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}Temples 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
[ more detail
] 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
[ more detail
] 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 [ more
detail ] 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 [
more detail ] 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
[ more detail
] 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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