The Wat Plai Laem, sometimes also called the Lady Monk Temple, is located in the northern part of the island and is, without a question, one of the most beautiful temples in Koh Samui.
Not too far from the Big Buddha is another temple complex, Wat Plai Laem, so we decided to walk there as it was only about a kilometre. Along the way, we stopped to take some pictures of more mythological statues that are on the same island as the Big Buddha.
It only took us about 15 minutes to get to Wat Plai Laem. Some dark clouds were rolling in, so we decided to get a shufti at the temple before the rain.
Although some of the buildings like the ubosot are in traditional Thai architecture, most of the complex is built in Thai Chinese style. The Wat Plai Laem temple houses two giant, colourful statues.
The first one, which had brought us here in the first place, was a huge image of Guanyin, the Chinese Goddess of Mercy and Compassion who has 18 arms. Guanyin is revered in much of East Asia, in Thailand she is also known as Phra Mae Kuan Im.
Guanyin is very highly revered by Chinese people and is known as the protector of women and children, the sick and the poor. She is said to have so many arms, so she can help many people at one time. In one Buddhist legend, she even has a thousand arms.
The second huge statue was a fat, laughing Chinese Buddha. In Chinese culture, a fat Buddha represents wealth and prosperity. This very impressive statue is 30 metres high and painted in expressive colours like red, white and gold.
The ubosot building was on its own island in the centre of the man-made lake. The ubosot is the main prayer room and is also the place where ordinations take place. Inside the ubosot were a seated Buddha image and beautiful mural paintings telling scenes from the life of the Buddha.
There were several more beautifully decorated buildings in the temple complex, as well as several Buddha statues and images.
The two giant statues as well as the ubosot are surrounded by the waters of a large lake full of massive fish, which you can feed for a donation of 10 baht. Thai people also release fish or turtles into the water that they bought in the market, which is considered an act of merit.
The weather was going downhill quickly, so we dashed down to the main road and hopped into a songthaew, just before the heavens opened.
Planning your visit to Wat Plai Laem
| Website | |
| Telephone | |
| Hours | Mon – Sun: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM pm |
| Admission | Free |
| Address | Wat Plai Laem, Road 4171, Thailand |
Getting to Koh Samui
There are a couple of ways you can reach Koh Samui and for the most part, it depends on your budget. Not to mention, it also depends on your starting location and how long you are willing to travel.
Moreover, there are numerous options for buses, trains, ferries, and planes.
Koh Samui is an island. So, no matter what, you will need to take either a ferry or a plane to complete the last leg of the journey.
Bus and Train Rides
There are a couple of options for getting to Koh Samui (or to the nearest docking point) via bus and train ride. If you are coming from the mainland, you will need to make your way to Surat Thani to reach Koh Samui via ferry.
There are buses from Krabi, Chumphon, and Bangkok that will take you to Surat Thani.
Travel times:
- Bus from Bangkok and ferry to Koh Samui: 14hr 30 min
- Train from Bangkok and ferry to Koh Samui: 14hr 30 min
- Bus from Krabi and ferry to Koh Samui: 5hr 15 min
Flying
One of the easiest ways to get to Koh Samui. This is the quickest and most convenient way to reach Koh Samui, and the flight time from Bangkok is around 1hr 15min. is via a plane flight.
There are direct flights from several locations in Thailand, including Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket and Krabi. There are several international direct flights from locations like Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia and China.
The best time to visit Koh Samui
Koh Samui, a tropical haven located in the Gulf of Thailand, is classified under the Köppen climate system as a tropical rainforest climate. This type of climate is characterized by high temperatures and abundant rainfall throughout the year. This island experiences a hardly noticeable annual temperature variation, with an average high temperature ranging from 29°C in January and November to 32.6°C in April. The average low temperature varies between 24.1°C in November and 26.1°C in April.
Relative humidity remains high throughout the year, averaging from 78% in July, August, and September, to a noticeable peak of 85% in October and November. Sea temperatures remain fairly constant from 27.8°C in January to a slightly warmer 30.1°C in May. These warm temperatures make Ko Samui a perfect beach destination at any time of the year. Daylight hours show a slight increase from 11.6 in January and December to a peak of 12.7 in June.
Regarding rainfall, there is a significant difference throughout the year. Drier months like February offer about 54mm of rainfall, whereas November shows a stark contrast with a heavy downpour of approximately 507mm. Correspondingly, the number of rainy days ranges from 4 to 5 days in February and March to a high of 20 days in October and November.
