CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons (Abrget47j)Landmark· Koh Samui· Thailand
Big Buddha Temple (Wat Phra Yai)
9° 34.2′ N · 100° 3.6′ E
A 12 m gold Buddha built in 1972 on Ko Phan (Koh Fan), a small islet joined to Samui by a causeway; it is the unmistakable landmark for Bangrak Bay from miles offshore.
Practical
Wikipedia position 9°34'15"N 100°03'35"E; Wikivoyage gives 9.570867, 100.059934 (and a 15 m height, which conflicts with Wikipedia's 12 m). Naga balustrades line the stairs; a small bazaar sells amulets and souvenirs. Dinghy ashore on Bangrak beach and walk the causeway. Dress modestly and remove shoes on the upper terrace.
Best for
The signature Samui landmark, walkable from the anchorage
Nearby
- Bangrak Anchorage (Big Buddha Bay)0.2 NM away
- The Sunset Bar and Restaurant (Bangrak)0.2 NM away
- Bangrak Fresh Market (east of Seatran pier)0.4 NM away
- Wat Plai Laem0.4 NM away
- Bangrak Tour-Boat Jetties (fuel and water by arrangement)0.5 NM away
- Big Buddha Beach (Bang Rak)0.7 NM away
- Coral Grand Dive Center (Bangrak)0.7 NM away
- Petcharat Marina (Bophut/Bangrak)0.7 NM away