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Wat
Phra Yai or Big Buddha
Most Visitors come to marvel at the sheer size
and beauty of this remarkable statue at some point
during their holiday. Big Buddha temple is the
most popular center of worship of Kho Samui.
This temple is the home of Koh Samui's most famous
landmark the Big Buddha Visible from several kilometers
away and even from the air when arriving on or
leaving the island , the 12 meter tall golden
image stands proud. At the base of the structure,
several shops and restaurants cater to the needs
of devotees and tourists alike. Wat Phra Yai is
in the Northeast of Samui on route 4171 near the
airport.
Wat
Sila Ngu
Said to contain a relic of the Lord Buddha, the
golden chedi facing the temple's entrance is a
popular place of worship. Many local travelling
shows and even visiting TV stars sometimes use
the temple grounds here for their performances.
Wat Sila Ngu is on the 4169 ring-road, one kilometer
South of Hin-Ta Hin-Yai on the beach side of the
road.
Wat Kiri Wongkaram
The mummified body of the Buddhist monk, Loung
Por Ruam can be viewed here in a glass case. He
was placed in it upon his death 25 years ago and
his body is still in remarkably good condition.
The temple can be located by following the 4170
road South from Ban Saket and then turning right
between tow giant elephant statues. It is a further
kilometer along this road on the right hand side.
Kunaram
Temple - Mummified Monk
The
body of Loung Pordaeng, Samui' s most famous mummified
monk, is on display here in a specially constructed
building. When he died more than 20 years ago,
he was sitting in a meditation position. He is
still in that same position and his body shows
few signs of any major decay Wat Khunaram is on
the 4169 ring road between the Na Muang waterfalls
and Hua Thanon.
Coral Buddha
Formerly one of Samui' s main attractions, this
small, dilapidated statue is now only visited
by Buddhist devotees. Although it is in a state
of disrepair, the Coral Buddha is still revered
and is a place of worship for the monks from nearby
Wat Sumret. The only direction sign is a small
tatty board parallel to the road which is easy
to miss when driving past. It is on the 4169 ring-road
approximately 800 meters West of Hua Thanon.
Sumret
Temple
Part of Wat Sumret, this building contains many
different Buddha images. One is in the reclining
position and the tallest, which stands three meters,
was transported all the way from India. Wat Sumret
is down the second concrete road on the left,
800 meters West of Hua Thanon on the 4169 ring-road.
The Leam Sor Chedi
In the grounds of Wat Laem Sor, this ornately
designed Chedi (Pagoda) sits at the rocky water's
edge. Covered in countless small yellow tiles,
it appears golden when viewed from a short distance.
It's at the far South of the island off the 4170
road between Ban Tale and Ban Pang Ka. Follow
the track with a sign that reads "Waikiki
Bungalows", and It's at the end of that.
Buddha's Footprint
There are actually four foot-prints here, super
imposed one on another. Each one is artistically
en-graved. They are housed in a modest shrine
150 steps up a steep hill, which also offers a
great view across the plains to the mountains
opposite, and to the sea over the tree tops. Buddha's
Footprint is not sign posted but can be found
by going up a concrete slope on the left, two
kilometers West of the turnoff for the Butterfly
Garden on the 4170 road.
Wat Khao Chedi
Wat
Laem Sor grounds, but a fair distance away lies
the Khao (mountain) Chedi. Until a few months
ago, this ruined monument had been forgotten about
for many years. Now, the overgrown path leading
to the chedi has been cleared and there's easy
access. About 300 meters West of the Laem Sor
Chedi there is a hill. At the base of the hill
a small hut can be seen, and 100 meters to the
right of this dwelling, the path is visible. It
leads to a stairway which takes about 10 minutes
to climb. At the top, the peaceful ruins of the
Khao Chedi greet the intrepid explorer. The panorama
of Laem Sor Bay and the nearby islands from here
is breathtaking
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