The best time to visit Koh Samui
Given the climate characteristics of Koh Samui, the best time to visit would be during the drier months of February and March. During this period, visitors can expect less rainfall, approximately 54mm and 81mm respectively, and fewer rainy days. The number of sunshine hours sits at a higher-scale of 8-9 hours per day, and the UV index reaches its top level at 12. This makes for excellent weather conditions for sunbathing and exploring the natural beauty of the island.
The worst time to visit Koh Samui
Conversely, the worst time to visit Koh Samui would be in November due to the highest rainfall amount of 507mm and the considerable number of rainy days reaching up to 20. Despite the warm sea temperature of 29.2°C, the high relative humidity of 85% combined with substantial rain might make outdoor activities and exploration less enjoyable.
Other places to visit while on Koh Samui
1. GUAN YU SHRINE
The Guan Yu Shrine is one of the few Chinese temples of Koh Samui. It was only opened in 2016 and is therefore one of the more modern temples on the island. But also this very colourful and modern holy site is worth a visit.
2. BIG BUDDHA
The 12m high Big Buddha image was erected in 1972 and is now one of the landmarks of Koh Samui. Many Thai visitors come here to worship and in recent times, the Big Buddha has also become a favourite attraction amongst foreign tourists.
3. GRANDFATHER AND GRANDMOTHER ROCKS
Grandfather and Grandmother Rock are one of the biggest tourist attractions in Koh Samui, hundreds of people come to photograph and be photographed with them every day.
4. WAT RATCHATHAMMARAM
Wat Ratchathammaram, or better known as the Red Temple of Koh Samui, is another beautiful sacred site on the island. Right next to it is a golden pagoda, which shines incredibly impressively in the sun. In addition, a staircase decorated with snake heads leads directly down to the sea.
Where to stay in Koh Samui
Chaweng Beach
Chaweng is the most popular place to stay when you are in Koh Samui and therefore also the busiest. On the beach and along the main street you will find numerous restaurants, pubs, bars, and clubs. Although it’s very busy, the length of 6 kilometres means that Chaweng Beach is never overcrowded and on this endlessly wide and clean beach you can find enough quiet places to relax and sunbathe.
Lamai Beach
A very popular place to stay in Koh Samui is Lamai Beach. This white sand beach is one of the best beaches on Koh Samui and especially the southern part, with the large round rock formations, is breathtaking. In addition, you will find a great choice of accommodation along the 4-kilometre-long beach. There is not as much going on here as at Chaweng Beach, but there are great restaurants and plenty of quieter bars.
A vacation at Lamai Beach is ideal for those who like to have a quiet day but still want to enjoy a pleasant nightlife in the evening.
Fisherman’s Village & Bophut Beach
The resort of Bophut is located in the north of Koh Samui, more precisely between Maenam and the famous Big Buddha Temple. Bophut Beach is well-known for its beautiful Fisherman’s Village, where a great night market takes place once a week. In addition, you will find small boutiques and good shopping opportunities in the pretty village. This charming place is located directly on the beautiful Bophut Beach and inspires vacationers with great restaurants, bars and cafés! The flair in the resort is unique, the atmosphere is enchanting and especially Koh Samui connoisseurs and individualists like to come here to spend their vacations.
1. LUXURY – TOLANI RESORT KOH SAMUI
Tolani Koh Samui with its absolute beach front location nestled within a vibrant urban landscape, our resort offers an exceptional private beach front pool villas and the comfort of home. Discover a haven where every aspect of convenience, and elegance has been meticulously curated to create a place you’ll truly want to call home. The resort’s private beachfront setting provides the perfect backdrop for its unique design and offers the utmost privacy for those who choose.
2. MID-RANGE – PALM COCO MANTRA
At the nice part of Lamai Beach. Palm Coco Mantra, a Boutique beach front resort in Samui, Thailand. This great beach resort is located on a hill that gently slopes towards to ocean, yet privacy and calmness encapsulate this wonderful resort environment. Almost of the hotel’s rooms offer panoramic ocean views, infinity-edge pool overlooking the ocean where you can take a break at the cozy pool bar. You may have it all with us in making your perfect stay at Palm Coco Mantra Beach resort. Palm Coco is an oasis of calm and Boutique in one of the finest locations on Samui, Thailand. Spectacular Island, Gulf of Thailand, sunrise & sunset views are part of everyday life here at Palm Coco mantra, the boutique hotel in Samui.
3. BUDGET – THE ROCK SAMUI
Situated in Lamai, 80 metres from Rocky’s Beach, The Rock Samui – formerly known as The Rock Residence – SHA Extra Plus features accommodation with a shared lounge, free private parking, a terrace and a private beach area. The property is around 15 km from Fisherman Village, 18 km from Big Buddha and 1.3 km from Lamai Viewpoint. The accommodation provides a shared kitchen and free WiFi throughout the property.