Wat Plai Laem
Tranquil, colorful temple complex featuring a lake with an 18-armed statue of the goddess Guanyin.
Experience hints
Pair your visit. After Wat Plai Laem, round out your day in Koh Samui with contrasting stops nearby.
Visitor Reviews
Wat Plai Laem is a truly beautiful and peaceful place. I absolutely loved it. I spent hours there, taking my time to walk around, sit quietly, do my prayers, and take part in the traditional stick-shaking ritual. The atmosphere felt calm, respectful, and deeply spiritual, making it easy to slow down and be fully present. The temple complex is visually stunning, yet it never felt overwhelming or rushed. It’s a place where you can simply be — reflect, breathe, and connect — whether you come for faith, culture, or quiet contemplation. A very special experience, and one of the places on Koh Samui that stayed with me long after I left.
Free entry to these beautiful temples/ Buddhas. Really impressive and stunning views. Fed the catfish, they are everywhere surrounding the temples, and really cheap to get food in the machines that are next to most of the temples. You can also sign a ceramic plate and leave a donation, which I think is a very cute idea
A wonderful place. My husband and I made a wish here, and we truly believe it will come true. Be sure to visit this temple complex. There are many interesting statues and huge fish that you should definitely feed. At sunset, the place becomes even more magical, and you can hear monks chanting.
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.
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). 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