Laem Sor Pagoda, also known as Wat Phra Chedi Laem Sor, is one of the most distinctive Buddhist landmarks in southern Koh Samui. Located beside the sea in the Laem Sor area, the golden pagoda stands in a peaceful setting overlooking the Gulf of Thailand. Its location, traditional architecture and long connection with the Buddhist community of Koh Samui make it an interesting place to visit for travellers who would like to discover a quieter and more cultural side of the island.

The history of Laem Sor Pagoda goes back to the beginning of the 20th century. In 1908 (B.E. 2451), Phra Khru Phibun Thammasan and local Buddhist residents of Koh Samui joined together to construct a pagoda on a nearby hill. According to the historical account, sacred relics of the Buddha had been brought back from Sri Lanka and were placed inside the pagoda after its completion. The original pagoda was built through the faith and cooperation of the local community and became an important religious site on the island.

The original pagoda on the hill was later damaged by lightning, and by the middle of the 20th century it required major restoration. Luang Pho Daeng Tisso played an important role in preserving the site and its Buddhist heritage. In 1967 (B.E. 2510), after the old pagoda had suffered serious damage, the decision was made to construct a new pagoda closer to the beach at Laem Sor. Construction began in 1968 and took approximately four years to complete. The sacred relics from the old pagoda were subsequently enshrined in the new pagoda.

Luang Pho Daeng Tisso was one of the highly respected monks associated with Koh Samui. According to the Koh Samui Municipality’s historical information, he was born in 1891 (B.E. 2434) at Ban Khao Puk on Koh Samui. He first entered the monkhood at the age of 21 at Wat Samret and later ordained again, receiving the monastic name Tisso. He was known for his dedication to meditation and Buddhist practice and became highly respected among people on Koh Samui and nearby islands.

Throughout his life, Luang Pho Daeng Tisso spent periods travelling and practising meditation in quiet locations around Koh Samui and nearby islands. He was particularly associated with the practice of meditation and the austere lifestyle of a forest monk. In 1938, he came to the Laem Sor area to practise and help restore the religious site. He subsequently played an important role in developing the temple and continuing the Buddhist tradition associated with Laem Sor Pagoda.

Luang Pho Daeng Tisso passed away on 6 August 1976, at the age of 85. He remains an important and highly respected figure in the religious history of Koh Samui. Local stories about his life and meditation practice have continued to be passed down through generations, contributing to the spiritual significance of Laem Sor and the surrounding temple community.

Today, Laem Sor Pagoda is a peaceful place to visit, especially for travellers interested in Buddhist culture, local history and photography. The golden pagoda creates a beautiful contrast with the blue sea and surrounding palm trees. Visitors can take time to pay their respects, admire the architecture and enjoy the tranquil coastal atmosphere. As this is an active religious site, visitors are encouraged to dress respectfully and behave appropriately when visiting the temple.

If you would like to visit Laem Sor Pagoda without the hassle of driving, 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 can also combine Laem Sor Pagoda with other attractions such as Wat Samret, Wat Khunaram, Hin Ta & Hin Yai and Na Muang Waterfalls. Let our local driver take care of the driving while you enjoy discovering the history, culture and beautiful scenery of Koh Samui.

Khao Hua Jook Pagoda, also known as Wat Khao Hua Jook, is a beautiful hilltop Buddhist temple located near Chaweng in the northern part of Koh Samui. The golden pagoda can be seen from a distance and is particularly noticeable when arriving at Koh Samui Airport. Sitting on a hill above the surrounding area, the temple provides visitors with a peaceful place to experience Thai Buddhist culture while enjoying impressive views of the island.

One of the highlights of Khao Hua Jook is the panoramic view from the top of the hill. From the temple area, visitors can look across Chaweng, Chaweng Lake, Koh Samui Airport, the coastline and the sea. On a clear day, the view can extend towards the northern part of the island and Koh Phangan. The location also makes it an interesting spot for visitors who enjoy watching aircraft approaching or departing from Koh Samui Airport.

View from Khao Hua Jook Pagoda we can see Koh Samui Airport Runway.

