Wat Samret
One of Koh Samui's oldest Buddhist temples, offering a quiet, authentic glimpse into local religious life.
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Tours that include Wat Samret
Guided visits and day-tour combos that include Wat Samret.
Why go, and how to do it well
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 travelers 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.
Written by Mac Kiley · Updated Aug 2026
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Tours that include Wat Samret
Guided visits and day-tour combos that include Wat Samret.
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.
C2Q6+676, 2/4 Proo Na Mueang Rd, Tambon Na Mueang, Amphoe Ko Samui, Chang Wat Surat Thani 84140, 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 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 – 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 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.
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Similar Temples & Culture across Thailand
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