Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon
Active temple with a towering climbable chedi, a long row of saffron-robed Buddha statues, and a large reclining Buddha.
- Category
- Temples (Wat)
- Entrance fee
- Around 20 THB (as of 2026, confirm locally)
- Hours
- Approx. 08:00-17:00 daily (as of 2026, confirm locally)
- Best time
- Morning before tour buses; the climbable chedi is exposed and hot midday
- Time needed
- 1 hour
- Difficulty
- Easy-moderate; steep stairs to climb the large chedi
About Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon
A big, impressive, still-active temple southeast of the island, and one of the more popular stops for a reason. The towering central chedi can be climbed for views over the courtyard, there is a long row of saffron-robed Buddha statues that photograph beautifully, and a large reclining Buddha rounds it out.
It does get busy with tour groups, so the honest advice is to arrive early. The chedi is fully exposed and turns into an oven by midday, so both the crowds and the heat argue for a morning visit.
Still a working monastery, so modest dress is required. The climb up the chedi is on the steeper side but manageable for most, and the courtyard view from the top is the payoff.
Highlights
- Towering central chedi you can climb for courtyard views
- Long row of saffron-robed Buddha statues
- Large reclining Buddha on the grounds
- Still an active monastery
- One of the area's more impressive complexes
Tips
- Arrive early to beat both the tour buses and the midday heat
- The climbable chedi is exposed, so save it for the cooler morning
- Dress modestly since it is an active temple
- Budget for a tuk-tuk round trip as it sits off the island
How to get there
Southeast, off the island; ~10-15 min by tuk-tuk (~100-150 THB round trip) from town