Big Buddha Koh Samui is there an entrance fee. A big buddha in the mountains of Koh Samui and our extreme uphill bike ride. Map coordinates

Although Koh Samui is a small island, there are more than 20 temples and pagodas on it, there are separate ones, and there are entire complexes. In this video, we talk about several temple complexes on Koh Samui that are worth a visit.

In the article below you will find a detailed description of the temples with photos, their location on Koh Samui and interesting ways to make wishes.

Wat Phra Yai Temple and Big Buddha Statue | Wat Phra Yai & Big Buddha

One of the main attractions of Koh Samui is Big Buddha Statue. It is located on the territory Temple of Wat Phra Yai. For local residents, this is the most sacred and revered place, which has a deeply religious meaning. They come here on weekends to be cleansed of their sins. It is believed that Koh Samui is protected as long as the Buddha statue is intact.

We are with our friends from St. Petersburg on the square in front of the Big Buddha

The statue has already become a symbol of Koh Samui, and how could it be otherwise, because it can be seen within a radius of several kilometers from different points of the island. Even landing planes cannot "go past it" and fly right over it when landing.

This is the same artificial road, which is perfectly visible from above.

The gilded statue of the Big Buddha was installed in 1972 and since then it has become a reliable amulet against all sorts of problems and water misfortunes. There is a belief that with the erection of the statue of the Big Buddha, the island began to be protected by heavenly patrons and all sorrows and hardships began to bypass it. And indeed it is - every year Koh Samui noticeably develops and prospers.

The height of the Buddha is as much as 12 meters. Behind the Buddha statue there is a wheel with 12 spokes, each of which represents a nidana - a link.

Behind the Buddha statue there is a wheel with 12 spokes, each of which denotes a nidana - a link

A long staircase, 60 steps, leads to the foot of the statue. Before it, you must take off your shoes and even socks. This rule applies when entering all temples, as well as when approaching revered statues.

Exception for this temple: from 10:00 to 16:00 is the time when the steps of the stairs are so hot that it is allowed to climb them in shoes.

Advice: Avoid wearing revealing clothing when visiting Buddhist temples. Try to cover your shoulders and knees.

We first took off our shoes and, satisfied, take a photo together

On both sides of the stairs, instead of railings, snake-like mythical creatures - naked - with a fan of snake heads.

Serpent-like mythical creatures - nagas - with a fan of snake heads

If you are fond of Buddhism, to the left of the stairs, under the canopies, there are monks who, for a donation, put a consecrated rope on their hand for happiness and bless you. They also sell incense sticks, gold foil and flowers. At the top, send large incense to the Big Buddha, 7 small sticks to the small Buddhas, decorate the golden statues with foil.

The monks put a consecrated rope on their hand for good luck and bless you

Big Buddha sits in a lotus position and carefully watches everyone who rises to him. His gaze is directed precisely at the newcomers climbing the stairs. When you rise to the Buddha, it seems that he is looking at you. Having overcome the stairs and having risen to the Buddha, you need to look at him and make a wish.

When climbing to the Buddha, it seems that he is looking at you

Upstairs is an open area with bells and stunning views of the Gulf of Thailand and the island of Koh Phangan. You can go around its perimeter, knock on all the bells with a special stick (issued on the spot for free), thereby attracting good luck and clearing karma. Make a wish, it will surely come true. In the evening, many people come here to enjoy the beautiful sunset.

Top view | The Biggest Buddha | Big Buddha on Koh Samui and other temples | Big Buddha Samui

You can be alone with your thoughts or ask the Buddha to fulfill your desire.

Ask the Buddha to grant your wish

Advice: Try not to turn your back to the statue of the Big Buddha, and when sitting down, do not point your legs towards the sculpture.

The statue is located on top of the small island of Phan, which is connected to Koh Samui by a causeway. Not far from the statue is Bangrak Beach, or as it has recently been called Big Buddha Beach.

Top view | The Biggest Buddha | Big Buddha on Koh Samui and other temples | Big Buddha Samui

Wat Phra Yai is an active Buddhist temple. There is a school attached to the temple. At the school, everyone can comprehend the basics of the philosophy of Buddhism and learn the technique of meditation.

The monks accept donations for the construction of new walls for the temple. At the foot of the Big Buddha, you can buy a tile from them, thereby contributing to the history of Samui. Write your name and wishes on it, then return it to the monk. The roofs of houses are then covered with this scribbled tile. And the bright tiled roofs of the buildings of the temple itself are very skillfully built and form a wonderful unity with the trees blooming around.

