WAT PLAI LAEM KOH SAMUI – The Ultimate Guide
Wat Plai Laem is the most colorful temple on Koh Samui and some of the newest temples created. Completed in 2004, this temple is a must-visit when you’re in the North Eastern tip of Koh Samui. Close to the Big Buddha temple, this temple offers visitors a view into Chinese-Thai beliefs with the 2 enormous Chinese statues. The beautiful white 18-arm statue of Guanyin, the Goddess of Mercy and Compassion and the big laughing Buddha are both a must visit temple on Koh Samui. Read further to know how to get to Wat Plai Laem Koh Samui and what to expect!
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Here you will find all the best things to do in Koh Samui
Best Koh Samui tours
If you want to explore the best of Koh Samui, and eventually the surrounding islands such as Koh Phangan, Koh Tao, Ang Thong Marine Park and Koh Nang Yuan, then you can find the best tours here. All of these tours include air conditioned transport with hotel pick up and drop off, certified guides and sometimes also lunch and the entrance fees. You can reserve now and pay later, with cancellation up to 24 hours in advance to receive a full refund.
- ATV Quad bike safari tour in the jungle of Koh Samui. Explore Koh Samui on an ATV quad bike on this guided tour through lush jungles and dirt roads to get your adrenaline pumping.
- Beach Yoga Class & Full-Day Sightseeing Tour Koh Samui. Start the day mindful with a yoga class on a quiet beach. After that you will visit the highlights of Samui island such as the biggest waterfall, famous rock formations and beautiful pagoda’s and viewpoints.
- Traditional Thai cooking class with market tour. Learn how to make traditional Thai food in a half-day, small group cooking class. Choose four dishes to cook and take an educational tour of Koh Samui’s local market to discover the beauty of Thai herbs, spices, and vegetables.
- Go on a 4WD wild Jungle Safari tour with lunch. Enjoy a half-day tour visiting the highlights of Koh Samui in an 4×4 army jeep and have lunch at a mountain-top restaurant with beautiful views of the island.
- Koh Samui night market, sunset view at Laem Sor Pagoda and beach dinner. This private tour starts with a visit to the night market. Then you will visit the famous rock formations and Laem Sor Pagoda for a romantic sunset. To end the evening you will have a private dinner on the beach.
- Visit an ethical elephant home on Koh Samui. During this ethical, half-day program you have the opportunity to participate and spend quality time caring for elephants while observing their natural behaviour.
- Fishing and snorkeling trip with BBQ. Embark on a fishing journey with a traditional wooden fishing boat and fish in the Gulf of Thailand. Snorkel with the marine life at a special location and enjoy an amazing barbecue out at sea.
- Discover Koh Phangan by 4×4 Full-Day Tour. Enjoy a full day of adventure in a 4×4 Jeep on Koh Phangan island and explore the natural beauty and hidden gems of the island.
- Go island hopping to 5 secret nearby islands on a luxury yacht. Visit the 5 secret islands nearby Koh Samui and snorkel, swim or sea kayak to explore the coastline & mangrove forests. Feed the resident deers and pigs on Koh Rap island and have a lovely lunch on board of the luxury yacht.
- Visit Koh Tao and Koh Nang Yuan on this day tour. Enjoy sightseeing and snorkel at Ao Muang. Swim and snorkel at Koh Nang Yuan and hike to the top of the mountain for an incredible panoramic view.
- Ang Thong Marine park day tour. Explore Ang Thong Marine park from Samui and snorkel at Koh Wao or Koh Tay Plow. Visit Emerald Lake, go kayaking and hike up Mae Koh for the breathtaking viewpoint. Enjoy breakfast and lunch on board of the boat.
- Long tail boat tour to Coral and Pig Island. Go on an island hopping adventure and discover the beautiful coral reefs. Swim amongst colorful marine life and meet the friendly pigs of Pig Island Koh Madsum.
How to get to Wat Plai Laem
Located on the Northeastern tip of the island, this temple can be found on road 4171 between Big Buddha beach and Choeng Mon beach. You can get there with your rental bike or go with a local taxi to bring you there.
Address Wat Plai Laem: Road 4171, Bophut, Koh Samui, Surat Thani 84320, Thailand
Opening times Wat Plai Laem
The opening times for Wat Plai Laem is daily from 6 AM 6 PM and is particularly lively during Chinese festivals such as the Lunar New Year. The entrance is free but a donation is always appreciated.
What to expect at Wat Plai Laem
Wat Plai Laem consists of two giant statues that are surrounded by the waters of a large lake full of big fish. One statue is from Guanyin, the Chinese Goddess of Mercy and Compassion who has 18 arms. It is said that she has so many arms so she can help many people at the same time. Therefore it is believed that Guanyin is a source of unconditional love and a protector of all beings. The other big statue is from the laughing Chinese Buddha. Both statues showcase the presence of Koh Samui’s strong Chinese heritage. Devotees come daily to Wat Plai Laem to pay homage to Guanyin and the Buddha.
The other very eye-catching statue is the laughing Chinese Buddha. In the Chinese culture, a fat Buddha represents wealth and prosperity. This very impressive statue is 30 meters high and painted in expressive colors like red, white and gold.
It is such a peaceful place to walk around and admire the beautifully detailed statues with lakes around. Because this is a sacred place, make sure to dress properly when you visit meaning a shirt or scarf to cover your shoulders, trousers or long shorts and of course no beachwear is allowed.
Koh Samui weather
If you are planning to visit Koh Samui, of course you want to go into the best months with the driest days. The monsoon usually lasts from October through December with November as the wettest month. February and March, on the other hand, are the sunniest months. January is (statistically) the coolest month and April the hottest time of the year. Broadly you can travel to Koh Samui from January until October to have the best chance on a sunny vacation.
Where to stay in Koh Samui
This depends on what you are looking for and what your budget is considering the Samui hotels or beach resort you can choose. If you’re looking for entertainment and nightlife you have to stay around the Chaweng area. But if you’re more into relaxing and quiet beaches, then book your accommodation around the more in the south or around Maenam beach area as it’s much quieter.
More Koh Samui travel inspiration
I hope you enjoyed reading about Wat Plai Laem temple Koh Samui.
If you want to read more about Koh Samui, head over to these blog posts:
If you want to explore more of the paradise Thai islands, then you can easily hop on a ferry and explore the neighbour islands Koh Phangan and Koh Tao.
Or if you’re planning to explore more of Thailand, head over to our other blog posts which will tell you:
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