Statue of the goddess Guanyin
A towering sacred statue set on a lake platform near Wat Plai Laem, one of Koh Samui's most striking spiritual sites.
Plan your visit
- Hours
- Open 24 hours daily
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.
Details
Full opening hours
Tours that include Statue of the goddess Guanyin
Guided visits and day-tour combos that include Statue of the goddess Guanyin.
Why go, and how to do it well
Standing at the entrance of the Wat Plai Laem temple complex in Bo Put, the Guanyin statue is one of Koh Samui's most visually impressive spiritual landmarks. The multi-armed goddess figure is built onto a platform set within a lake, lending it a serene, otherworldly presence that draws both devoted worshippers and curious travelers. Its proximity to the airport — roughly ten minutes away — makes it an accessible stop at almost any point during a visit to the island.
The statue sits alongside two other notable attractions, the Laughing Buddha and Wat Plai Laem temple itself, all within a one to two minute walk of each other. Visitors can expect a compact but rewarding cluster of ornate religious structures, beautifully constructed and set against the calm water. Some areas of the wider complex remain under ongoing construction, though this does not significantly detract from the experience. Most travelers find that around thirty minutes is sufficient to explore the full area comfortably.
As a place of worship, visitors are encouraged to dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees out of respect for the site's religious significance. There is no entrance fee mentioned by visitors, making it an accessible addition to any Koh Samui itinerary. Arriving earlier in the day is advisable to avoid midday heat and larger tour groups.
Written by Mac Kiley · Updated Oct 2026
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Tours that include Statue of the goddess Guanyin
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Around here, on foot
Well-rated places within a short walk of Statue of the goddess Guanyin, nearest first. Minutes are at an easy pace in the heat.
- 1 minWat Plai LaemTemples & Culture · 60 m · 4.7★
- 1 minPhra Sangkachai Wat Plai LaemTemples & Culture · 110 m · 4.8★
- 3 minSea La Vie Bar and Restaurant Koh SamuiRestaurants & Food · 230 m · 4.7★
- 3 minTango LuxeHotels & Resorts · 240 m · 4.8★
- 4 minCielo SpaWellness & Spas · 310 m · 4.9★
- 6 minMaithy Pool Lounge & RestaurantRestaurants & Food · 520 m · 4.8★
Experience hints
Pair your visit. After Statue of the goddess Guanyin, round out your day in Koh Samui with contrasting stops nearby.
Reviews from Google
Goddess Guan Yin at Wat Plai Laem – A Spiritual Highlight of Ko Samui 🌺🛕 Just 10 minutes from Ko Samui Airport, you'll find one of the island's most breathtaking spiritual landmarks—the majestic statue of the Goddess Guan Yin at Wat Plai Laem. Towering gracefully over a peaceful lake, this multi-armed statue represents the Bodhisattva of Compassion, and it's an unforgettable sight for anyone visiting the island. Open daily to locals and tourists, this vibrant temple welcomes all who seek a moment of peace, a touch of culture, or a beautiful photo to remember their journey. 📷 The architecture is a stunning blend of Thai and Chinese influences, and the spiritual energy here is as warm as the island breeze. Families will find plenty to enjoy too—fish feeding in the temple’s lotus-filled pond is a favorite for kids, giving them something fun to do while parents explore, meditate, or participate in traditional offerings. Whether you're a culture enthusiast, a spiritual seeker, or simply looking for a serene stop on your island itinerary, the Goddess Guan Yin statue at Wat Plai Laem is a must-visit destination in Ko Samui. 🕊️✨
These temples are all near each other. The Goddess of Guanyin, Laughing Buddha and Wat Plai Leam are within 1-2 minutes walk. Impressive statues/ figures and beautifully constructed, well worth the trip to see these places and others if you book a tour that includes it. Also noticeable were some Hindu God statues. It would be nice for more shops to be near by as it's a popular tourist destination. Pleased that I got to do it!
The goddess of Guanyin, laughing Buddha and Wat Plai Leam are located next to each other within 1-2 minutes walk. The area are still under some construction. A short 30min tour of this area is sufficient. There isn’t any resting area or shops. There are strays dogs roaming around, be careful of the dogs poo.
A sample of visitor reviews from Google. Read all 96 reviews on Google.
H3C8+9Q3, 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.
Statue of the goddess Guanyin: Frequently Asked Questions
Is Statue of the goddess Guanyin worth visiting?
Statue of the goddess Guanyin holds a 4.8★ rating from 96 Google reviews, placing it among the highest-rated temples & culture in Koh Samui.
What are the opening hours of Statue of the goddess Guanyin?
Statue of the goddess Guanyin is open 24 hours a day — 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 Statue of the goddess Guanyin?
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).
Where is Statue of the goddess Guanyin located?
Statue of the goddess Guanyin is at H3C8+9Q3, Bo Put, Ko Samui District, Surat Thani 84320, Thailand, in Koh Samui. Getting around Koh Samui: Songthaews (fixed routes around the ring road); Motorbike or scooter rental.
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