On these tiles you can write your desire and take part in the construction of the temple

Around the temple is a picturesque Thai market. Here you can buy souvenirs and light white clothes made of natural fabrics, jewelry made of semi-precious stones, local sweets and drinks, including the famous Thai pancakes. There are also scattered many shops and shops with crafts of local craftsmen.

A very unusual store. Too bad it's not allowed to take pictures inside

I was especially impressed by these iron giants and small figures assembled from various spare parts: nuts, chains, parts from bikes and other things. Buddha busts, recognizable cartoon and movie characters, elephants and much more have been created. The cost of the largest statues is 100,000 - 200,000 baht (100-200 thousand rubles)

We decided to come back here later and buy one for ourselves in the country.

If you walk straight from the Big Buddha statue to the water, you will see an unusual sculptural composition.

The most memorable statue is a Woman with fangs and a naked torso, eating enemies. It immediately becomes clear what the locals are asking for.

Just a woman with fangs and a naked torso

The smaller sculptures are not particularly impressive: it is a green animal (with antlers and a body like a deer, a fish tail and a dragon's head), on which a rider sits.

What do they symbolize, it seems to us, not even all Thais know

Mermaid with a naked torso.

Just a bare-chested mermaid

In front of her is an old man.

I liked the elder the most, he is the cutest of all presented here

And a couple more incomprehensible sculptures.

Someone sits and plays an inaudible melody, and next to someone dances

All sculptures stand in the water, but at low tide you can catch them on land.

Who knows what these figures mean? Let us know in the comments if you're interested

Entrance to the temple grounds is free.

9.57069, 100.06035

It is worth extending the tour in a more interesting place in our opinion - Wat Plai Laem Temple, which is located in a 15-minute walk.

Another pearl of Koh Samui is Wat Ban Plai Laem, an extremely beautiful temple complex not far from the statue of the Big Buddha, created by Thai artists. To date, this temple is the most modern creation of Buddhist architecture on Koh Samui. It was erected in 2004 entirely on donations from believers. The temple building consists of three parts, each of which, according to the architect's idea, is made in its own style: in classical Thai, Chinese, Indian. The temple complex is located on the lake, and thanks to the work of designers, it gives the impression of floating on the water.

The center of Wat Plai Laem is the most beautiful Bot - a richly decorated room for general meetings and prayers. This building, like the two main sculptures of the temple, is located on an island in the form of a lotus flower and looks especially good at sunset, when the last rays of the setting sun paint it in warm colors.

The eight boundary stones (Bai Sema) around it are small, brightly decorated turrets with stylized leaves of the Botke tree inside.

Everything is gilded, shimmers beautifully and shines in the rays of the bright sun.

Of indescribable beauty, the entrance doors of the temple were made of two giant tree trunks and covered with carvings from the life of the Buddha. Thai artist Khun Jarit Phumdonming spent more than three years decorating the outer walls of the temple with the finest details, thanks to which they turned into a real kaleidoscope of colors and ornaments.

Inside the Bot, according to tradition, there is an altar with a golden statue of Buddha. The walls of the room are decorated with bright frescoes reflecting various events of Buddhist mythology. The interiors of the temple make one admire the picturesque paintings on the walls, which tell about episodes from the life of Gautama Buddha.

Temple entrance doors of indescribable beauty | Temple complex Wat Ban Plai Laem | Wat Ban Plai Laem

To the right and left of the Bot, 12-meter statues are located on separate islands, symbolizing the influence that the teachings of neighboring regions had on Thai Buddhism. On the one hand, this is the Eighteen-armed Guanyin (the same “many-armed Buddha”), the goddess of mercy, the protector of the weak, the patroness of the female half of the house and the feminine. She is a character in Chinese mythology and is also known as Guanzizai.

On the island on the other side is the "Laughing" or "Fat" Buddha, who is none other than Hotei - one of the most famous netsuke characters, miniature figurines from Japan. According to legend, a fat monk named Qiqi wandered the world, earning a living by divination. All his few possessions were a staff and a canvas bag (in Japanese, Hotei). The monk's huge belly was considered the focus of vitality.

According to the legends, wherever Hotei appeared, good luck, prosperity and good health came to people. In Japan, he is one of the seven deities of happiness, and in the Buddhist religion, he is the incarnation of Maitreya Buddha. In order for the location of this deity to descend on you, you need to rub his stomach, although it is extremely difficult to do this in this particular case, given the size of the statue. However, you can limit yourself to purchasing a miniature Hotei figurine in a local souvenir shop.

