Wat Samret Koh Samui – Phra Sila Yuang & Ancient Buddha Images

Wat Samret, also known as Wat Maret, is one of the historic Buddhist temples on Koh Samui. Located in Maret in the southern part of the island, the temple is believed to have a history dating back to the late Ayutthaya period or the early Thonburi period. Temple records state that Wat Samret was established in 1797 and received its royal consecrated boundary in 1880. The temple has preserved many traditional buildings, Buddhist images and cultural objects, making it an interesting place to discover the history and religious heritage of Koh Samui.

One of the most important Buddha images at Wat Samret is Phra Sila Yuang, the principal Buddha image inside the present ordination hall. The name refers to this distinctive stone Buddha image, which is carved from beautiful white stone or white jade-like stone in a style influenced by Myanmar Buddhist art. Cultural heritage records state that the image originated from Myanmar and measures approximately 36 inches across the lap and 52 inches high. Its distinctive appearance makes Phra Sila Yuang one of the temple’s most interesting artistic treasures.

Phra Sila Yuang is seated in the Maravijaya, or Subduing Mara, posture, with a calm and graceful expression. Historical information associated with the temple suggests that the Buddha image was brought from Myanmar around the early 20th century. Some Thai cultural sources also note that Buddha images of this particular style are very uncommon in Thailand, making the image especially interesting for visitors who appreciate Buddhist art and local history.

Another remarkable part of Wat Samret is the historic Buddha image hall, located beside the present ordination hall. This old building houses a large collection of ancient Buddha images associated with the traditional artistic heritage of Koh Samui. Cultural heritage records document dozens of Buddha images in the hall, including seated, standing and reclining Buddha figures. Some sources record around 74–76 images, while other descriptions commonly refer to more than 50 ancient Buddha images. Many of these images are connected with local craftsmanship and the traditional religious life of the island.

The historic Buddha hall is particularly fascinating because some of the older images were made using coral stone and traditional plaster techniques. According to Thai cultural heritage information, coral stone was collected locally and carved into Buddha figures, with some images featuring traditional shell details used for the hair. These sculptures provide an insight into how local communities on Koh Samui created and preserved Buddhist art using materials available on the island.

Wat Samret contains more than just Buddha images. Visitors can also see an old Sriwijaya-style chedi, a traditional wooden pulpit decorated with intricate Chinese craftsmanship, and the memorial stupa associated with Khrua Phut Son, a revered monk in the history of Koh Samui. The temple also preserves traditional Thai-Chinese architectural features. In 2023, a local arts learning centre was officially opened at Wat Samret to help preserve and share Koh Samui’s local artistic and cultural heritage.

For travellers interested in discovering a quieter and more cultural side of Koh Samui, Wat Samret is a worthwhile place to visit. Instead of only visiting the island’s beaches and viewpoints, visitors can take time to appreciate ancient Buddhist art, local architecture and the history of the Samui community. Please dress respectfully when visiting the temple, as it remains an active Buddhist place of worship.

The Buddha Images inside  the historic Buddha image hall Wat Samret Koh Samui

If you would like to visit Wat Samret comfortably, mySamuiTaxi.com can arrange a private taxi from your hotel, resort, airport or another location on Koh Samui. A private taxi is a convenient way to explore the southern part of the island and combine Wat Samret with other attractions such as Wat Khunaram, Hin Ta & Hin Yai, Na Muang Waterfalls or other sightseeing destinations. Let our local driver take care of the driving while you enjoy discovering the cultural heritage and beautiful attractions of Koh Samui.