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Samui's fame as the beach and coconut isle is widespread, but few
visitors realize that it also has a wealth of Buddhist culture. From
ancient Buddha images to modern colorful temples, there is a vast
selection of interesting sites to visit and sights to see. Here are
our suggestions. Please remember to dress politely (no beachwear or
revealing clothing) and to behave with respect in temple grounds.
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Wat Phra Yai and Big Buddha
This temple is the home of Koh Samui's most famous landmark the Big
Buddha. Most Visitors come to marvel at the sheer size and beauty of
this remarkable statue at some point during their holiday. Visible
from several kilometers away and even from the air when arriving on
or leaving the island , the 12 meter tall golden image stands proud.
At the base of the structure, several shops and restaurants cater to
the needs of devotees and tourists alike. Wat Phra Yai is in the
Northeast of Samui on route 4171 near the airport. |
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Kunaram Temple - Mummified Monk
The body of Samui's most famous mummified monk, Loung Pordaeng, is
on display here in a specially constructed building. When he died
more than 20 years ago, he was sitting in a meditation position. He
is still in that same position and his body shows few signs of any
major decay Wat Khunaram is on the 4169 ringroad between the Na
Muang waterfalls and Hua Thanon. |
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Coral Buddha
Formerly one of Samui's main attractions, this small, dilapidated
statue is now only visited by Buddhist devotees. Although it is in a
state of disrepair, the Coral Buddha is still revered and is a place
of worship for the monks from nearby Wat Sumret. The only direction
sign is a small tatty board parallel to the road which is easy to
miss when driving past. It is on the 4169 ring-road approximately
800 meters West of Hua Thanon.
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Sumret Temple
Part of Wat Sumret, this building contains many different
Buddha images. One is in the reclining position and the tallest,
which stands three meters, was transported all the way from India.
Wat Sumret is down the second concrete road on the left, 800 meters
West of Hua Thanon on the 4169 ring-road. |
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The
Leam Sor Chedi
In the grounds of Wat Laem Sor, this ornately designed Chedi(Pagoda)
sits at the rocky water's edge. Covered in countless small yellow
tiles, it appears golden when viewed from a short distance. It's at
the far South of the island off the 4170 road between Ban Tale and
Ban Pang Ka. Follow the track with a sign that reads "Waikiki
Bungalows", and It's at the end of that. |
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Buddha's Footprint
There are actually four foot-prints here, superimposed one on
another. Each one is artistically en-graved. They are housed in a
modest shrine 150 steps up a steep hill, which also offers a great
view across the plains to the mountains opposite, and to the sea
over the tree tops. Buddha's Footprint is not signposted but can be
found by going up a concrete slope on the left, two kilometers West
of the turnoff for the Butterfly Garden on the 4170 road. |
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Wat Khao Chedi
Also in? the Wat Laem Sor grounds, but a fair distance away lies the
Khao (mountain) Chedi. Until a few months ago, this ruined monument
had been forgotten about for many years. Now, the overgrown path
leading to the chedi has been cleared and there's easy access. About
300 meters West of the Laem Sor Chedi there is a hill. At the base
of the hill a small hut can be seen, and 100 meters to the right of
this dwelling, the path is visible. It leads to a stairway which
takes about 10 minutes to climb. At the top, the peaceful ruins of
the Khao Chedi greet the intrepid explorer. The panorama of Laem Sor
Bay and the nearby islands from here is breathtaking. |
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Wat Sila Ngu
Said to contain a relic of the Lord Buddha, the golden chedi facing
the temple's entrance is a popular place of worship. Many local
travelling shows and even visiting TV stars sometimes use the temple
grounds here for their performances. Wat Sila Ngu is on the 4169
ring-road, one kilometer South of Hin-Ta Hin-Yai on the beach side
of the road. |
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Wat Kiri Wongkaram
The mummified body of the Buddhist monk Loung Por Ruam can be viewed
here in a glass case. He was placed in it upon his death 25 years
ago and his body is still in remarkably good condition. The temple
can be located by following the 4170 road South from Ban Saket and
then turning right between tow giant elephant statues. It is a
further kilometer along this road on the right hand side. |
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