Temple Fairs of Koh Samui

Koh Samui has some impressive temples that visitors should definitely consider visiting (Photo Courtesy 123rf.com)

The Land of Smiles is primarily a Buddhist nation and it is famous for its impressive Buddhist temples. There are striking landmarks across the nation. They are one of the first things that come to mind when someone thinks about Thailand. Thai Buddhists, particularly the older generation, frequent these temples once a month during a full moon. Most Thais visit the temples during major festivals like Loy Krathong, Songkran, Macha Bucha and the Buddhist Lent Day.

Like the rest of the country, visiting Buddhist temples is part of the several things to do in Koh Samui. The island is home to a number of remarkable temples. The Wat Phra Yai is a famous Buddhist temple in Koh Samui and it houses the island's iconic Big Buddha. The remarkable golden statue is 12 meters tall and has shops and restaurants at its base. These establishments cater to the needs of both devotees and tourists alike. Visiting this temple is one of the major things to do in Koh Samui and is truly an enriching experience.

There are other several notable temples in Koh Samui. The interesting ones are Wat Khunaram that houses the mummified monk, Loung Pordaeng and Wat Kiri Wongkaram that houses another mummified monk, Loung Por Ruam. The Coral Buddha in Wat Somret  used to be a major crowd drawer. Visiting it nowadays is no longer part of the important things to do in Koh Samui except for Buddhist devotees. The impressive pagodas in the grounds of Wat Laem Sor and Wat Sila Ngu are a must-see. The latter houses the relic of the Lord Buddha. Another interesting Buddha statue is found in Koh Samui's most colorful temple, Wat Plai Laem. It has 18 arms. On the other hand, visitors can also find other religious sites on the island like the Chinese temple near Maenam pier.

Part of this temple visiting tradition is participating in its elaborate Buddhist temple fairs. It is one of the important things to do in Koh Samui and a visit to the island is not complete without it. Temple fair is a tradition that most temples in the Land of Smiles celebrate at least once a year. This festivity includes selling of various goods near temple grounds, buying and eating local delicacies and playing fun-filled games that both the young and old enjoy. These things to do in Koh Samui should definitely not be missed by tourists. 

The Best of Koh Samui Architecture

The Big Buddha Temple is a must see sight during your stay in Koh Samui (photo courtesy of wikalenda.com)

Koh Samui is known for its fine white sand, clear waters, and amazing sunsets. More than that, Koh Samui architecture is distinct and high in flair. There are numerous Koh Samui attractions which are famous and well-known all over the world.

Some of the most famous Koh Samui attractions are referred to as wat, meaning temple. There are a number of beautifully created temples in Koh Samui. In fact, these temples are the best testaments to Koh Samui architecture. The most famous of these temples is The Big Buddha Temple or Wat Phra Yai. This temple is among the tourists’ most favourite Koh Samui attractions. This temple features a colourful staircase and a giant golden Buddha. Found at the north coast of Samui, this seemingly modern structure remains to be one of the most photograph structures in the country.

Wat Plai Laem is also one of the most beautiful Koh Samui attractions. It is a Buddhist temple found in the north-east coast of Samui. It features a very impressive 18-arm image of Guanyin, known as the Goddess of Mercy and Compassion. Guanyin is very popular, as she is believed to be the provider of unconditional love and serves as the protector of the people. One of the key areas of this place is the ceremonial hall, which is set amidst the lake. Koh Samui’s strong Chinese heritage is also very obvious here, making it a mirror of the island’s rich past and amazing culture.

The Laem Sor Chedi is another one of the must see Koh Samui attractions. This ornately designed pagoda is one great excuse to visit Samui. It sits at the rocky waters edge, and is such a majestic sight to behold. It features traditional Thai architecture and is postcard perfect in all angles. Koh Samui is an island that serves as a melting pot to different cultures. Some proofs of this are the Chinese temple (Maenam), and Masjid Nurulihsan---the only mosque in Koh Samui.

The ancient house, located at Ban Thale is also worthy of a visit. It is the oldest house in the island, and is a representative of the island’s ancient architecture. It is around 150 years old, and is one of the island’s key attractions.

Koh Samui features rich and stunning architecture. It boasts a lot of temples and gigantic structures that will surely leave one in awe. Not only is this island rich in natural resources, it also has abundance of man-made structures that are worth seeing at least once.

BIG BUDDHA BEACH

With views like this one, no wonder the Big Buddha beach is one of the most popular Koh Samui beaches.

