Big Stone Hands
Two enormous stone hands sit at the side of the road next to a cluster of concrete fruit, and the effect is closer to Wonderland than to anything else on Samui. That's the whole appeal. You climb the stairs built into the sculptures, take your photos, and carry on. Ten or fifteen minutes is about right.
Most people find it while driving up towards the mountain, often en route to the Tarnim Magic Garden, and that's how I'd treat it: a stop, not a destination. It's quiet, which is half the charm. It's also visibly unfinished, with rough construction and some dodgy-looking electrical work on show, so temper your expectations. If offbeat half-built oddities amuse you, you'll like it. If you want polish, keep driving.
The one real warning from people who've climbed up: the surfaces get slippery and there's nothing to catch you. No railings, no soft landing. Wear shoes with grip and think twice about letting small children scramble around unsupervised.
Book tours & tickets in Koh Samui
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Experience hints
Pair your visit. After Big Stone Hands, round out your day in Koh Samui with contrasting stops nearby.
Reviews from Google
Looks pretty cool but unfinished. Like the stopped building but bad electrics installed . Cute little getaway if they finish the job
Unique and picturesque spot that you pass by on the way to the mountain top. Very big stone sculptures made with stairs so you can go up on them but be careful as it can be a bit slippery and there’s nothing to save you. I would recommend you go visit this small site and take some good pictures
I was on my way to the Tarnim Magic Garden and stopped because it looked mildly interesting.
A sample of visitor reviews from Google. Read all 97 reviews on Google.
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Big Stone Hands: Frequently Asked Questions
Is Big Stone Hands worth visiting?
Big Stone Hands holds a 4.3★ rating from 97 Google reviews — a strong rating for temples & culture in Koh Samui.
When is the best time to visit Big Stone Hands?
The best months to visit Koh Samui are January – August, 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).
Where is Big Stone Hands located?
Big Stone Hands is at Unnamed Road, FXHW+57V ตำบล หน้าเมือง อำเภอเกาะสมุย สุราษฎร์ธานี 84140, Thailand, in Koh Samui. Getting around Koh Samui: Songthaews (fixed routes around the ring road); Motorbike or scooter rental.
Visitor Information
Best time to visit
January – August
Avoid: October – December (Gulf Coast monsoon)
Rainy season
October – December
Avg. temperature
24°C – 32°C(75°F – 90°F)
Crowds
Peak: July – August & December
Getting there
Koh Samui Airport (USM) has direct flights from Bangkok and regional hubs (Bangkok Airways monopoly). The ferry from Surat Thani takes ~1.5 hrs and it's cheaper.
Getting around
- •Songthaews (fixed routes around the ring road)
- •Motorbike or scooter rental
- •Taxis (metered or negotiate upfront)
- •Grab available in main areas
Where to stay near Big Stone Hands
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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
Paradise Park Farm
A working farm and temple grounds up in the hills, for people who've had enough of the beach.
Cobra Show Thailand
A live cobra show in Na Mueang offering a glimpse into Thailand's cultural relationship with these iconic snakes.
Wat Teepangkorn
A mountaintop Buddhist temple on Koh Samui offering panoramic 360-degree views at around 600 metres elevation.
Pra Buddha Dīpankara
Half the fun is the rough hill road up, and the island views at the top pay you back for it.
Similar Temples & Culture Across Thailand
Wat Phra Kaew
Go at 08:30 or don't bother, the Emerald Buddha's courtyards fill up fast and stay full until closing.
Doi Suthep Temple
Go at first light, before the tour vans arrive, and the golden chedi and the whole Chiang Mai valley are yours.
The Grand Palace
Go at 08:30 sharp, cover your shoulders and legs, and give it three hours rather than one.
The Sanctuary of Truth Museum
A hand-carved wooden giant still under construction, and watching the carpenters work is half the point.
Where to stay near Big Stone Hands
Find hotels in Koh Samui 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 Expedia
Bundle & save
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
January – August
Avoid: October – December (Gulf Coast monsoon)
Rainy season
October – December
Avg. temperature
24°C – 32°C(75°F – 90°F)
Crowds
Peak: July – August & December
Getting there
Koh Samui Airport (USM) has direct flights from Bangkok and regional hubs (Bangkok Airways monopoly). The ferry from Surat Thani takes ~1.5 hrs and it's cheaper.
Getting around
- •Songthaews (fixed routes around the ring road)
- •Motorbike or scooter rental
- •Taxis (metered or negotiate upfront)
- •Grab available in main areas