Wat Lamai
Experience hints
Pair your visit. After Wat Lamai, round out your day in Koh Samui with contrasting stops nearby.
Visitor Reviews
Beautiful temple area with a lot of statues to look at. Situated in the center of Lamai this place is easy to go to and offer a good cultural experience. The temple dogs seems to be used to a lot of visitors since they don’t mind your presence at all so also a safe temple to go see with the kids
Visited by chance and absolutely loved it! Wat Lamai is not very popular, but it’s stunning with its peaceful atmosphere and unique figures of riders. A hidden gem worth exploring!
Beautiful temple a must see if you are on Koh Samui
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.
Also Popular in Koh Samui
Ko Pha Ngan
White-sand beaches & coconut trees on island known for its monthly Full Moon Party celebrations.
Ko Tao
Island offering scenic white sand beaches, coral reefs & scuba diving, with numerous resorts & bars.
Central Samui
Koh Samui's largest mall blends indoor and open-air shopping with local markets, dining, and family amenities.
Hin Ta Hin Yai
Storied natural rock formations known for bearing a resemblance to male & female genitalia.
Similar Temples & Culture Across Thailand
Wat Phra Kaew
Thailand's most sacred Buddhist temple, home to the Emerald Buddha
Doi Suthep Temple
Hilltop temple overlooking Chiang Mai with stunning golden chedi
The Grand Palace
Built in 1782, this ornate royal palace complex now houses a museum & is open to visitors.
Pattaya Walking Street
Colorful red-light area, closed to vehicles nightly & lined with bars, nightclubs, eateries & neon.
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). Ferry from Surat Thani takes ~1.5 hrs — a cheaper option.
Getting around
- •Songthaews (fixed routes around the ring road)
- •Motorbike or scooter rental
- •Taxis (metered or negotiate upfront)
- •Grab available in main areas