Big Buddha Temple (Wat Phra Yai)
Samui's 12-meter golden Buddha on the Koh Fan islet, joined to the shore by a causeway. Free, open daily 07:00 to 18:30, 1 km from Wat Plai Laem.
Plan your visit
- Hours
- Daily 07:00–18:30
- Entry
- Free
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.
Finding your way around Big Buddha Temple (Wat Phra Yai)
Layouts, fares and hours change. If something here has moved, use “Suggest a correction” at the bottom of the page.
Getting there and around
- On Koh Fan, a small islet joined to Samui's northeast coast by a short causeway about 3 km north of the airport, around 10 minutes by car.
- The parking lot at the foot of the causeway fills up, especially on weekend evenings when the approach road becomes a small market.
- Wat Plai Laem is about 1 km east, and Fisherman's Village in Bo Phut is a short drive west.
Details
Full opening hours
Tours that include Big Buddha Temple (Wat Phra Yai)
Guided visits and day-tour combos that include Big Buddha Temple (Wat Phra Yai).
Why go, and how to do it well
Half an hour is usually enough here, and that's not a criticism. The gilded Buddha, 12 meters tall and built in 1972, sits on Koh Fan, a small islet joined to Samui's northeast coast by a short causeway about 3 km north of the airport, and you can see it from much of the shoreline and from the plane on approach. Climb the dragon staircase to the platform anyway. From the top you get views across the bay, a breeze, and a clear line down the runway at the propeller planes coming in.
It's a working temple, not a museum piece, and monks give blessings through the day. Entry is free, with donation boxes if you want to give something. The stalls at the bottom sell snacks and souvenirs at tourist prices, and the toilets are basic. Go early. The tour vans start arriving around 09:30, and mornings are calmer and better for photos.
Cover your shoulders and knees and take your shoes off on the platform. Visitors in beachwear do get turned away, so wear light pants or bring a sarong instead of counting on a loan at the stairs.
Wat Plai Laem, with its 18-armed Guanyin on a lake, is about 1 km east, so do both in one morning. The parking lot at the foot of the causeway fills up, especially on weekend evenings when the approach road becomes a small market. The temple is open daily from 07:00 to 18:30, and Fisherman's Village in Bo Phut is a short drive west for lunch.
Written by Mac Kiley · Updated Oct 2026
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Around here, on foot
Well-rated places within a short walk of Big Buddha Temple (Wat Phra Yai), nearest first. Minutes are at an easy pace in the heat.
Experience hints
Pair your visit. After Big Buddha Temple (Wat Phra Yai), round out your day in Koh Samui with contrasting stops nearby.
Reviews from Google
The souvenir shop “B SOU” near the Big Buddha Temple in Koh Samui truly stands out, not just for its fantastic selection of authentic Thai items, but also for its exceptional customer service. The owners are incredibly lovely and respectful, making every visitor feel welcomed. Their warm smiles and genuine enthusiasm for sharing Thai culture enhance the shopping experience immensely. It's heartening to see how they embody the spirit of hospitality, and it’s a reminder of the importance of respecting local culture. We truly enjoyed our time there and encourage everyone to visit, soak in the vibrant atmosphere, and say hi to the owners. You’ll leave with wonderful souvenirs and fond memories! Thank you Bell for the peaceful energy from Lucky Buddha 🙏🏼 And see you soon 🤩
Beautiful temple with a massive gold Buddha, no surprise called big Buddah. It’s free to get in (you can give donations) and look about, quite a lots of steps to the top but you get a great view is at the bottom. Lots of gift shops about for snacks or tourist stuff. There’s a few loo but it’s very basic, the loo isn’t 5 star but at least it exists. It’s a classic spot for a tourist photo as per examples. Some really nice bars just at the entrance to the big Buddha island.
Truly gorgeous spot. Inlet where can see bits of water and beautiful scenes. Calm relaxing breezy down to earth and laid back.. gorgeous spot. 360 views of different bays in samui..reccomneded one of the most prime.spots on samui.and this part of the island.. easy entrance free. Easy to find.. worth an hour stop for.sure
A sample of visitor reviews from Google. Read all 11,423 reviews on Google.
H3C6+87P, Bo Put, Ko Samui District, Surat Thani 84320, Thailand
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Tips for Visiting Temples & Culture
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.
Go Early Morning
Big-name temples are dramatically less crowded in the first hour after opening. You'll also avoid the worst of the midday heat and get softer light for photos.
Big Buddha Temple (Wat Phra Yai): Frequently Asked Questions
What is the entrance fee for the Big Buddha Temple on Koh Samui?
There isn't one. Entry is free, with donation boxes if you want to give something.
What are the Big Buddha's opening hours?
Daily from 07:00 to 18:30. Go early, before the tour vans that start arriving around 09:30.
Can you wear shorts to the Big Buddha?
Not short ones. Cover your shoulders and knees and take your shoes off on the platform. Visitors in beachwear do get turned away, so wear light pants or bring a sarong.
How far is Wat Plai Laem from the Big Buddha?
About 1 km east, a few minutes by car, so most people do both in one morning.
How tall is the Big Buddha on Koh Samui?
12 meters. The gold-painted statue was built in 1972.
Is Big Buddha Temple (Wat Phra Yai) worth visiting?
Big Buddha Temple (Wat Phra Yai) holds a 4.5★ rating from 11,423 Google reviews, placing it among the highest-rated temples & culture in Koh Samui.
When is the best time to visit Big Buddha Temple (Wat Phra Yai)?
The best months to visit Koh Samui are January – September, with the most reliable weather. Crowds peak in July – August & December — going early in the day usually means fewer people. Months to think twice about: October – December (Gulf Coast monsoon).
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