Big Buddha Temple (Wat Phra Yai)
Scenic spot
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.
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H3C5+7XV, Bo Put, Ko Samui District, Surat Thani 84320, Thailand
The best of Big Buddha Temple (Wat Phra Yai)
Bucket-list experiences
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Phuket Must-See Half Day Tour and ATV Experience
Hotel pick-up
English available
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S$ 23.89
S$ 47.75
The Paradise of Samui 4X4 Adventure Tour
Hotel pick-up
Private tour
Small group
English available
Free cancellation
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S$ 73.65
S$ 77.60
Phuket Private Car Charter Custom Tour (from Phuket)
Hotel pick-up
Private tour
English available
Private group
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S$ 98.49
S$ 107.45
Klook's choice
Phuket City Half Day Tour
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English available
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S$ 34.15
S$ 47.75
Phuket ATV & Zipline Experience by Phuket Paradise Trip
Morning departure
Up to 3 hrs
English available
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S$ 27.85
S$ 47.75
Koh Samui Adventure: Hidden Gems & 4x4 Safari Tour with Lunch
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S$ 68.09
Koh Samui City Around The Island Landmark Tour
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S$ 35.85
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Koh Samui Island Discovery Tour by Travstore
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S$ 50.40
S$ 51.75
Dusita Spa Experience in Samui
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S$ 37.80
Breeze Spa Experience at Amari Koh Samui
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S$ 56.70
S$ 59.69
Koh Tao and Koh Nangyuan Speedboat Day Tour: Island Hopping, Two Snorkeling Experience with buffet lunch
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Morning departure
7+ hrs
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S$ 75.65
S$ 87.55
Salaraj Thai Wellness and Spa Experience in Koh Samui
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S$ 53.69
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Make it a getaway
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SAii Koh Samui Villas - Adults Only
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S$ 344.26
Mantra Samui Resort - Adults Only
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S$ 170.03
SALA Samui Chaweng Beach Resort
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S$ 336.08
Hyatt Regency Koh Samui
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S$ 299.70
S$ 305.89
Centara Reserve Samui
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S$ 490.60
Holiday Inn Resort Samui Bophut Beach, an IHG Hotel
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S$ 256.07
Bandara Resort and Spa, Samui
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S$ 197.86
Kimpton Kitalay Samui, an IHG Hotel
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My Place Chaweng Beach
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Fair House Villas & Spa
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Santiburi Koh Samui
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Chaweng Noi Pool Villa
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S$ 61.48
Trouble-free transport
Koh Samui - Koh Pangan - Koh Tao Ferry by Lomprayah
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S$ 13.95
Koh Samui Ferry & Bus ticket by Lomprayah
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S$ 17.90
Koh Samui Car Rental with Driver by Smile Samui Tour
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Customized itinerary
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S$ 79.59
Koh Samui car rentals | Choose from multiple car models
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S$ 37
Koh Samui Ferry & Bus ticket by Raja Ferry
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S$ 31.25
More to explore
Muay Thai Phetchbuncha Boxing Stadium Koh Samui Admission ticket
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S$ 59.15
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Samui International Muay Thai Stadium Tickets in Koh Samui
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S$ 63.69
S$ 71.65
Angthong National Park Speedboat Tour: Snorkeling, Kayaking & Lunch
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Morning departure
7+ hrs
English available
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S$ 69.65
S$ 79.59
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Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Experience in Koh Samui
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S$ 31.85
S$ 35.85
Snorkel Tour to Angthong Marine Park by Insea Speedboat
Hotel pick-up
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S$ 67.95
S$ 71.65
Tree Bridge Zipline Samui
Up to 3 hrs
English available
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S$ 68.85
S$ 71.65
Koh Tao Koh Nangyuan and Koh Pha-Ngan from Samui
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S$ 87.05
S$ 91.55
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Eranda Herbal Spa Experience in Koh Samui
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S$ 81.79
S$ 83.59
Mr. Tu Fishing Day Trip by Escort Boat from Koh Samui
Morning departure
5-7 hrs
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S$ 53.75
S$ 59.69
Koh Samui Island Hopping & Snorkeling Tour: Coral and Pig Island
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Private tour
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S$ 76.75
ATV Adventure Experience in Koh Samui
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S$ 74.29
S$ 75.25
Sunrise & Sunset Stand Up Paddleboarding in Koh Samui
Up to 3 hrs
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S$ 74.65
Why people love Big Buddha Temple (Wat Phra Yai)
Hao **********
29 Dec 2024
We booked this private transfer to tour around Phuket old town and its vicinity. This gives us the flexibility on the attractions /restaurant we wanted to visit, as well as the time we wanted to spend in each without rushing. The driver was helpful and overall a great experience.
Klook User
29 Dec 2024
The tour guide and staff were all so friendly! We were given ample time to get ready and prepare and it was a perfect amount of time to feed and bathe with the elephants. The facilities were clean and they offer towel service. To top it off, we got water, watermelon, and we were able to paint an elephant magnet for a souvenir!
1+
Akkaraya *********
27 Dec 2024
love it! good experience. staff are bery helpful. the captain did great job on controlling the speedboat even though it’s a high wave day. the lunch was buffet and tasty. overall i really love it!
2+
Klook User
27 Dec 2024
Ai was a wonderful tour guide. she was very sweet and took my family through the Buddhist temple sharing the Buddhist traditions . we really enjoyed our tour!
1+
Maycibel ******
27 Dec 2024
despite his lack pf English vocabulary, Mr Ot was really helpful and made our city tour enjoyable!!!
2+
Klook User
26 Dec 2024
great time, small groups, with guides who put in a lot of effort to make the experience fun and safe.
Unami ********
26 Dec 2024
This was such a great experience to see many faces of Phuket, its nature and temples. we would do it again and recommend it anyone looking to see non-beach attractions.
Klook Benutzer
25 Dec 2024
Super nice fishing trip with Mr. Tu. And very helpful crew. Good bite and great lunch on board
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What to know before visiting Big Buddha Temple (Wat Phra Yai)
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.