The pagoda is also known for its Buddhist features, including a replica of the Buddha’s footprint inside the temple. The golden architecture, Buddhist statues and peaceful surroundings provide a different experience from Koh Samui’s beaches and busy tourist attractions. Visitors should remember that this is a religious site, so respectful clothing covering the shoulders and knees is recommended.

Khao Hua Jook is situated on a hill and the final road leading to the temple is relatively steep. After arriving near the top, visitors need to walk up steps to reach the temple and viewpoint. The climb is not particularly long, but comfortable footwear is recommended. The temple is especially attractive in the late afternoon, when the temperature is cooler and visitors can enjoy the changing light over Chaweng and the surrounding coastline.

There is generally no fixed entrance fee, although a small donation may be requested. Some recent travel sources report small charges of around 20–50 THB per person, so visitors should carry some Thai baht in cash and check the current arrangement when they arrive. As the temple is an active religious site, entrance arrangements and donation practices can change.

If you would like to visit Khao Hua Jook Pagoda without worrying about driving on the hill road, mySamuiTaxi.com can arrange a private taxi to take you there from your hotel, resort, airport or another location on Koh Samui. A private taxi is a convenient way to combine Khao Hua Jook with other popular attractions such as Big Buddha, Wat Plai Laem, Lad Koh Viewpoint or Fisherman’s Village. You can also enjoy the flexibility of a private sightseeing trip and let your experienced local driver take care of the driving while you enjoy the views and attractions of Koh Samui.

Walking up to visit Khao Hua Jook Pagoda

Tarnim Magic Garden, also known as Magic Garden, Secret Buddha Garden, or Ta Nim Waterfall, is one of Koh Samui’s most unusual and atmospheric attractions. Hidden high in the mountains in the center of the island, this peaceful garden is surrounded by tropical forest, rocks, streams and small waterfalls. Unlike the busy beaches and popular viewpoints around Koh Samui, Tarnim Magic Garden offers visitors a chance to experience a quieter side of the island.

The story of the Magic Garden began in 1976, when a local durian farmer named Nim Thongsuk started creating stone sculptures on his family’s land in the mountains. He was already 77 years old when he began this remarkable project and continued creating sculptures for many years. The garden eventually became filled with statues of Buddha, angels, dancers, musicians, animals and figures inspired by Thai culture and Buddhist traditions. The garden is a private sculpture park rather than a traditional Buddhist temple.

One of the most fascinating features of Tarnim Magic Garden is the way the sculptures blend naturally into the surrounding landscape. Moss and tropical vegetation cover many of the stone figures, while a small stream and waterfalls flow through the garden. The combination of water, jungle, rocks and sculptures creates a peaceful and almost mysterious atmosphere. Visitors can walk along the paths, enjoy the cool mountain surroundings and take photographs of the unique sculptures.

Tarnim Magic Garden is located in the mountainous interior of Koh Samui, and reaching the attraction involves travelling along a steep and winding mountain road. This is one reason why arranging a private taxi is a convenient option, especially for visitors who are not familiar with Koh Samui’s mountain roads. A private taxi allows you to travel comfortably from your hotel or resort and enjoy the journey without having to navigate the route yourself.

The entrance fee is approximately 100 THB per person, according to several current 2026 travel sources. Opening hours are generally around 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily. Entrance fees and opening hours may change, so we recommend checking locally before visiting. The paths and rocks can also become slippery, particularly after rain, so comfortable shoes with good grip are recommended.

If you would like to visit Tarnim Magic Garden as part of a private Koh Samui sightseeing trip, mySamuiTaxi.com offers a private half-day taxi tour for up to 3 passengers, with a standard rate of 2,500 THB for 5 hours. Please note that visiting Magic Garden requires an additional Mountain Area Surcharge of 300 THB on top of the normal tour price. For safety and road conditions, our Magic Garden service is available only by sedan taxi; we do not provide transportation to Magic Garden by minibus or van. Your private driver can take you to Tarnim Magic Garden and other attractions around Koh Samui, allowing you to enjoy a comfortable and flexible sightseeing experience.