koh Samui, Thailand’s second-largest island, is a tropical paradise known for its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and lush landscapes. On sunny days, the island's natural beauty shines even brighter, offering an array of experiences that capture the essence of a perfect tropical getaway.
At Chaweng beach, Lamai beach, the relax vibes and water activities provide easy access to these water wonders. Several viewpoints on Koh Samui offer panoramic vistas of the island and the surrounding sea.
Additionally, here's the top visits in the island if you are not interested with water and sea:
- Wat Phra Yai (Big Buddha): This iconic temple features a 12-meter-high golden Buddha statue, visible from afar. The temple complex offers stunning views and a serene atmosphere for reflection. You should visit the Lad Koh viewpoint near this temple.
- Wat Plai Laem: Known for its intricate statues and vibrant colors, Wat Plai Laem combines traditional Thai and Chinese architectural elements. The temple’s serene setting by a lake adds to its charm.
Lunary
Who says Koh Samui is just about the sea? Come check out the temples on the island
Wouldn't you be surprised? While others teach you to go to Koh Samui in Thailand for a beach holiday, I take you to the island to see temples.
There are two major temples on Koh Samui, which are less than a 5-minute drive from each other, and it's also just a ten-plus minute walk, so the order of visiting is not limited.
🚢Koh Samui Transportation Guide:
1. You can take a direct flight from Bangkok to Koh Samui. The island itself has an airport, but it's quite small, so the ticket prices are high and flights are few. If you don't mind and want to save time, you can choose to fly directly ✈️
2. You can take a flight from Bangkok to Surat Thani Airport, and then purchase a combined bus and ferry ticket from the airport to reach the island. The whole journey takes about two to three hours.
🙏🏻Temple 1: Our first stop is the Big Buddha Temple, which not only has the famous golden Big Buddha but is also a seaside viewing platform. There is no admission fee for the Big Buddha Temple, and you need to climb a flight of stairs before reaching the golden Big Buddha. After that, you can feel the grandeur of the Big Buddha up close. In addition to overlooking the beautiful Andaman Sea, planes occasionally fly low overhead. Praying, enjoying the view, and feeling the sea breeze are all good choices here.
🙏🏻Temple 2: The second stop, the Thousand-Hand Guanyin Temple, is different. This is a larger temple complex. On one side of the lake is the huge Thousand-Hand Guanyin statue, and on the other side is an equally large Laughing Buddha statue, which are quite photogenic. In the middle of the lake, there is also a splendid Buddha house, which is very suitable for sitting quietly and meditating. If you want to pray but are worried about not understanding Thai customs, there is also a Chinese temple prepared here for everyone to make wishes and pray.
It is recommended to visit these two temples on Koh Samui in the early morning or afternoon to avoid the high temperatures of the Thai sun and not to miss out on fun at the beach during the day. Have you learned this?
CuriosityDriven
What fly ram
#ThailandTravel
This temple is located north of the airport, a short drive from Bobot Beach.
It is also just a few minutes from Wat Phra.
Yai - The Temple of the Great Buddha
Upon arrival, you will see the monumental 18-year-old white guanine statue of the Goddess of Mercy.
Be prepared to be amazed.
Its beauty and size
She is surrounded by fish in a pond, so be sure to buy a bag of food to feed them - it will bring you good luck!
Wander around the grounds and take in the colorful murals that tell Buddhist stories.
Don't miss the wooden gate of the Laughing Buddha. It is very attractive with all the vibrant artwork.
Entry is free, but donations help keep it running.
Dave's is one of the best temples in Koh Samui with its picturesque location and artwork. You should see it if you want some beautiful photos!
Nada Shawky
Wat Plai Laem
Wat Plai Laem is a temple located on the island of Samui.
Known to locals as Wat Plai Laem, it is situated on a picturesque man-made lake. The majority of the architecture reflects a blend of traditional Thai style with the rich Chinese heritage of Samoa.
The main statue, a giant 18-armed white Guanyin, is the goddess of mercy and compassion.
Guanyin also originates from ancient China, and is another sign of how the influence of Chinese Buddhism has spread across many areas of Southeast Asia.
At first glance at the statue, you might wonder why there are so many arms? Guanyin's 18 arms symbolize the ability to help many people around the world - it's multitasking, but on a much larger scale. Guanyin grants long-awaited children to women.
Many hands, many eyes, sometimes even depicted with many heads, the 'Buddhist Madonna'
There is a deep meaning here: so that you can see everyone who can help everyone.
요타 토토이크
Wat Phra Yai
One of the highlights of Wat Phra Yai is the monumental and beautiful statue of Jang. This statue is a combination of the Buddhist goddess of mercy, Jang, and the Thai legend of love. The statue extends over a small lake, and visitors can enjoy walking around it, admiring the beautiful fish and turtles in the clear blue waters.