A Koh Samui beach list wouldn’t be complete without inclusion of Big Buddha Beach. Situated between the islands of Koh Farn and Koh Sam, this Koh Samui beach lies on the northeast tip of Koh Samui island. It is strategically located a mere 15-minute-road trip away from Chaweng, a popular nightspot for night owls, and just 25 minutes away from Nathon, the capital of Koh Samui. The village of Bophut also lies nearby.

What to Expect

Anyone out looking for a great time at night doesn’t have to look very far once they’re in the vicinity of this Koh Samui beach. Nightlife has never been more glamorous with the network of bars, nightclubs and restaurants that cater to various clients with the most discriminating tastes. The captivating peace in this Koh Samui beach provides a great place to hang out in, have a long, unhurried stroll on, or simply enjoy the soothing smell and taste of seawater to dispel those cobwebs of care from the confused mind. Big Buddha Beach offers tranquility in the right doses, as well as a healthy helping of nightlife noise to individuals out for a rocking good time.

Who Will Enjoy The Big Buddha Beach?

Practically anyone can treat themselves to the fascinating sights and sounds of this Koh Samui beach. With backpackers making up a good majority, Big Buddha beach also has much to offer to families, children and tour groups. The famous statue can be beheld in its magnificence towering at twelve meters at the highest point of a wide flight of stairs, with intricate dragon details characteristic of the brilliance of Thai art ingenuity. An added attraction is the array of art shops surrounding the temple of Wat Phra Yai, which houses the statue. Hunt for handcrafted silver jewelry in these fine shops.

What Can You Do at Big Buddha Beach?

Big Buddha Beach is a Koh Samui beach that has so much to offer. Go swimming with the entire family on this safe area where the water doesn’t run too deep and the current isn’t too strong. Get that much- wanted tan while engrossed in a great book. Go kiteboarding, snorkeling, and rock-walking. Immerse yourself in Koh Samui beach village culture by visiting the surrounding areas where a variety of services and shops from cybercafés, supermarkets, diving instruction schools, car and bike rentals, travel agencies, gas stations, a post office, can be availed of. This is Koh Samui at its best—at Big Buddha Beach. 

HISTORIC TEMPLES OF KOH SAMUI

Stunning view of the Wat Phra Yai, Big Buddha (photo courtesy of  http://bluedandelion.net/)

Koh Samui, or simply Samui, is famed not only for being a beach-and-coconut tourist destination island, but also for its historic temples, which serve as one of KohSamui’s attractions. Immerse yourself in the rich Buddhist culture by visiting any one of several temples that attest to how the island is steeped in Buddhist tradition and how the veneration of the Supreme Buddha is a most significant part of this island’s inhabitants. Sawadee!

TheWat Phra Yai and Big Buddha

Home to the island’s most famous image, Wat Phra Yai is undeniably the most visited Koh Samui attraction on this island. The Big Buddha, majestic at 12 feet, visibly towers towards the skies as travelers get to Koh Samui Island. Located on the northeast tip of the island on route 4171, this Koh Samui attraction is easily accessible to travelers from the airport. And for travelers wanting to get the best accommodations possible at a similarly located resort, your best bet is to get yourself booked--and literally hooked--at ShaSa Resort and Residences, just a mere 45-minute-drive from the airport. After you’ve gone through the many shops and restaurants designed for travelers and Buddhist devotees alike, rest your shopping-tired but spiritually-invigorated selves at ShaSa Resort and Residences, where lovely service and pampering are unarguably one of the greatest of Koh Samui attractions.

TheWat Plai Laem

Nestled north of Samui on route 4171 at about the same general area as the Wat Phra Yai, this temple is another showcase of magnificence of Koh Samui attractions as it is home to the colorful statue of the 18-armed Buddha that sits right in the middle of a lake.  Feeding the big, lovely fish that abound in the lake waters will prove to be an enjoyable experience, as fish food packs can be had for a relatively cheap 10-baht donation. And for those looking to enjoy bigger and more fascinating water adventures, situated along the same general location as the ShaSa Resort.

The Laem Sor Pagoda

Majestically constructed on the rocks at the water’s edge, this ornately designed edifice easily stands tall among Koh Samui attractions because of its shimmering yellow tiles that appear golden when viewed from a distance. Lying south off the island, it is easily accessible via road 4170 between Ban Tale and Ban Pang Ka.

The Coral Buddha

Located not far from ShaSa Resort and Residences at 4169 ring road are the ruins of what used to be a jewel among Koh Samui’s attractions--the Coral Buddha. Lying to the right side of Hua Thanon at approximately 800 meters, the small, crumbling figure of the Coral Buddha is a revered place of devotion among devout Buddhists, especially among monks from nearby Wat Sumret.