Friday 1 June 2012

Visit the Zhao Mei Kuan Im Temple in Koh Samui

The Zhao Mei Kuan Im Temple is a must see Koh Samui attraction (Photo Courtesy of  thing-to-do-thailand.com)

There are numerous Koh Samui attractions from its beaches that is ideal for diving, its exotic jungle that is home to equally exotic plants and animals and the beautiful and intricately designed temples and religious shrines that are great reflections of the spiritual life, history and culture of Thailand and its people. A typical Thai temple would have lofty chapels, murals with colourful and elaborate details that almost always tell stories of the past, a pagoda, chedi and roofs with pointed spires. There are also some Chinese temples in Thailand that are related to the spiritual history of Thailand.

Thai culture is one of the richest and most vibrant cultures in the world. Many flock to Thailand to discover and experience its effervescent streets; scrumptious dishes (even their streets foods have their distinct charm); remarkable history; immaculate islands and beaches; and lovely, endearing locals. One of these divine islands is Koh Samui located in the Gulf of Thailand.

There is a Chinese temple in Koh Samui that is dedicated to the goddess Zhao Mei Kuan Im and is one of the Koh Samui attractions that you should not miss especially if you are a culture buff or is simply interested in seeing beautiful temples. The walls of the temple dedicated to the goddess are filled with gorgeous paintings that depict the life and times of the great and esteemed goddess. The temple is especially flocked by people and filled with different kinds of offerings during the festival marking the advent of the Year of the Dragon. Most of the people visiting the temple are ethnic Chinese and Chinese tourists who deem the temple as more than just a Koh Samui attraction.

In the temple of the goddess Zhao Mei Kuan Im as well as other Chinese temples such as the Hainan Temple, dragon dances and other ancient Chinese traditions can be observed. These traditions are a peak at resemblances of Chinese and Thai history that are sometimes merging from hundreds or even thousands of years ago up to the present day. The temple of the goddess is also the perfect place to watch the sunset as it is located on the southwest of Samui. From the temple, one could see the view of several islets surrounding Koh Samui as well. This vista is definitely a Koh Samui attraction that should not be missed and is sure to never be forgotten.

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