Wat Ratchathammaram Red Temple
Terracotta-red carvings crawling over every surface, and a working temple rather than a photo stop.
Plan your visit
- Hours
- Daily 07:00–17:00
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.
Details
Full opening hours
Tours that include Wat Ratchathammaram Red Temple
Guided visits and day-tour combos that include Wat Ratchathammaram Red Temple.
Why go, and how to do it well
The color 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, with 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.
Written by Mac Kiley · Updated Oct 2026
Stay within reach of Wat Ratchathammaram Red Temple
SponsoredSearch Koh Samui hotels with your dates. Filter for free cancellation if you want to hold a room and decide later.
See hotels near Wat Ratchathammaram Red TempleOpens Booking.com with your dates
Tours that include Wat Ratchathammaram Red Temple
Guided visits and day-tour combos that include Wat Ratchathammaram Red Temple.
Around here, on foot
Well-rated places within a short walk of Wat Ratchathammaram Red Temple, nearest first. Minutes are at an easy pace in the heat.
- 1 minChedi Phra That Sila NguTemples & Culture · 50 m · 4.6★
- 2 minRocky's Boutique Resort - Veranda Collection SamuiHotels & Resorts · 190 m · 4.8★
- 3 minThe dining roomRestaurants & Food · 200 m · 4.9★
- 3 minThe Villa Coco, Koh SamuiHotels & Resorts · 210 m · 4.9★
- 4 minRoyal Beach Boutique ResortHotels & Resorts · 320 m · 4.6★
- 9 minKo Samui Boat CharterActivities & Tours · 730 m · 4.9★
Experience hints
Pair your visit. After Wat Ratchathammaram Red Temple, round out your day in Koh Samui with contrasting stops nearby.
วัดพระธาตุศิลางู ตำบล บ่อผุด Amphoe Ko Samui, Chang Wat Surat Thani 84320, Thailand
Open in Google MapsMore temples & culture nearby
All within 2.1 km of Wat Ratchathammaram Red Temple.
Chedi Phra That Sila Ngu
Guan Yu Koh Samui Shrine
Am Samui Palace
Wat Kham Pho Charoen (Across from Ban Na Khai School)
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 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 – 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 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.
Also popular in Koh Samui
Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Samui (Soi 1 Branch)
Lamai Night Market
The Oyster bar x Samui
The Spa Resorts
Similar Temples & Culture across Thailand
Wat Pa Saengtham
Wat Koh Tao
Wat Phra That Mae Yen
