Skip to main content
Visit Thailand Today
Temples & Culture
Koh Samui

Buddha's Footprint

3.9(320 reviews)

Tucked into the hills of Na Mueang, this Buddhist shrine centres on a sacred imprint traditionally believed to have been left by Buddha himself. The site sits at the top of a steep staircase climb, and while the ascent requires some effort, it rewards visitors with panoramic views over the surrounding landscape and a genuine sense of quiet removed from Koh Samui's busier coastal areas. For travellers looking to engage with the island's spiritual culture rather than its beaches, it offers a meaningful point of difference. The atmosphere is contemplative and unhurried, with some visitors describing it as atmospheric and spiritually charged. It is worth noting, however, that recent visitors have observed the site showing signs of neglect, with dust, dirt, and general disrepair noted in some accounts. The footprint itself remains the focal point and is considered the highlight of the visit. Those who appreciate quiet, off-the-beaten-path cultural sites are likely to find more value here than those expecting a well-maintained attraction. Good to know: Dress respectfully by covering shoulders and knees, as is expected at Thai temple sites. The climb involves a significant number of stairs, so comfortable footwear is advisable. Visitors should also be aware that toilet facilities have been reported as non-functional, so plan accordingly. As admission details are not listed online, it is worth confirming locally or through your accommodation before making the trip.

Book tours & tickets in Koh Samui

Day trips, skip-the-line entry, and guided experiences around Buddha's Footprint — book ahead and skip the on-the-ground markup.

We may earn a commission from bookings made through these links — at no extra cost to you. Learn more.

Experience hints

Reviews from Google

A truly beautiful place, serene and full of spirit. The stairs may be a little steep for some, yet if you visit, take a moment to make merit, offer a small donation at the box before the sacred footprint. When entering the building at the top please take of your shoes! This place carries great peace, and your kindness will help preserve it.

I walking to the Buddha foot print every month,meditation and So fresh air , toilet is not work .

One of those sad places in Samui where you can see former fame. A place which seems to have been forgotten by now. Empty, covered in dust and dirt, falling apart. The footprint itself is interesting, the view from there awesome, but everything except for a little house, where most likely the monk lives, is in a very bad condition. A calm place which however made me very sad. Interesting to see in the refences below that the toilets, e.g., were fine and considered luxurious only 2 years ago. Now there is no water, it is getting covered by plants (hardly to see) and inside it is covered in dirt. From the outside interesting, from the inside disgusting.

A sample of visitor reviews from Google. Read all 320 reviews on Google.

Also Popular in Koh Samui

Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Samui (Soi 1 Branch)
Sponsored

Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Samui (Soi 1 Branch)

4.8(472)$$$$
Soi Maenam 1, Maenam, Amphoe Ko Samui, Chang Wat Surat Thani 84330, Thailand

Ethical elephant sanctuary in Maenam offering daily hands-on encounters with rescued elephants in a jungle setting.

Central Samui

Central Samui

4.4(11,280)
209 209/1-2 หมู่ที่ 2 ตำบล บ่อผุด Tambon Bo Put, Amphoe Ko Samui, Chang Wat Surat Thani 84320, Thailand

Air-con when you need it, open-air wings when you don't, and a food court worth the trip on its own.

Hin Ta Hin Yai

Hin Ta Hin Yai

4.2(11,240)
92 84310 126/92 Moo 3 Tambon Maret, Amphoe Ko Samui, Chang Wat Surat Thani 84310, Thailand

Two rude-shaped rocks, free to visit, worth twenty minutes and a coconut ice cream on the way out.

THE COCOON - SAMUI VIEWPOINT

THE COCOON - SAMUI VIEWPOINT

4.7(10,565)$$$$
33, 67, Tambon Bo Put, Amphoe Ko Samui, Chang Wat Surat Thani 84320, Thailand

Hanging nets over the jungle canopy, sunset timed right, and a live band once it gets dark.

Buddha's Footprint: Frequently Asked Questions

Is Buddha's Footprint worth visiting?

Buddha's Footprint holds a 3.9★ rating from 320 Google reviews. Reviews are mixed, so check recent visitor feedback above to see if it fits your plans.

What are the opening hours of Buddha's Footprint?

Buddha's Footprint is typically open 05:00-17:30 — 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 Buddha's Footprint?

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 Buddha's Footprint located?

Buddha's Footprint is at C2J3+MHP, Na Mueang, Ko Samui District, Surat Thani 84140, Thailand, in Koh Samui. Getting around Koh Samui: Songthaews (fixed routes around the ring road); Motorbike or scooter rental.

Location Info

C2J3+MHP, Na Mueang, Ko Samui District, Surat Thani 84140, Thailand
Opening Hours
Monday05:00–17:30
Tuesday05:00–17:30
Wednesday05:00–17:30
Thursday05:00–17:30
Friday05:00–17:30
Saturday05:00–17:30
Sunday05:00–17:30

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

High

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 Buddha's Footprint

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

We may earn a commission from bookings made through these links — at no extra cost to you. Learn more.

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

House of Lucie Samui / Samui Art Center
Hidden Gem

House of Lucie Samui / Samui Art Center

5.0(32)
2 23 หมู่ 2 Proo Na Mueang Rd, Tambon Maret, Amphoe Ko Samui, Chang Wat Surat Thani 84310, Thailand

A serene two-storey art gallery beside a lotus lake, showcasing rotating exhibitions by national and international artists.

Wat Samret

Wat Samret

4.6(471)
C2Q6+676, 2/4 Proo Na Mueang Rd, Tambon Na Mueang, Amphoe Ko Samui, Chang Wat Surat Thani 84140, Thailand

One of Koh Samui's oldest Buddhist temples, offering a quiet, authentic glimpse into local religious life.

Wat Kham Pho Charoen (Across from Ban Na Khai School)
Hidden Gem

Wat Kham Pho Charoen (Across from Ban Na Khai School)

4.4(24)
Maret, Ko Samui District, Surat Thani 84310, Thailand

A modest working Buddhist temple on Koh Samui known for its free English classes and community focus.

Wat Khunaram (Phra Wihan Luang Pho Daeng)

Wat Khunaram (Phra Wihan Luang Pho Daeng)

4.5(2,526)
C2X2+R49 วัดคุณาราม Tambon Na Mueang, Amphoe Ko Samui, Chang Wat Surat Thani 84140, Thailand

The mummified monk in the glass case is the reason to come, and it's a stranger, quieter stop than you'd expect.

Similar Temples & Culture Across Thailand

Wat Phra Kaew
Featured

Wat Phra Kaew

4.7(43,722)
Na Phra Lan Rd, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200

Go at 08:30 or don't bother, the Emerald Buddha's courtyards fill up fast and stay full until closing.

Doi Suthep Temple
Featured

Doi Suthep Temple

4.7(12,029)
Doi Suthep, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50200

Go at first light, before the tour vans arrive, and the golden chedi and the whole Chiang Mai valley are yours.

The Grand Palace

The Grand Palace

4.6(79,769)
Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200, Thailand

Go at 08:30 sharp, cover your shoulders and legs, and give it three hours rather than one.

The Sanctuary of Truth Museum

The Sanctuary of Truth Museum

4.7(46,481)
206, 2 Soi Na Kluea 12, Muang Pattaya, Amphoe Bang Lamung, Chang Wat Chon Buri 20150, Thailand

A hand-carved wooden giant still under construction, and watching the carpenters work is half the point.