"Laughing" or "Fat" Buddha, who is none other than Hotei

No less picturesque are other buildings of the Plai Laem Temple - Vihan (another place for prayers and meetings), a bell tower, bright sculptural compositions depicting the Dharmachakra - the Wheel of Life, the most important symbol of Buddhism, as well as a crematorium, conspicuous for its tall chimney.

The insanely beautiful Vihan building (another place for prayers and gatherings)

Sculptural compositions depicting Dharmachakra - Wheel of Life

Wat Ban Plai Laem also called "fish temple". Buying fish food for 10 baht (10 rubles) can cause a real stir in a seemingly quiet lake. The surrounding pigeons are also not averse to eating treats, but you should not encourage them - traces of their vital activity will not decorate the paths to the islands, which, by the way, you need to walk barefoot. For a nominal fee, you can rent a catamaran in the form of a swan and admire the temple and statues from the water.

In addition to visiting religious buildings, it’s just nice to take a walk around the spacious territory of the Wat Plai Laem monastery. The territory of the complex is decorated with many sculptures. All of them are made in different styles: some are gilded, some are painted, and some look almost alive. Getting on its territory, it seems that this is the scenery for a fairy tale movie. In our opinion, this is the most beautiful temple complex on Koh Samui.

Numerous sculptures at Wat Ban Plai Laem complex | Wat Ban Plai Laem

Visiting the monastery is absolutely free. The amount of donations is entirely up to you. A standard set of a bouquet, three candles and the same number of incense sticks usually "costs" 20 baht (20 rubles).

Advice: Avoid too revealing clothes with bare shoulders and knees, take off your shoes at the entrance to the temple and in front of the paths leading to the statues.

On the territory of the temple, you can also feed yourself delicious pancakes with various fillings. We recommend trying it with tuna and cheese.

The temple is located near the Big Buddha statue and is quite easy to find.

GPS coordinates on Google map: 9.571361,100.067207

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Address: Bo Phut, Ko Samui, Thailand Entrance fee: none. How to get there: the easiest way to get to the memo is from Maenam Beach, it is 15 minutes away, on the small island of Phan.

Nowhere is there a resort, next to which some important attraction would not be located. Koh Samui, so beloved by tourists from all over the world, is no exception to the rule. Already on the approach to the local airport, from the window of the plane you can see the local symbol - the statue of Big Buddha, erected in 1972.

Excursion to the Big Buddha

Despite the fact that the Big Buddha appeared relatively recently, the fame of him managed to thunder throughout the world. A tourist who has visited Koh Samui at least once must have a photo against its background. It must be remembered that a visit to the sights will not be limited to just a walk and a photo shoot: it promises a lot of interesting, new sensations and contact with the local culture. In the vicinity of the memo, you can buy souvenirs - both traditional Thai and very unexpected ones that have nothing to do with Thailand and its customs.
To climb to the twelve-meter sculpture, located on a small platform, you will have to overcome as many as 60 steps lined with tiles. On either side of them, stone snakes, reminiscent of Chinese dragons, writhe. It all looks incredibly impressive and beautiful! Walking up the stairs in shoes will not work - this is not accepted here and is considered blasphemy, so tourists will have to take off their shoes and go on a pilgrimage barefoot.
The Buddha, appearing before the eyes of travelers, sits in his most favorite position - the lotus. Next to it you can see a table where a mountain of wooden sticks is dumped, one of them must be taken. Then the guests should go around in a circle, tapping with a stick on the bells hanging around. You can't miss a single one! You should go from left to right, in the process you need to make a wish - it will certainly come true in the near future.
Making a circular move, tourists need to pay attention to the amazing landscapes that spread around. From the platform where the sculpture is installed, the Gulf of Thailand is visible. Numerous travelers are lucky even to see how the planes land: the airport is very close to the sights.
Next to the Buddha is a temple called Wat Phra Yai. You can also look into it. In the school adjacent to it, everyone who wishes will receive parting words and learn humility from a monk. By the way, a meeting with a monk is guaranteed to absolutely all guests - regardless of whether they decide to visit the temple and the school. He sits at the bottom of the stairs and, using paper bahts, knits special amulets on the hands of the guests. They can not be removed - so as not to destroy the protection. If a person is subsequently in danger, and the amulet works and the rope donated at the temple breaks or simply falls, then there is no point in putting it on again.

On the opposite side of the monk with the ropes, there is a golden Hotei. And at the bottom of the stairs, travelers will see boxes for offerings - using them for their intended purpose, you can take a piece of tile to write good wishes to your relatives. The roofs of the temple complex are lined with this tile, where the monks will sing their chants, and wishes will begin to come true. At the end of the tour, each tourist will be struck by a huge gong: guests can make a “boom” on their own. Usually this action makes an unforgettable impression and causes a storm of delight among the guests!

