Wat Ao Salad
Wat Ao Salad is a traditional Buddhist temple located on Koh Kut, one of Thailand's quieter and less commercialised islands in the eastern Gulf of Thailand. The temple serves as an active place of worship for the local community and offers visitors a genuine and unhurried encounter with Thai Buddhist culture, away from the crowds that gather at more prominent temples on the mainland or larger islands. The grounds provide a calm and contemplative atmosphere, making it a worthwhile stop for travellers seeking to understand the spiritual and cultural fabric of island life in this part of Thailand. Visitors can expect modest religious structures, traditional decorative elements, and the kind of peaceful setting that reflects the slower pace of Koh Kut itself. The temple is open every day of the week from 08:00 to 17:00, making it easy to incorporate into a day of island exploration. As with all active Buddhist temples in Thailand, visitors should dress respectfully by covering their shoulders and knees before entering. Given its location on Koh Kut rather than the more commonly referenced Koh Chang, travellers should confirm transport options in advance, as the island has limited connections. The temple maintains a Facebook page for any updated information on events or closures.
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Experience hints
Pair your visit. After Wat Ao Salad, round out your day in Koh Chang with contrasting stops nearby.
Also Popular in Koh Chang

Koh Chang
A large, jungle-covered island in eastern Thailand offering beaches, waterfalls, diving, and hiking trails.

Koh Kood
Koh Kood (Ko Kut) is Thailand's fourth-largest island and arguably its most unspoiled — empty white beaches like Klong Chao and Ao Noi, water clear enough to shame the Andaman, waterfall swims in the jungle interior, and mangrove canals made for kayaking.

Ko Mak
A quiet Thai island escape with clear waters, long beaches, and a laid-back atmosphere near Koh Chang.

Mu Ko Chang National Park
A protected marine and jungle park spanning Koh Chang and surrounding islands, open daily.
Wat Ao Salad: Frequently Asked Questions
Is Wat Ao Salad worth visiting?
Wat Ao Salad holds a 4.7★ rating from 87 Google reviews, placing it among the highest-rated temples & culture in Koh Chang.
What are the opening hours of Wat Ao Salad?
Wat Ao Salad is typically open 08:00-17:00 — see the full day-by-day schedule in the location info on this page. Hours can change on Thai public holidays, so check ahead for holiday visits.
When is the best time to visit Wat Ao Salad?
The best months to visit Koh Chang are November – March, with the most reliable weather. Crowds peak in December – January — going early in the day usually means fewer people. Months to think twice about: June – September (rough seas, many closures).
Where is Wat Ao Salad located?
Wat Ao Salad is at 72 วัดอ่าวสลัด Tambon Ko Kut, 23000, in Koh Chang. Getting around Koh Chang: Shared songthaews along the west-coast road; Motorbike rental (฿200–300/day — the hills between beaches are steep, ride carefully).
Location Info
72 วัดอ่าวสลัด Tambon Ko Kut, 23000+66 98 443 6182www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100066798617027&mibextid=ZbWKwLVisitor Information
Best time to visit
November – March
Avoid: June – September (rough seas, many closures)
Rainy season
May – October
Avg. temperature
24°C – 32°C(75°F – 90°F)
Crowds
Peak: December – January
Getting there
No airport on the island. From Bangkok, take a bus or minivan to Trat (5–6 hrs) or fly Bangkok Airways to Trat (TDX, ~1 hr), then the car ferry from Ao Thammachat pier (~30–45 min). Combined bus-and-ferry tickets are sold from Ekkamai.
Getting around
- •Shared songthaews along the west-coast road
- •Motorbike rental (฿200–300/day — the hills between beaches are steep, ride carefully)
- •Taxis and hotel transfers from the ferry pier
- •Longtail and speedboat trips from Bang Bao pier for island hopping
Where to stay near Wat Ao Salad
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Tips for Visiting Temples & Culture
Dress Modestly
Cover shoulders and knees at all temples. Carry a light scarf or sarong — some temples lend wraps, but not all. Shoes come off before entering any building with a Buddha image.
Mind Your Feet
Never point your feet at a Buddha image or a monk — it's considered deeply disrespectful. When sitting inside a temple, tuck your feet behind you or to the side.
Ask Before Photographing
Exterior photos are almost always fine, but some interior halls prohibit photography. Look for signs, and never pose irreverently with Buddha images — it's a legal offense in Thailand.
Nearby Places

Big Buddha Statue
A striking hilltop Buddha statue on Koh Chang offering peaceful surroundings and scenic island views.

Khlong Yai Kee Waterfall
A scenic jungle waterfall on Koh Kut, offering a refreshing natural escape amid lush tropical forest.
Similar Temples & Culture Across Thailand

Wat Phra Kaew
Bangkok's most sacred temple sits within the Grand Palace complex, home to the revered Emerald Buddha.

Doi Suthep Temple
A sacred mountaintop Buddhist temple from 1383, offering a golden chedi and sweeping views over Chiang Mai.

The Grand Palace
A breathtaking 18th-century royal palace complex showcasing centuries of Thai history, gold-adorned architecture, and sacred temples.

The Sanctuary of Truth Museum
A towering all-wood monument in Pattaya, hand-carved without nails and still under construction after decades.
Where to stay near Wat Ao Salad
Find hotels in Koh Chang on the booking sites travellers trust most.
- Compare prices across sites
- Filter for free cancellation
- Secure checkout on the partner site
Compare rates on Booking.com
Largest selection
Compare rates on Agoda
Asia-focused selection
Compare rates on Hotels.com
Member prices
We may earn a commission from bookings made through these links — at no extra cost to you. Learn more.
Location Info
Visitor Information
Best time to visit
November – March
Avoid: June – September (rough seas, many closures)
Rainy season
May – October
Avg. temperature
24°C – 32°C(75°F – 90°F)
Crowds
Peak: December – January
Getting there
No airport on the island. From Bangkok, take a bus or minivan to Trat (5–6 hrs) or fly Bangkok Airways to Trat (TDX, ~1 hr), then the car ferry from Ao Thammachat pier (~30–45 min). Combined bus-and-ferry tickets are sold from Ekkamai.
Getting around
- •Shared songthaews along the west-coast road
- •Motorbike rental (฿200–300/day — the hills between beaches are steep, ride carefully)
- •Taxis and hotel transfers from the ferry pier
- •Longtail and speedboat trips from Bang Bao pier for island hopping