Wat Plai Laem is a modern Buddhist temple complex in the northeast of Koh Samui, just a short drive from the Big Buddha Temple. Its centrepiece is an 18-armed statue of Guanyin, the bodhisattva of com
Wat Plai Laem is a modern Buddhist temple complex in the northeast of Koh Samui, just a short drive from the Big Buddha Temple. Its centrepiece is an 18-armed statue of Guanyin, the bodhisattva of compassion, which towers over a fish-filled lake beside a large white laughing Buddha (Budai) and a colourfully painted ubosot that appears to float on the water. The grounds are free to enter and also include smaller Chinese-style shrines, and a school operates on the temple compound.
The story
A little history
Wat Plai Laem (วัดปลายแหลม) is a modern Buddhist temple whose design blends Chinese and Thai traditions; its most prominent features were created in the early 2000s under the guidance of distinguished Thai artist Jarit Phumdonming. The main statue is a Chinese-style 18-armed form of Guanyin (the bodhisattva of compassion, known as Cundi), around 15 metres tall, while a large white statue of the laughing Buddha (Budai) stands nearby. Both look out over a lake filled with fish, where the ornate ordination hall (ubosot) appears to float on a platform draped with red lotus blossoms. Smaller shrines dedicated to Ganesha, Shiva, Vishnu and Sakka complete the complex.
What to look for
Why it stays with you
- 18-arm Guanyin (Goddess of Mercy) statue, around 15 metres tall, in Chinese style
- Large white laughing Buddha (Budai) statue
- Colourfully painted ubosot (ordination hall) that appears to float on the lake
- Three decorated bridges leading to the floating platforms
- Shrines dedicated to Ganesha, Shiva, Vishnu and Sakka
- Feeding the giant catfish and turtles in the temple lake
Before you go
Plan your visit
Entrance fee
Free (donations welcome)
Opening hours
Daily 8:00-17:00
How long
45 min - 1 hour
Best time
Early morning or late afternoon to avoid heat and crowds
Dress code
Shoulders and knees covered
Parking
Free on-site parking
From the field
Tips & notes
- Go in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat and the biggest crowds - in high season the grounds start to fill up from around 10 am.
- Dress modestly with shoulders and knees covered; free wraps are available to borrow at the temple if you arrive underdressed.
- Remove your shoes before entering temple buildings and be respectful around worshippers - this is an active place of worship, so avoid posing irreverently with the statues.
- Bring small change: fish food from vending machines costs around 10-20 THB, and feeding the giant catfish and turtles in the lake is one of the most popular activities.
- Combine your visit with the nearby Big Buddha Temple (Wat Phra Yai), about a 10-15 minute walk or short drive away, and allow at least an hour to explore the grounds.
The place