Wat Thamma Sathit
Wat Thamma Sathit is a traditional Buddhist temple serving both the local community and visitors on Koh Samet, offering a genuine and peaceful contrast to the island's more well-known beach attractions. Situated in the Ban Phe area of Rayong Province, the temple provides a space for quiet reflection and an authentic glimpse into Thai religious life, away from the busier tourist zones along the coast. Visitors can expect a calm, contemplative atmosphere with traditional temple architecture, Buddha images, and the gentle sounds of daily worship. The temple functions as an active place of religious practice, so guests may encounter monks, local devotees, and offerings that make the experience feel genuine rather than performative. The surroundings are modest and unhurried, making it a worthwhile stop for travellers curious about Thai culture and Buddhism. Good to know: the temple is open every day from 05:00 to 22:00, giving visitors flexibility to visit early in the morning when the atmosphere is particularly serene, or in the evening as the day cools. As with all Buddhist temples in Thailand, visitors should dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees before entering. There is no official website, but a Facebook community group exists for those wanting to learn more before visiting.
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Experience hints
Pair your visit. After Wat Thamma Sathit, round out your day in Koh Samet with contrasting stops nearby.
Also Popular in Koh Samet

Koh Samet
A compact island near Rayong offering white sand beaches, clear waters, and coral reefs within easy reach of Bangkok.

Ko Kloi Floating Market
A lakeside floating market near Rayong with souvenir shops, dining, and fish-feeding activities.

Nuanthip Pier
The main ferry departure point connecting the mainland at Ban Phe to Koh Samet island.

Saikaew Beach Resort
Upscale beachfront resort on Koh Samet with bright rooms, three pools, a spa, and open-air dining.
Wat Thamma Sathit: Frequently Asked Questions
Is Wat Thamma Sathit worth visiting?
Wat Thamma Sathit holds a 4.7★ rating from 437 Google reviews, placing it among the highest-rated temples & culture in Koh Samet.
What are the opening hours of Wat Thamma Sathit?
Wat Thamma Sathit is typically open 05:00-22:00 — 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 Thamma Sathit?
The best months to visit Koh Samet are November – April (driest island near Bangkok), with the most reliable weather. Crowds peak in Weekends & Thai public holidays — going early in the day usually means fewer people. Months to think twice about: Thai long weekends (crowds, not weather).
Where is Wat Thamma Sathit located?
Wat Thamma Sathit is at บ้านเพ PC3R+M8X, Tambon Sam Nak Thong, Amphoe Mueang Rayong, Chang Wat Rayong 21000, Thailand, in Koh Samet. Getting around Koh Samet: Green songthaews between the pier and the beaches; Walking — the east-coast beaches connect via a coastal path.
Location Info
บ้านเพ PC3R+M8X, Tambon Sam Nak Thong, Amphoe Mueang Rayong, Chang Wat Rayong 21000, Thailand+66 81 454 8658www.facebook.com/groups/582599508570416/Visitor Information
Best time to visit
November – April (driest island near Bangkok)
Avoid: Thai long weekends (crowds, not weather)
Rainy season
May – October (lighter than elsewhere)
Avg. temperature
25°C – 33°C(77°F – 91°F)
Crowds
Peak: Weekends & Thai public holidays
Getting there
Bus or minivan from Bangkok's Ekkamai terminal to Ban Phe pier in Rayong (~3–3.5 hrs), then a 40-minute ferry or 15-minute speedboat to Na Dan pier. The island is part of a national park — foreigners pay a ฿200 entry fee on arrival.
Getting around
- •Green songthaews between the pier and the beaches
- •Walking — the east-coast beaches connect via a coastal path
- •Motorbike rental (฿300/day; interior roads are partly dirt)
Where to stay near Wat Thamma Sathit
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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.
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 Thamma Sathit
Find hotels in Koh Samet 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 – April (driest island near Bangkok)
Avoid: Thai long weekends (crowds, not weather)
Rainy season
May – October (lighter than elsewhere)
Avg. temperature
25°C – 33°C(77°F – 91°F)
Crowds
Peak: Weekends & Thai public holidays
Getting there
Bus or minivan from Bangkok's Ekkamai terminal to Ban Phe pier in Rayong (~3–3.5 hrs), then a 40-minute ferry or 15-minute speedboat to Na Dan pier. The island is part of a national park — foreigners pay a ฿200 entry fee on arrival.
Getting around
- •Green songthaews between the pier and the beaches
- •Walking — the east-coast beaches connect via a coastal path
- •Motorbike rental (฿300/day; interior roads are partly dirt)