Wat Samret
Standing for over 150 years, Wat Samret is considered one of the oldest temples on Koh Samui and holds genuine significance as an active place of worship for the local community. Unlike the island's more tourist-oriented sites, this temple retains an unhurried, everyday quality — visitors are likely to find themselves among locals making merit offerings rather than crowds of sightseers. The name Samret translates to "successful" in Thai, and the grounds feature traditional Buddhist architecture alongside a notable collection of tall, mature trees on the western side. Informational panels in both Thai and English are positioned near the main buildings, making it accessible for those interested in learning about the site's history and religious context.
The atmosphere is calm and unassuming. Reviewers describe it as a straightforward temple experience — beautiful in the way Thai temples reliably are, but without elaborate spectacle. It suits travellers who appreciate stepping away from the beach circuit to observe genuine religious practice. Friendly dogs have been noted on the grounds, and solo visitors often find they have the space largely to themselves.
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Experience hints
Pair your visit. After Wat Samret, round out your day in Koh Samui with contrasting stops nearby.
Reviews from Google
It is a local temple with real sense of Thai Buddhist temple. The temple was build since ancient time for almost 150 years. This temple is the place for Buddhism religion activities for local Samui people. Especially, the name of the temple in Thai means “success”. So when you visit the temple and pray at Buddha, you pray and make any wish by ending the wish with the word of “may all your wish success”. If you are interested to make a merit, you can give the monk some drinking water and rice as this means that you make merit in Buddhism then the monk will give you back the blessing. The temple is not big and it may takes you 15-20 minutes to visit the whole place.
Wat Samret (which means "successful" in Thai). A quiet temple with more than 100 years of history, one of the oldest temples in Koh Samui.
An okay temple to visit if you happen to be nearby but might not be something worth driving for as a single experience. It’s pretty plain but of course still beautiful like all temples in Thailand are. It’s located a bit in the middle of nothing so go here by scooter. If you walk and come from the south you will notice that not all people in Samui is living luxury lives. I would beware of the dogs at the temple.
A sample of visitor reviews from Google. Read all 471 reviews on Google.
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Wat Samret: Frequently Asked Questions
Is Wat Samret worth visiting?
Wat Samret holds a 4.6★ rating from 471 Google reviews, placing it among the highest-rated temples & culture in Koh Samui.
When is the best time to visit Wat Samret?
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 Samret located?
Wat Samret is at C2Q6+676, 2/4 Proo Na Mueang Rd, Tambon Na Mueang, Amphoe Ko Samui, Chang Wat Surat Thani 84140, Thailand, in Koh Samui. Getting around Koh Samui: Songthaews (fixed routes around the ring road); Motorbike or scooter rental.
Location Info
C2Q6+676, 2/4 Proo Na Mueang Rd, Tambon Na Mueang, Amphoe Ko Samui, Chang Wat Surat Thani 84140, 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 Samret
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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
House of Lucie Samui / Samui Art Center
A serene two-storey art gallery beside a lotus lake, showcasing rotating exhibitions by national and international artists.
Wat Kham Pho Charoen (Across from Ban Na Khai School)
A modest working Buddhist temple on Koh Samui known for its free English classes and community focus.
Buddha's Footprint
A hilltop sacred footprint shrine in Na Mueang, reached by steep stairs with rewarding views.
Guan Yu Koh Samui Shrine
A striking 16-metre bronze statue of Guan Yu anchors this free Chinese shrine in Maret, Koh Samui.
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 Samret
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