The Wat Plai Laem Koh Samui Temple is one of the most famous modern pieces of architecture on the island. So here’s all you need to know when visiting.
How To Get To Wat Plai Laem Koh Samui
Wat Plai Laem Koh Samui Temple is located on the North East corner of the island.
Close to both Wat Phra Yai, the big buddha temple, and adjacent to some of the best beaches in the north Maenam Beach and Bophut Beach. (With Fisherman’s Village also at Bophut Beach.)
We stayed in the Chaweng area of Koh Samui and rented a scooter for 150 Baht per day. This gave us access to the whole island!
It took us around 20 minutes to drive up from Chaweng to Wat Plai Laem following google maps.
If you’re looking for transport to and from Koh Samui, you can pre-book all of your Lomprayah transfers.
For those short on time, or that prefer everything to be organised for them, there are some awesome tours on Get Your Guide available to book in advance.
For any yoga enthusiasts, the Beach Yoga Class & Full-Day Sightseeing Tour includes a trip to Wat Plai Laem.
Wat Plai Laem Entrance Fee
Entrance & Parking: Free (Donations are always welcome)
Wat Plai Laem Opening Times
Open daily from 6am – 6pm
Best Time To Visit Wat Plai Laem Koh Samui + Tips
The best time to visit Koh Samui is between the months of December and March, when the weather is most settled.
The hottest month of the year is June, with temperatures reaching 33°c. January is normally the coolest month.
It wasn’t too busy when we visited but like any other attraction, early is always best to avoid the crowds. Also, understandably, it gets really busy during Chinese festivals such as New Year.
As this is a sacred place you need to be dressed appropriately for your visit – no beachwear.
There is a small cafe on the site but I would definitely take some water as there aren’t many shaded areas.
What To Pack
What To Expect At Wat Plai Laem Koh Samui
Completed in 2004, this modern Buddhist temple incorporates elements of Chinese and Thai traditions and is one of the most colourful temples on Koh Samui.
We were surprised when visiting Wat Plai Laem to find out that the Koh Samui Temple has more than just one statue of an 18 armed buddha.
Unlike its partner Wat Phra Yai, with its stand alone monument, the grounds here consist of many statues and incredible shrines!
As you enter the site you are greeted by the spectacular, 18 armed statue of Guanyin, the Chinese goddess of mercy and compassion as well as fertility. It’s said that she has lots of arms to be able to assist anyone in need, anywhere in the world.
Next up is the enormous 30m high, laughing white Buddha statue, who in the Chinese culture represents wealth and prosperity. Decorated with reds and golds he sits cheerfully gleaming in the sun.
Both of these beautiful statues reflect Koh Samui’s strong Chinese heritage.
Apart from these two main statues, there are also some amazing shrines, huge carved teak doors and plenty more to take in.
Additionally, the waters around the temples are teeming with fish, some very large, and for 10 baht you can buy a bag of food and see how excited they get when you feed them!
This stunning religious site, sitting serenely on a lake, is a peaceful place to stroll around and has some stunning views waiting to be captured.
Where To Stay In Koh Samui
Luxury – Tango Luxe Beach Villa Samui
Tango Luxe Beach Villa Samui offers tropical villas with a private pool and free WiFi.
It has a main infinity pool, two on-site restaurants and pampering spa treatments.
Luxurious ocean-facing villas come with a 42-inch flat-screen TV, iPod dock and sun loungers. The large en suite bathroom has a separate bathtub and shower stall.
Tango Luxe Beach Villa Samui is a 5-minute drive from Seatran Ferry Pier, which offers transfers to Koh Phangan.
It is 1.9 miles from Samui International Airport.
Mid-Budget – Mercure Samui Chaweng Tana
Located along Chaweng Road, the charming Mercure Samui Chaweng Tana features cosy and comfortable rooms with free WiFi.
Offering 2 dining options, the property also boasts an outdoor swimming pool with pool bar.
Just 550 yards from the beach, the hotel is a 15-minute drive from Samui International Airport. Samui Ferry Terminal is a 30-minute drive away.
The Thai-style rooms come with wooden flooring and furnishings. Each room has a tea/coffee maker, a safe deposit box and a minibar.
Guests enjoy satellite channels on a flat-screen TV. An en suite bathroom comes with a shower.
Budget – Arina Boutique Residence
Just off Chaweng Beach Road, the family-run Arina Boutique Residence offers cosy rooms decorated with traditional Thai artwork.
Providing free Wi-Fi, it is just 2 minutes’ drive from central Chaweng.
Arina Residence is a 30-minute drive from Nathon Ferry Pier and a 45-minute drive from Tong Yang Ferry Port. Koh Samui Airport is a 15-minute drive from the hotel.
Decorated with dark wood furnishings, rooms at Arina feature a private balcony and a 29-inch flat-screen cable/satellite TV.
For more places to stay in Koh Samui, you can check the latest prices on Booking.com.
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