Wat Phra Yai (Big Buddha Temple)
A 12-metre golden seated Buddha (built 1972) on the small causeway-linked islet of Ko Faan — Samui's most recognisable landmark, visible from arriving planes.
- Category
- Temples (Wat)
- Entrance fee
- Free (donations welcome), as of 2026 — confirm locally
- Hours
- Daily, roughly 06:00–18:00 (daylight hours); confirm locally
- Best time
- Early morning or late afternoon to avoid midday heat and tour-bus crowds; sunset is popular
- Time needed
- 30–60 minutes
About Wat Phra Yai (Big Buddha Temple)
This is the postcard shot of Samui, the big gold Buddha you can spot from your plane on the way in. It's genuinely worth seeing, it costs nothing, and it still means something to locals, so it earns its billing as the island's signature landmark. The islet setting on Ko Faan, linked by a short causeway, gives it a bit of drama even with the crowds.
Be honest with yourself about what it is, though. This is a major tour-bus stop, and the ring of stalls at the base is about as touristy as Samui gets. You come for the Buddha and the view, not the shopping.
Time it for early morning or late afternoon and you'll dodge both the heat and the coach parties. Sunset here is a local favourite. Pair it with Wat Plai Laem just up the road and you've got a tidy little temple loop.
Highlights
- 12-metre golden seated Buddha visible from arriving planes
- Islet setting on Ko Faan reached by a short causeway
- Popular sunset viewpoint
- Free to enter, donations welcome
Tips
- Cover shoulders and knees; sarongs are lent at the entrance
- Go early morning or late afternoon to beat the heat and tour buses
- Expect touristy souvenir stalls around the base
- Easy to combine with Wat Plai Laem about a kilometre away
How to get there
About 20–25 min by taxi/songthaew or scooter northeast from Chaweng (the main tourist hub) via the ring road; taxi ~300–500 THB one way, songthaew ~50–100 THB