Wat Plai Laem
Colourful modern temple complex set on a lake, famous for its giant 18-arm white statue of Guanyin (goddess of mercy) and a large laughing Budai.
- Category
- Temples (Wat)
- Entrance fee
- Free (donations welcome), as of 2026 — confirm locally
- Hours
- Daily, roughly 08:00–18:00 (daylight hours); confirm locally
- Best time
- Morning for calm reflections on the lake, or late afternoon light
- Time needed
- 30–45 minutes
About Wat Plai Laem
This is the temple most people drive straight past on their way to the Big Buddha, and that's exactly why it's worth stopping. It's quieter, it's free, and the giant white 18-arm Guanyin rising out of the lake is honestly more striking than a lot of Samui's better-known sights. The laughing Budai on the other side gives it a cheerful, almost playful feel.
It's a modern complex rather than an ancient one, so don't come expecting weathered ruins. What you get instead is bold colour, bright reflections in the water, and space to actually breathe compared to its famous neighbour.
Go in the morning while the lake is still and the light is soft. Since it sits right next to the Big Buddha, there's no reason not to do both in one easy loop.
Highlights
- Giant 18-arm white statue of Guanyin over the lake
- Large laughing Budai statue
- Bright, photogenic modern temple architecture
- Much calmer than the neighbouring Big Buddha
Tips
- Dress modestly; shoulders and knees covered
- Come in the morning for still-water reflections
- Combine it with the Big Buddha just up the road
- Underrated and rarely crowded, so a good breather stop
How to get there
About 20–25 min by scooter/taxi northeast from Chaweng, ~1 km past the Big Buddha; easy to combine the two