#1Wat Plai Laem
4.7 (8,388)·Koh Samui
A colorful lakeside temple complex on Koh Samui, home to a towering 18-armed Guanyin statue and abundant fish.
The 10 Best Temples & Cultural Sites in Koh Samui, Ranked
This is mostly working Buddhist temples, four of them perched on hills or water with big statues doing the heavy lifting, plus a farm, a Chinese shrine and a cobra show to round it out. Wat Plai Laem takes the top spot with its 18-armed Guanyin and the fish-filled lake, though Wat Phra Yai pulls far more reviews from its hilltop. It's ranked on Google rating, with review volume breaking ties.
8 placesAvg 4.5 on GoogleUpdated Sep 2026
- #1
#2Wat Phra Yai
4.5 (11,423)·Koh SamuiA iconic gilded Buddha statue from 1972 sits atop a hilltop temple complex with panoramic sea views.
#3Wat Ratchathammaram Red Temple
4.6 (2,476)·Koh SamuiA striking terracotta Buddhist temple adorned with vivid sculptures of sea monsters, warriors, and mythological figures.
#4Wat Khunaram (Phra Wihan Luang Pho Daeng)
4.5 (2,526)·Koh SamuiA working Buddhist temple on Koh Samui, best known for its preserved mummified monk.
#5Khao Hua Jook Chedi
4.6 (1,342)·Koh SamuiA hilltop Buddhist temple in Bo Put offering rare serenity, panoramic island views, and a genuine spiritual atmosphere.
#6Wat Phra Chedi Laem Sor
4.4 (1,491)·Koh SamuiA serene golden pagoda on Koh Samui's southern shore, offering peaceful oceanfront views away from the crowds.
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#7Guan Yu Koh Samui Shrine
4.5 (1,142)·Koh SamuiA striking 16-meter bronze statue of Guan Yu anchors this free Chinese shrine in Maret, Koh Samui.
#8Fair House
4.5 (983)·Koh SamuiA beachfront resort hotel in Koh Samui's peaceful Mae Nam area, praised for exceptional staff and stunning bay views.
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