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 Bophut Beach and Maenam 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.
Wat Plai Laem Entrance Fee
Entrance & Parking: Free.
What To Expect At Wat Plai Laem Koh Samui
We were surprised when visiting Wat Plai Laem to find out that the Koh Samui Temple is more than just one statue of an 18 armed buddha.
Unlike it’s partner Wat Phra Yai with it’s stand alone monument, the grounds consist of many statues and incredible shrines!
The first upon entrance is the famous 18 armed image of Guanyin, the Goddess of Mercy and Compassion.
Next up is a large white laughing Buddha statue, happy and cheerfully gleaming in the sun.
Apart from the two main statues there are also beautifully carved huge teak doors, and plenty to take in as you walk around the religious site situated on the lake.
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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