Wat Plai Laem
An 18-armed Guanyin rising out of a fish-filled lake, a giant laughing Buddha and bright Thai-Chinese halls. Free, open daily from about 06:00 to 18:00.
Plan your visit
- Hours
- Daily 06:00–18:00
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.
Finding your way around Wat Plai Laem
Layouts, fares and hours change. If something here has moved, use “Suggest a correction” at the bottom of the page.
Around the lake
- The 18-armed Guanyin
- The white goddess of mercy on her platform in the lake, the statue everyone photographs.
- Phra Sangkachai
- The giant laughing Buddha on his own platform across the water.
- The ordination hall
- Between the two, covered in ceramic tile, with murals inside.
- The lake
- Catfish, carp and turtles. Feeding them from the machines by the halls counts as merit-making.
Getting there and around
- On Samui's northeast tip, about 1 km east of the Big Buddha, so most people do both in one morning, ideally from 08:00 before the tour vans.
Details
- Phone
- 093 980 1366
Full opening hours
Tours that include Wat Plai Laem
Guided visits and day-tour combos that include Wat Plai Laem.
Why go, and how to do it well
Half an hour is enough here, and that's not a criticism. Wat Plai Laem, built between 2004 and 2009 in a bright Thai-Chinese style, is set around a lake on Samui's northeast tip, and its white 18-armed Guanyin, the goddess of mercy, stands on a platform in the water as the thing everyone photographs. Across the water a giant laughing Buddha, Phra Sangkachai, sits on its own platform, and the ordination hall between them is covered in ceramic tile and murals worth slowing down for.
The lake is thick with catfish and carp, and there are turtles too. The fish food machines beside the buildings cost next to nothing, and feeding the fish counts as merit-making. Kids love it. Adults pretend they don't. You can also sign a ceramic plate for a donation, and there's stick-shaking for anyone who wants their fortune told.
It's open every day from about 06:00 to 18:00, so the morning works well here. I'd come at 08:00 and pair it with the Big Buddha, about 1 km west, before the tour vans that start arriving around 09:30.
Entry is free and donations are welcome. It's an active temple, so cover your shoulders and knees and take your shoes off before you enter the halls.
Written by Mac Kiley · Updated Oct 2026
Stay within reach of Wat Plai Laem
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Tours that include Wat Plai Laem
Guided visits and day-tour combos that include Wat Plai Laem.
Around here, on foot
Well-rated places within a short walk of Wat Plai Laem, nearest first. Minutes are at an easy pace in the heat.
- 1 minPhra Sangkachai Wat Plai LaemTemples & Culture · 50 m · 4.8★
- 1 minStatue of the goddess GuanyinTemples & Culture · 60 m · 4.8★
- 3 minSea La Vie Bar and Restaurant Koh SamuiRestaurants & Food · 250 m · 4.7★
- 3 minTango LuxeHotels & Resorts · 260 m · 4.8★
- 4 minCielo SpaWellness & Spas · 330 m · 4.9★
- 7 minMaithy Pool Lounge & RestaurantRestaurants & Food · 570 m · 4.8★
Experience hints
Pair your visit. After Wat Plai Laem, round out your day in Koh Samui with contrasting stops nearby.
Reviews from Google
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.
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.
A pretty cool stop (part of package) if you’re into temples, Thai culture, or just want to see something a bit different. The grounds are really nicely maintained, with colourful statues and a big lake full of fish. The natural views around the temple are lovely, and it’s a nice spot for photos even if you’re not super into religious sites. It’s not a huge temple complex, so you won’t be there for long, but it’s worth a quick visit while you’re in Koh Samui, especially paired with Big Buddha (part of the tour too if you get same package). Overall, a clean, scenic, and a simple stop if you enjoy temples or just want a break from the beach.
A sample of visitor reviews from Google. Read all 8,388 reviews on Google.
Wat Plai Laem, 4171, Thailand, Amphoe Ko Samui, Chang Wat 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.
Wat Plai Laem: Frequently Asked Questions
Is there an entrance fee for Wat Plai Laem?
No, entry is free. Donations are welcome, and fish food costs next to nothing.
What are Wat Plai Laem's opening hours?
Daily from about 06:00 to 18:00. Some map listings show late-night hours that don't apply, so plan on daylight, and on 08:00 to beat the tour vans.
What should you wear to Wat Plai Laem?
Cover your shoulders and knees, and take your shoes off before you enter the halls. It's an active temple.
How far is Wat Plai Laem from the Big Buddha?
About 1 km, a few minutes by car. Do both in one morning.
Is Wat Laem Suwannaram the same as Wat Plai Laem?
Yes. Wat Laem Suwannaram is the temple's formal name, and Wat Plai Laem is the name everyone uses.
Is Wat Plai Laem worth visiting?
Wat Plai Laem holds a 4.7★ rating from 8,388 Google reviews, placing it among the highest-rated temples & culture in Koh Samui.
When is the best time to visit Wat Plai Laem?
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).
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