Ever since the statue of Big Buddha appeared on Koh Samui, the time of prosperity has come to the island. Locals associate unexpected luck with a religious landmark that glorified their native places. It is definitely worth making an excursion to the island symbol: even if the blessing does not descend on the head of the traveler, there will be a lot of pleasure!

Big Buddha on Koh Samui (Big Buddha Samui) is one of the main attractions and the largest statue on the island. This is one of the main places to see Koh Samui, posted on the information boards around the island, along with And . Tourists are brought here with a sightseeing tour. In general, every resort in Thailand has a statue of the Big Buddha, and Koh Samui is no exception.

Buddha on Koh Samui: description

The multi-armed Buddha of Samui is located on a hill, where a staircase with 60 steps leads with images of the seven-headed Naga snakes. It is believed that the Big Buddha of Samui protects the Thais from all sorts of troubles. A Thai-style Wat Phra Yai temple and a school of Buddhism and meditation were built nearby. To enter the territory, you need to hide the open parts of the body, next to the right are scarves with which you can hide. Below you can buy candles and incense and put them upstairs to the statue of the Big Buddha. Or tie a bracelet on your hand. Entrance to the Big Buddha is free.

For Thais, this is a sacred place and a functioning temple. Various events are held here, for example, Makha Buch. So it is worth respecting the feelings of believers.

If you climb the stairs, an observation deck opens up and you can even see Koh Phangan. At the top there are bells, each of which can be rung - for good luck and for the fulfillment of desires.

To the right of the Big Buddha of Samui there is a small parking lot (and free of charge) with various statues.

From here you can go down to the sea, soak your feet in the heat. You have to be careful at the bottom, the rocks are very sharp.

Infrastructure at the multi-armed Buddha Samui

Everywhere around the entrance to the Big Buddha of Samui there are tents with food, shops with beach accessories. The prices are too high according to the tourist scale. Everyone buys, mostly tourists. It is understandable, this is a tourist attraction. Pancakes from 50 baht, coconut 40 baht, fruit shakes from 50 baht.

Big Buddha Koh Samui: how to get there

Big Buddha Samui is located near Bangrak Beach and the ring road. The temple complex stands on a separate small island of Fan, which can be entered through an arch, not far from the pier. The statue of the golden Buddha on Koh Samui can be seen from afar. You can even see it from a landing plane. 🙂

Bophut and Bangrak are within walking distance.

Koh Samui is not distinguished by huge areas with endless spaces. But they did not stint on the construction of religious buildings here. Big Buddha on Koh Samui is considered a key sacred place where not only locals gather, but also curious tourists who are eager to touch the friendliest religion in the world.

What is Big Buddha?

The Big Buddha is a majestic statue of Buddha, twelve meters tall. He sits in the lotus position, the main relaxing asana of yoga, which reflects mental peace and contact with spiritual forces. Remarkably, the width of the statue is also impressive - the distance between the knees of the Buddha is six meters.

This architectural monument is located on top of a small island, which is connected to Koh Samui by an embankment with an asphalt path. Near the statue is the Buddhist temple Wat Phra Yai. However, it is not part of the temple complex and has become a separate religious building, which reflects reverence for the great spiritual teacher.

Big Buddha has become the personification of spiritual purity and peace. According to popular beliefs, this place became the guardian of the island, the safety and tranquility of people. People come here to cleanse themselves of sins, recharge with positive energy and just get acquainted with the Samui religion.

The history of the creation of the Big Buddha

The Buddha statue on Koh Samui, contrary to many opinions, was built not so long ago - in 1972. The religious population and guests of Thailand are sure that it is this structure that connects the island with heavenly patrons and protects the island from adversity and natural disasters.

Indeed, since the birth of the Big Buddha, Samui has only been developing. The island has become one of the most desirable tourist destinations in the world and has retained its importance to this day. Here there was a place for lovers of measured rest, as well as for representatives of nightlife. The island is also avoided by natural disasters. Here, the roofs are never blown away by aggressive winds, and the sea almost always remains calm.

What to pay attention to?

The Buddha statue is a space of religious worship. However, it is famous for accepting representatives of any religion: be it Christianity, Islam or Hinduism. With the same warmth, the Buddha "accepts" the deniers of religion - atheists and doubting agnostics, who came to look at the key figure of Thailand's faith.

There is no place for discrimination based on skin color or eye shape, physiological characteristics, social status, gender and marital status. That is why Buddhism is considered a world religion, the doors of which are open to every inhabitant of our planet.

