Big Buddha Temple (Wat Phra Yai)

Tourist attraction

★ 4.8 (15K+ reviews) • 39K+ booked

Immerse yourself in the spiritual and historical wonders of Wat Phra Yai Koh Samui, also known as Big Buddha Temple. This iconic destination offers a serene and breathtaking experience that will captivate your senses and leave you in awe. Welcome to Wat Phra Yai, also known as the Big Buddha Temple, a captivating Buddhist temple located on Ko Phan, a small island off the northeastern coast of Ko Samui, Thailand. Home to a magnificent 12-meter-high gold-painted Buddha statue, Wat Phra Yai has become a prominent tourist attraction and a significant landmark on the island since its establishment in 1972. Discover the allure of Koh Samui's Big Buddha, a star attraction that captivates visitors with its grandeur and intricate details. Plan your visit to this iconic site and immerse yourself in the cultural and historical significance of this religious landmark.

H3C5+7XV, Bo Put, Ko Samui District, Surat Thani 84320, Thailand

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4.8 /5

15K+ reviews

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Cadence ***

3 Nov

Lovely elephants!! They are all so polite and excited to eat the watermelons for snacks. Trainers/guides are also super friendly. loved this experience. (do note that it might be less than an hour, depending on your speed of feeding the elephants)

Ann *******

3 Nov

Karon view point and big Buddha could see nice scenery. recommended. could go Promthep Cape by ‘Bolt’ yourself.

JOYBERLYN ***********

2 Nov

value of money.. renting a private van able us to move in to many destinations..Our driver is very nice and patient. It’s very convenient bec we can bring our bags with us and then leave them in the van.. they pick us and drop off us in our hotel in Mai Khao which is one hr drive to Phuket Town

JOYBERLYN ***********

2 Nov

A value of money..Renting a private Van for the whole day able us to move from one place to another place..We also able to customise our itinerary bec the driver is very flexible..He is also very helpful and thoughtful specially he really assist my old parents in getting on and off from the Van..It is highly recommended specially for those who stay in mai khao

Cadence ***

1 Nov

Value for money! we had a lot of fun snorkeling, kayaking and hiking across the 4 islets that we visited. the crew is very friendly and the young staff has great photography skills 😜they also place guests’ safety as a priority. would highly recommend!

Klook User

30 Oct

service and personnel was really fun and really good people, they made this solo trip way more fun, the view at the zipline were crazy gorgeous and the ride in ATV its fun and you get to experience different off roads and breathtaking views that will give a great add to you adventure in Thailand

Chee *********

30 Oct

A good guide Kate which explains and show us around during the city tour. An introductory tour for someone who is new to the place.

Ajay *

29 Oct

Well conducted day your. it covers most popular places in phuket. at the end they will take you to bee fam and cashewnut factory which is not worth it. but other places are good.

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Remarkable Landmarks and Must-Visit Sights

Big Buddha Statue

The towering 12-meter tall Buddha statue is the centerpiece of Wat Phra Yai, surrounded by intricate details and vibrant colors. The temple itself is a beautiful blend of traditional Thai architecture and peaceful surroundings. The Big Buddha statue at Wat Phra Yai portrays Buddha in a state of calm and purity, symbolizing the triumph over temptation and fear. The temple also houses a smaller statue of the Maitreya of the Future and a collection of bells, showcasing a blend of animism, Brahminism, and Buddhism in its architecture.

Serpent Staircase and Mara Pose

The jeweled serpent staircase leads to a tall platform where the Buddha sits in a Mara pose, symbolizing his journey to enlightenment. The intricate details and symbolism make this a must-see attraction.

Scenic Views and Sculptures

Climb the 72 steps to the top for stunning views of Big Buddha Beach and explore the sandy beach area with unique sculptures, including a mermaid and a green sea horse.

Cultural and Historical Significance

Built in 1972, Wat Phra Yai holds deep cultural and historical significance, offering insights into Thai spirituality and traditional practices. The temple's architecture and artifacts reflect the rich heritage of the region. Wat Phra Yai holds a rich cultural and historical significance, with its intricate temple design incorporating elements of various belief systems. The presence of nāga statues and a bazaar within the temple grounds adds to the unique cultural experience for visitors.

Local Cuisine

After your visit, indulge in delicious local dishes at nearby eateries like The Social Samui, offering stunning views of Big Buddha. Try authentic Thai flavors and vegan options while enjoying a relaxing atmosphere. Explore the vibrant culinary scene around Wat Phra Yai, particularly in the area known as Big Buddha Beach (Bang Rak). Indulge in popular local dishes and dining experiences that offer a taste of authentic Thai flavors.

Big Buddha Temple (Wat Phra Yai)

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When is the best time to visit Wat Phra Yai Koh Samui?

How can I get to Wat Phra Yai Koh Samui?

What should I wear when visiting Wat Phra Yai Koh Samui?

Is Wat Phra Yai Koh Samui suitable for visiting with children?

What to know before visiting Big Buddha Temple (Wat Phra Yai)

Remarkable Landmarks and Must-Visit Sights

Big Buddha Statue

Serpent Staircase and Mara Pose

Scenic Views and Sculptures

Cultural and Historical Significance

Local Cuisine