Visit Big Buddha (Wat Phra Yai) (Koh Samui)

Built in 1972 on the small islet of Koh Farn, with its 12 meters high, Ko Samui Big Buddha is probably the most famous monument on the island. He gave its name of Wat Phra Yaï (temple of the Big Buddha) to the temple. Located on Route 4171 at the end of Bang Rak district, a few kilometers from the airport, the golden statue depicts Buddha in the Mara posture with the left hand resting palm open and facing the sky in the statue's lap and the right hand facing down on the right knee. Behind is a royal ship and the Wheel of Dharma. You can access the raised platform housing the majestic statue that you can see from the window of the plane, especially on takeoff from Samui airport, by a staircase whose ramps are the bodies of 2 Naga snakes.

In front, near the water, there are statues of some legendary Thai figures.

No admission fee

I advise you to combine the visit of Samui Big Buddha with Wat Plai Laem temple visit. There are in the same area.

Big Buddha (Wat Phra Yai) is a temple and when you visit a temple in Thailand there are some rules to know and follow:

• Dress properly (knees and shoulders should be covered)
• Take off your shoes when entering the buildings
• Be quiet
• Don't hug or kiss
• Don't point your feet to Buddha's image
• Don't smoke