Wat Phra Yai, Koh Samui |�Big Buddha Temple, How to Reach, Tips

Wat Phra Yai, Koh Samui Overview

Wat Phra Yai, more commonly known as the Big Buddha Temple, is one of Koh Samui's most iconic and revered landmarks. Located on a small island called Koh Faan, connected to the main island by a causeway, this temple is a place of deep cultural and spiritual significance. A flight of stairs leads to the statue, and there are stalls selling souvenirs and knick-knacks at the base of the stairs. It's especially beautiful at sunset.

At the heart of the temple complex stands a colossal golden Buddha statue, which is the primary attraction and the namesake of the temple. This remarkable statue, often referred to as the Big Buddha, soars to a height of 12 meters (39 feet). The Big Buddha statue is seated in the Mara posture, a gesture that signifies steadfastness and enlightenment. It is embellished with golden mosaic tiles that glimmer brilliantly in the tropical sunlight. In addition to the Big Buddha statue, the temple grounds house various other structures, shrines, and statues that reflect Thai and Buddhist architectural styles. The temple's hilltop location provides visitors with stunning panoramic views of the surrounding area, including the azure waters of the Gulf of Thailand.

Must Know Before You Visit Wat Phra Yai

Dress Code : While the temple is a spiritual site, it welcomes tourists and visitors of all backgrounds. However, visitors are expected to dress modestly when entering the temple grounds, covering their shoulders and knees as a sign of respect. Shoulders and knees should not be exposed in the temple area, so it's a good idea to carry a sarong or shawl if your attire doesn't meet these requirements.

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Big Buddha Statue at Wat Phra Yai

Golden Buddha at Wat Phra Yai
Like the temple name, the Golden Buddha at Wat Phra Yai is a vast structure. The icon is so vast that it is visible from kilometres away on the ground and from the sky as well. However, you can appreciate the sheer size and sculpture of the structure from a close range.

Postural Symbols of the Statue
Drenched in enchanting gold, Buddha sits atop the Pratumnak hill in the Mara pose. With the left hand resting palm-up on his lap and the right hand resting palm-down on the right knee, the posture denotes a state of calm, purity and enlightenment. Legend has it that during Buddha's journey to enlightenment, he defeated the evil Mara by meditating in this pose, hence quelling all temptations thrown at him.

Beliefs and Structures
Encircling the big Buddha at the bottom are bronze prayer bells that tourists can ring with a wooden stick for good luck. There is also a giant wheel and dragon on the statue's back, behind Buddha's head. Both these structures are painted in the same gold colour. The wheel denotes the Buddhist wheel of life.

Stairs Leading to the Big Buddha Statue at Wat Phra Yai — The Big Buddha Statue at Wat Phra Yai is on Top of a Wide Staircase
With Dragons as Siderails
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Dragon Railings
Once inside the temple pavilion, there is a spacious walk-up the regal-looking staircase with two intricately colourful dragons on the side rails. Admiring these rail-dragons while looking up at glorious Buddha makes the climb a fun task rather than a tiring one. The top view is not a disappointment either. The island-view is spectacular during either early morning or evening.

Wat Phra Yai - The Big Buddha Temple

Temple Complex of Wat Phra Yai Koh Samui — The Temple Complex of Wat Phra Yai is Older Than the Big Buddha Statue
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Built in 1972, the big buddha statue is not an ancient monument, although it seems so at first glance. The Wat Phra Yai complex is however said to be older. While the Golden Buddha may be the major tourist attraction, the temple has a lot more to offer as well.

Not only does the temple artwork attract attention to its intricate detailing and choice of colours, but it also houses paintings, shrines and other smaller Buddhas. There is also a meditation centre within the structure. At the base of the temple are plenty of stalls where one can buy souvenirs, local fruits and flowers, as well as relish in regional cuisines.

How to Reach Wat Phra Yai

Wat Phra Yai Koh Samui Thailand — Wat Phra Yai is Located in the North-Eastern Part of Koh Samui
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Situated on the north-eastern part of Koh Samui island, Wat Phra Yai, is easy to access. Reasonably close to the Samui international airport it can be reached through a 3-km causeway connecting Koh Faan to Koh Samui. One can also take the bus (songthaew) there, or a taxi and head north on route 4171 from the airport.