#1
Wat 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 8 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 the Big Buddha at Wat Phra Yai, out on its islet, is the bigger draw.
8 placesAvg 4.5 on GoogleUpdated Oct 2026
- #2
Big Buddha Temple (Wat Phra Yai)
4.5 (11,423)·Koh SamuiSamui's 12-meter golden Buddha from 1972, on an islet joined to the north coast by a causeway. Free, and best before the 09:30 tour vans.
- #3
Wat Ratchathammaram Red Temple
4.6 (2,476)·Koh SamuiA striking terracotta Buddhist temple adorned with vivid sculptures of sea monsters, warriors, and mythological figures.
Where to stay
Best Hotels in Koh Samui
My pick at each price level in Koh Samui, going by Google's hotel class. Hotels from my ranked list of the 10 best come first, then the best-reviewed. Each button opens the hotel on Booking.com with your dates filled in.
#1Luxury · 5-star
Explorar Koh Samui4.8 (2,489 reviews)
Stylish beachside resort in Mae Nam with infinity pool, gulf views, and highly rated service.
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#6Mid-range · 4-star
Baan Haad Ngam Boutique Resort & Villas4.7 (1,766 reviews)
Beachfront boutique resort on Koh Samui's quieter north coast, with villa-style rooms and attentive staff.
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- #4
Wat 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.
- #5
Khao 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.
- #6
Wat 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.
Prefer it booked? Temples & Culture in Koh Samui with a fixed time
Klook's best-reviewed Koh Samui tours, with today's prices. Most cancel free up to 24 hours ahead.
- #7
Guan 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.
- #8
Fair 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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