huge golden buddha statue sat crosslegged with a wheel behind his head. The photo is taken from below with a blue sky and fluffy clouds in the back ground.

Visiting Big Buddha Koh Samui (Wat Phra Yai)

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I don’t think I’ll ever tire of Thai temples. They’re always stunning, feel incredibly spiritual and of huge historical interest. Wat Phra Yai or Big Buddha Koh Samui is one of my favourites.

72 steps leading up to a huge golden buddha statue

The Big Buddha Temple Koh Samui

wishing bell view out to a turquoise sea at the wat phra yai

Wat means temple in Thai and the Big Buddha lives within Wat Phra Yai. Whilst the towering 12 metre tall Buddha is probably the reason you want to visit, the temple itself is beautiful. It has all the splendour of the beautiful temples in Bangkok but with a quieter side perfect for meditation or reflection.

The temple was built in 1972 and consists of a courtyard with some small shops. There are 72 steps to scale to reach the base of the Buddha. Don’t just take your snaps and leave, the views from the top are well worth the climb. It is definitely one of the best viewpoints in Koh Samui.

elephant statue detailed in vibrant colours

The intricately jewelled serpent staircase leads up to a tall platform on which sits the Buddha in a Mara pose. This depicts his journey to enlightenment.

jewelled details at big buddha temple koh samui
colouirful details at temple in koh samui

There are plenty of shaded areas if you want to stop, reflect and take it all in. Or just peer over the wall for some epic views of Big Buddha Beach.

view through trees of big buddha beach

Make sure you walk all the way to the end of the carpark before you leave to see some more stunning sculptures on the sandy beach.

buddhist satue on a beach under a bright blue sky in koh samui
two intricate statues, one of a mermaid and one of a green mer horse on a beach in koh samui

Where is Big Buddha Koh Samui

Wat Phra Yai is located just off Koh Samui on Fan island which is connected to the land by a small causeway. You can walk this or drive. There is a reasonably sized car park at the bottom of the steps.

You need to take the main 4169 road on to the 4171. It’s positioned in the North of the island about 3km from the airport. If you’ve flown in to Koh Samui you’ve probably already glimpsed the Buddha from above. Do look out for it if you have yet to travel.

plane in the sky flying over a red roofed temple in koh samui

Visiting Wat Phra Yai with kids

My daughter loves temples. I think it’s the gold and sparkle and sense of peace. Big Buddha was particularly popular with her probably due to the sheer size of the Buddha itself. Try to make sure that the kids are dressed appropriately and attempt to stop them running around screaming too much out of respect. There is an ice cream stall at the entrance to the carpark if you need to bribe the kids to climb the stairs.

golden big buddha statue with huge golden wheel behind his head

What to wear to visit Wat Phra Yai

Big Buddha is a religious site so you’ll need to dress appropriately if you want to visit. This means shoulders to below the knees need to be covered. This is the case for women and men and although rarely enforced for young children I would recommend getting the kids to follow these rules out of respect. Long dresses and loose trousers are perfect and a light shawl or wrap for your shoulders will do fine. I often tie one if these around my waist sarong style.

car park and selection of shops at big buddha temple which you can see in the background

There are clear signs showing you where to leave your shoes (don’t worry, I’ve never had a pair go missing in Thailand) and there are monks around the temple grounds ensuring these rules are followed. If you’ve forgotten something to cover up you should be able to buy something suitable from one of the shops around the courtyard.

What time is best to visit Big Buddha Koh Samui

Early morning is probably the most interesting time to visit the Big Buddha. You’ll see locals delivering their offerings to the temple and monks chanting their morning prayer. I believe dusk is another great time to visit as this is one of the best places on Koh Samui to see the sun set.

orange flowered offerings laid on golden buddha statues

I would avoid midday until around 4pm as the temple will be very hot and you risk burning your feet on the steps.

How much does it cost to visit Big Buddha temple Koh Samui

Wat Phra Yai is completely free to visit. There are plenty of stalls and shops around the carpark where you can spend some money and support the locals.

Where to eat after your visit to Wat Phra Yai

We discovered the The Social Samui after our visit to the Big Buddha. It’s just a five minute walk from the temple and offers some amazing views of Big Buddha. They had a great selection of food, a kids menu and some delicious vegan options. The vibe here is all floating hammocks and beanbags and I imagine it has a great atmosphere in the evening.

the social samui restaurant with grey bean bags overlooking the sea, covered balconies and an utdoor bar

Final thoughts on the Big Buddha Koh Samui

I think the Big Buddha or Wat Phra Yai is a must visit if you’re on Koh Samui whether your interested in spiritualism and meditation or not. The size and spectacle will blow you away and the views from the top are stunning. You don’t need to stay long to take in this gorgeous temple so combine it with a visit to Bophut beach and the fabulous Fishermans market. You could even pop in on your way to the airport when you’re heading home. Just trust me, this is one not to miss.