Big Buddha Temple Koh Samui – Wat Phra Yai and Phra Phuttha Kodom

Wat Phra Yai, commonly known as the Big Buddha Temple, is one of the most famous landmarks in Koh Samui. Located on Koh Fan, a small island connected to the main island by a causeway, the temple is situated in the northern part of Koh Samui, close to Bang Rak and not far from Bophut and Fisherman’s Village. The impressive golden Buddha image can be seen from a distance and has become one of the most recognizable symbols of Koh Samui.

The history of the Big Buddha Temple is relatively modern compared with some of Thailand’s ancient temples. Koh Samui Municipality records that the large Buddha image, known as Phra Phuttha Kodom, was constructed in 1972 (B.E. 2515). The statue is in the Maravijaya, or Subduing Mara, posture, a traditional seated Buddha posture in which the right hand touches the ground while the left hand rests on the lap. The large golden image was created as a place of worship for Buddhists and has since become an important religious landmark on the island.

The Big Buddha statue is approximately 12 metres high, making it an impressive sight when viewed from the temple grounds or from the surrounding area. Visitors reach the statue by climbing a long staircase decorated with traditional naga sculptures. From the top, visitors can enjoy views of the surrounding coastline, the sea and nearby areas of northern Koh Samui. The elevated location also makes the temple a popular place for taking photographs and enjoying the scenery.

Koh Fan itself has an interesting local history. Before the island was permanently connected to Koh Samui, residents used wooden bridges to cross the water. These temporary bridges needed to be replaced every few years, so the local community eventually constructed a more permanent rocky causeway connecting Koh Fan with the main island. Today, visitors can easily reach Wat Phra Yai by road without needing a boat.

The temple is more than simply a place to see a large Buddha statue. It remains an important place of worship where local people and visitors come to make offerings, pray and pay their respects. Around the temple grounds, visitors can also find small shops selling souvenirs, clothing, food and drinks. Because this is an active Buddhist temple, visitors are encouraged to dress respectfully and behave appropriately while visiting the religious areas.

Wat Phra Yai is also conveniently located near several other popular attractions in northern Koh Samui. After visiting the Big Buddha, travellers can continue to Wat Plai Laem, famous for its large Guanyin statue and Buddhist temple complex, or travel towards Choeng Mon Beach and Fisherman’s Village. This makes the Big Buddha an easy and worthwhile stop as part of a private Koh Samui sightseeing tour.

If you would like to visit Wat Phra Yai and the Big Buddha Temple 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 visit the Big Buddha together with other attractions such as Wat Plai Laem, Lad Koh Viewpoint, Hin Ta & Hin Yai or Fisherman’s Village. Your local driver can take care of the driving while you relax and enjoy discovering the culture, temples and beautiful scenery of Koh Samui.