Fisherman’s Village in Bophut is one of the most charming areas of Koh Samui. Located along Bophut Beach on the northern coast of the island, the area is famous for its old wooden shophouses, beachfront restaurants, cafés, bars, small shops and relaxed atmosphere. The village developed from an old fishing and trading community, and many of the traditional buildings have been preserved and adapted into restaurants, boutiques and other businesses, giving the area a distinctive character.

During the day, Fisherman’s Village is a pleasant place to walk along the narrow beachfront road, explore the old buildings and enjoy a meal or drink overlooking the sea. Visitors can find a wide variety of Thai and international restaurants, cafés, souvenir shops and beachfront bars. The area is also home to popular evening entertainment, including restaurants and beach bars where visitors can relax while enjoying the atmosphere of Bophut Beach.

One of the biggest attractions is the Fisherman’s Village Walking Street, also known as the Bophut Friday Night Market. Every Friday evening, the main street is closed to traffic and transformed into a lively walking street filled with food stalls, souvenirs, clothing, handicrafts and live entertainment. Visitors can try popular Thai street foods such as grilled seafood, skewers, Pad Thai, fresh fruit, coconut desserts and mango sticky rice while walking through the historic village.

The main Friday Night Market currently runs from approximately 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM every Friday, although individual stalls may open or close at slightly different times. The market is free to enter. It can become quite busy after sunset, so arriving around 5:00–6:00 PM is a good option for visitors who would like to explore more comfortably before the largest crowds arrive.

Fisherman’s Village is also a convenient place to enjoy the evening after visiting other attractions in northern Koh Samui. Visitors can combine a trip here with Big Buddha Temple, Wat Plai Laem, Choeng Mon Beach or other nearby attractions. After exploring the market, you can relax at one of the beachfront restaurants or bars and enjoy the beautiful atmosphere of Bophut Bay.

If you would like to visit Fisherman’s Village comfortably, mySamuiTaxi.com can arrange a private taxi from your hotel, resort, airport or another location on Koh Samui. Taking a private taxi is especially convenient on Friday evenings when parking around the Walking Street can become difficult and the main road is closed to vehicles. Let our local driver take care of the driving while you enjoy the food, shopping, beachfront atmosphere and evening entertainment at Fisherman’s Village.

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.

At the heart of Wat Plai Laem stands the magnificent 18-armed statue of Guanyin, the Goddess of Mercy. Painted in white and gold, this towering figure represents compassion, kindness, and protection. Visitors often come here to pay respects, pray for blessings, or simply admire the impressive craftsmanship. This unique icon makes Wat Plai Laem one of the best temples to visit in Koh Samui.

The statue reflects the influence of Chinese Buddhism and has become a sacred place where visitors pray for blessings of health, wealth, and happiness. Surrounded by the temple’s serene lake and colorful architecture, Guanyin at Wat Plai Laem is not only a spiritual icon but also one of Koh Samui’s most photographed cultural landmarks.

Another highlight of Wat Plai Laem Koh Samui is the large laughing Buddha statue, also known as Phra Sangkachai. With its joyful smile and open arms, this figure symbolizes happiness, prosperity, and abundance. It is one of the most photographed landmarks of the temple and a favorite spot for travelers who want to capture the spiritual yet cheerful side of Thai culture. Phra Sangkachai, also known as Budai or the Laughing Buddha in Chinese culture, is a revered monk figure in Thai and Southeast Asian Buddhism. He was originally one of the close disciples of Lord Buddha, admired for his deep wisdom and ability to teach the Dharma in simple, easy-to-understand ways. In Thai tradition, Phra Sangkachai is depicted as a cheerful, plump figure with a smiling face and round belly, symbolizing happiness, prosperity, and abundance. His image is often worshipped by devotees seeking wealth, good fortune, and contentment in life.

The ordination hall and inside the ordinational hall of Wat Plai Laem.

Inside the ordination hall of Wat Plai Laem stands a magnificent golden Buddha image in the Mara Vichai (Subduing Mara) posture, radiating with brilliance and serenity. Surrounding the statue, the walls are adorned with exquisite murals depicting the life and teachings of the Buddha, each detail capturing timeless stories of faith and devotion. The atmosphere within the hall is profoundly peaceful, inviting visitors to pause, reflect, and immerse themselves in the spiritual essence of Buddhism. Stepping inside feels like entering a sacred realm where art, history, and spirituality come together in perfect harmony.

The temple grounds are surrounded by a peaceful lake filled with fish, creating a serene environment for meditation and relaxation. Visitors can join in local traditions, such as feeding the fish or making merit offerings. The setting reflects the calm and spiritual essence of Koh Samui’s temple life, offering a perfect balance between cultural discovery and peaceful reflection.

Wat Plai Laem is not just a sightseeing spot; it is also an active temple where monks live and perform daily rituals. During festivals such as Songkran and Loy Krathong, the temple comes alive with colorful celebrations, giving visitors the chance to experience Thai culture in a truly authentic way. This makes Wat Plai Laem one of the best places to connect with both local traditions and Buddhist teachings.

For tourists, visiting Wat Plai Laem Koh Samui is a rewarding experience that combines culture, spirituality, and beautiful surroundings. Whether you are learning about Buddhism, admiring the artistic statues, or simply enjoying the tranquil atmosphere, the temple is a must-visit destination for anyone exploring Koh Samui.

How to Visit Wat Plai Laem with Ease

To make the most of your trip, we recommend booking a private taxi or minibus tour in Koh Samui. Our reliable taxi service ensures you arrive at Wat Plai Laem on time and in comfort, while our private minibus tours are perfect for families or groups. Along the way, you can also visit nearby attractions such as the Big Buddha Temple, scenic viewpoints, and local markets. With our professional drivers and flexible schedules, exploring Koh Samui temples like Wat Plai Laem has never been easier or more enjoyable.