Wat Ratchathammaram Red Temple
The colour is the point. Where most Samui temples go white and gold, this one is deep terracotta red from the roofline down, and almost every inch of it carries carved detail: sea monsters, guardian figures, characters from Buddhist mythology stacked along the walls and eaves. You can stand in one spot for ten minutes and keep finding things you missed.
It's a working temple in Bo Phut, not a set piece, so the grounds are quiet and looked after and there's usually something going on that has nothing to do with tourists. That's the appeal for me. Give it half an hour rather than five minutes, and go early. Doors open at seven, the morning light picks out the relief work far better than harsh midday sun does, and you'll have the place closer to yourself. If you're circling the island's temples in one go, this is the one worth slowing down for.
Book tours & tickets in Koh Samui
Day trips, skip-the-line entry, and guided experiences around Wat Ratchathammaram Red Temple — 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
Pair your visit. After Wat Ratchathammaram Red Temple, round out your day in Koh Samui with contrasting stops nearby.
Also Popular in Koh Samui
Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Samui (Soi 1 Branch)
Ethical elephant sanctuary in Maenam offering daily hands-on encounters with rescued elephants in a jungle setting.
Central Samui
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
Two rude-shaped rocks, free to visit, worth twenty minutes and a coconut ice cream on the way out.
THE COCOON - SAMUI VIEWPOINT
Hanging nets over the jungle canopy, sunset timed right, and a live band once it gets dark.
Wat Ratchathammaram Red Temple: Frequently Asked Questions
Is Wat Ratchathammaram Red Temple worth visiting?
Wat Ratchathammaram Red Temple holds a 4.6★ rating from 2,476 Google reviews, placing it among the highest-rated temples & culture in Koh Samui.
What are the opening hours of Wat Ratchathammaram Red Temple?
Wat Ratchathammaram Red Temple is typically open 07:00-17:00 — 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 Wat Ratchathammaram Red Temple?
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 Wat Ratchathammaram Red Temple located?
Wat Ratchathammaram Red Temple is at วัดพระธาตุศิลางู ตำบล บ่อผุด Amphoe Ko Samui, Chang Wat Surat Thani 84320, Thailand, in Koh Samui. Getting around Koh Samui: Songthaews (fixed routes around the ring road); Motorbike or scooter rental.
Location Info
วัดพระธาตุศิลางู ตำบล บ่อผุด Amphoe Ko Samui, Chang Wat Surat Thani 84320, ThailandVisitor 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). 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 Wat Ratchathammaram Red Temple
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
Compare rates on Booking.com
Largest selection
Compare rates on Expedia
Bundle & save
Compare rates on Hotels.com
Member prices
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
Chedi Phra That Sila Ngu
A small red-and-gold seaside temple where the sculpture work rewards ten slow minutes, not two.
Overlap stone
A balanced rock formation with real meaning for local Buddhists, and a ten-minute stop at most.
Guan Yu Koh Samui Shrine
A striking 16-metre bronze statue of Guan Yu anchors this free Chinese shrine in Maret, Koh Samui.
Am Samui Palace
A peaceful Buddhist temple in Koh Samui's Maret subdistrict, offering an authentic cultural escape from the island's beaches.
Similar Temples & Culture Across Thailand
Wat Phra Kaew
Go at 08:30 or don't bother, the Emerald Buddha's courtyards fill up fast and stay full until closing.
Doi Suthep Temple
Go at first light, before the tour vans arrive, and the golden chedi and the whole Chiang Mai valley are yours.
The Grand Palace
Go at 08:30 sharp, cover your shoulders and legs, and give it three hours rather than one.
The Sanctuary of Truth Museum
A hand-carved wooden giant still under construction, and watching the carpenters work is half the point.
Where to stay near Wat Ratchathammaram Red Temple
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
Compare rates on Booking.com
Largest selection
Compare rates on Expedia
Bundle & save
Compare rates on Hotels.com
Member prices
We may earn a commission from bookings made through these links — at no extra cost to you. Learn more.
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). 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