Additionally, Wat Phra Yai features other important buildings such as fortresses and Buddhist libraries. Visitors can explore these buildings, learn about Thailand's cultural heritage, and reflect on the grand art pieces contained within.
Overall, my visit to Wat Phra Yai was a spiritual journey and a rich cultural experience. I enjoyed the beauty and the enchanting atmosphere of the temple, and the visit left me with a sense of peace and a meditative mindset. If you are visiting Koh Samui, Wat Phra Yai should be on your list of places to visit.
사랑 여행 ❤️
1
Wat Plai Laem
#samuiisland
You might miss this temple complex if you only stay on the main road, but it is definitely worth finding. I would recommend coming here on a sunny day, if you had a choice, because they use those ultra bright and reflective colors all over, and it really pops in the sunlight! I didn't get pictures of the large coy fish in the lake because none of my shots turned out, but they are pretty cool. We were so distracted by the features of this large facility that we forgot to go in to the main temple. There are a lot of nice places to rest in the shade under trees here, in case you start to get tired. I highly recommend this stop. Less Snakes than some of the other places that we have visited today, for sure. More dragon aspects and bird aspects. Also, they have both male and female Buddha here, and the scale is simply massive. The light of day was not in my favor to get good shots however. Highly recommend. We also recommend making a small donation while you are here, as you should to most temples visited.
KrisAdventure_19
1
Full of merit and happiness
If you come to make merit at this temple, you will definitely gain a lot of merit because there are many activities for us to do such as worshiping Buddha, giving offerings to monks, feeding fish, and making merit by donating to buy coffins. Anyone who wants to make merit at this temple will definitely gain a lot of merit.
ขายเวรเที่ยว
1
Laughing Buddha
Great structures. Awesome landmarks #buddha #temple #landmarks#attraction #visit
Doris B. Bautista
Wat Plai L
Wat Plai Lamen is one of the must beautiful site in Ko Samui, the site is pretty big and the area is well served !
if you are in Ko Samui , you must go! #temple #beautifulisland #thailand
SorayaLuna
Should you visit Koh Samui, Thailand?🇹🇭
📍Koh Samui
We arrived in Koh Samui on a ferry from Surat Thani. As we approached the pier, the ferry was flooded with heavy rain- so our first day & a half in Koh Samui were pretty cloudy & rainy. We tried to enjoy it nevertheless!
On our last day, the sun was shining & we headed to the Wat Plai Laem temples this morning - probably the craziest ones we’ve seen!
And then we decided to detach from our phones and spend the rest of the day at the beach, jumping through the HUGE waves and sunbathing🌞
Koh Samui is a total party island & very touristy - if that’s your thing, you’ll love it, if not, try Koh Tao!
#southeastasia #thailand #kohsamui #bigbuddha #watplailaem #vegetarian #temple #backpacking #backpackers #travel #travelling #beach #thailandbeaches #island #travelfoodie #hippie #pizza #tuktuk #waterfalls #hiking #nature #islandhopping
Bbybells
26
Koh Samui, Thailand 🤩
Location: Koh Samui
Experience: Wat Plai Laem Temple
Follow me as I document and share my travel experiences! #thailand
Alyssa Logan
During thi
During this time, when I was traveling in Koh Samui, a famous holiday resort in Thailand, I accidentally saw that there was a Thousand Hands Guanyin Temple on the map. I couldnt help but arouse my curiosity, A Thousand Hands Guanyin Temple, this should not be China. Is the style of the temple right? It is quite rare to appear in Thailand.
When I was riding a motorcycle and found this special A Thousand Hands Guanyin Temple according to the map navigation, at first glance, the appearance of the building is no different from the ordinary Thai temple. The familiar Avalokitesvara is in the Where is it?
As a result, when I turned around, I saw this large statue of "Avalokitesvara" on the water behind me. The momentum is still very majestic, but how it feels like it is common in Chinese temples. Avalokitesvara is not the same?
Come closer and take a closer look, Thailand's "Avalokitesvara" has its own unique style in appearance, the difference between face and facial features is quite large, and the color of Thai "Avalokitesvara" is also It is rich and colorful, and it really opened my eyes.
On the same piece of water, there is another huge "Mai Le Buddha" statue next to "Avalokitesvara". I looked at it curiously. Sure enough, Thailand's "Millet Buddha" also told us The "Mai Le Buddha" that is common in China is not the same.
Although this is the A Thousand-hand Guanyin Temple that we Chinese are familiar with, it has a different form in Thailand. If you can see different cultural differences during your trip, it is also a great meaning of travel. Alright?