Since the Big Buddha is installed on a hill, the ascent to it is built of sixty steps. Although the ascent to the statue is not very steep, its length does not leave anyone indifferent. Elderly people and guests of the island with problems of the musculoskeletal system and cardiovascular diseases are advised to conserve strength and climb in several approaches.

However, such an impressive staircase has its advantages. Its railing is made in the form of an ornate serpent with dragon heads. This makes climbing stairs more aesthetically pleasing. Here you can take a picture or just enjoy the skillful work of Thai masters.

Sculptural composition next to the Big Buddha

The aesthetic picture of the religious site is formed not only by the Buddha statue, but also by the sculptures located near it. At the foot of the spiritual teacher, there is a reclining Buddha and his sculptural images in various reincarnations.

The artistic heritage of the Big Buddha does not end there. It is worth moving another hundred meters from the stairs, and guests will see a sculptural composition, at the head of which is a woman with sharp fangs. It is designed to drive away anyone who wants to harm the island and its inhabitants. The rest of the characters are not so bright, if only because they are not angry. A beautiful mermaid, a flutist, a rider and a monk greet the guests of the island only with good intentions.

At the foot of the Big Buddha is a small shopping complex. It looks like a fair. Here you can buy figurines of Buddha, White Elder, Amitayus, White Tara and many other deities of Buddhism. Here you will also find traditional Buddhist clothing, amulets, and other jewelry that you can take home with you. Souvenirs are overpriced here. This is due to the fact that the flow of tourists wishing to visit the Big Buddha is off scale.

Visiting rules, opening hours of the statue and price

You should not visit the Buddha statue in a state of alcoholic or drug intoxication, as well as with noisy children who may interfere with other visitors. The statue is open to receive guests 24 hours a day, but souvenir shops are open from eight in the morning until ten in the evening. The entrance fee is absolutely free, but you still have to pay for items from the souvenir shop.

Big Buddha accepts people in beachwear. However, you should not go there in a bikini. A set of shorts + t-shirt is perfect. At the entrance, guests are offered a sarong - traditional oriental clothing. This service is absolutely free.

The most popular attraction is the Big Buddha on Koh Samui. However, this is not just a tourist place, but a temple complex, which is revered by the locals and come here to worship their Deity. After all, most Thais are Buddhists. In this article, we will take a short tour of the temple complex and I will tell you what is interesting here and why this place is worth a visit.

The Big Buddha temple complex is located on the small island of Phan, to which an asphalt road leads. On the territory of the island there are numerous shops and trade shops, as well as a couple of cafes. Here you can buy souvenirs, jewelry and clothes, as well as many varieties of Thai tea.

There is also an interesting shop with huge iron sculptures.

In addition, there are unusual figures on the territory of the Big Buddha, which, most likely, symbolize something, but I don’t know what exactly. The figures stand right in the water.

Closer to the Big Buddha statue is the Wat Phra Yai temple, and you can also see a monk there. If desired, he will tie a rope on your hand for good luck and wish you happiness.

A little further there is a table with slabs from which the temple will be built in the future. You can write your wish on the tile or wish health, happiness and prosperity to your loved ones. It is believed that if your wishes are written on the temple, they will surely come true. There is a donation box next to the tiles and, as far as I understand, such a ritual costs 50 baht.

Big Buddha statue

The statue of Big Buda rises to the very top, to which a staircase with snakes, consisting of 60 steps, leads. You must take off your shoes in front of the stairs, as this is considered a holy place. However, there is a sign here, which says that during the hours of the scorching sun from 10:00 to 16:00 you can climb in shoes. The first time I did not see this sign and climbed the stairs with hot tiles barefoot.

The Big Buddha statue sits in a lotus position and is covered in gold. The statue was built in 1974 and is believed to protect the island from problems and natural disasters. At its foot, Thais put candles and pray.

Bells hang around the Big Buddha on Koh Samui, and next to them are sticks with which you need to beat the bell. It is believed that it is necessary to walk around the Big Buddha, hitting each bell with a stick and making intangible wishes, and then all your wishes will come true.

How to get there?

Getting to the Big Buddha is easy. If you are driving your own car or bike, then moving along the main road, you reach the traffic light, which is located in the Bo Phut area and turn off the main road and go straight until you see the arch. Then you enter this arch and drive along the road that leads to Fan Island. And that's it, you're there.

You can also get to Big Buddha by tuk-tuk or taxi.

See the exact location of the Big Buddha on Koh Samui on the map.

Working mode

The temple complex is open every day during daylight hours. The entrance is free.