Big Buddha Temple (Wat Phra Yai)
Big Buddha Temple (Wat Phra Yai), Bophut
Big Buddha Temple (Wat Phra Yai)
Big Buddha Temple (Wat Phra Yai)
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The area
Best nearby
We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location.
Restaurants
534 within 5 kms

The Sunset Samui
426
0.3 km$$ - $$$ • French • Bar • International

Salefino Koh Samui
558
0.6 km$$ - $$$ • Italian • Seafood • Mediterranean

Stop at Sopa
401
0.7 km$ • Asian • Thai • Soups

The Summer House Samui- Restaurant & Bar
35
0.4 km$$ - $$$ • Italian • Bar • European

Supattra Thai Dining
674
0.8 km$$ - $$$ • Seafood • Asian • Thai

Shakespeare Pub
59
0.5 km$$ - $$$ • Bar • European • British

First Class Danny Bar & Grill
39
0.3 km$ • European • Asian • Thai

Foxtrot Bistro - Koh Samui
13
0.4 kmInternational • Thai • Contemporary • Healthy

Olivers Steakhouse
32
0.5 km$$ - $$$ • Steakhouse • Barbecue • European

Chez Isa - My small World
25
0.1 km$ • Cafe
Attractions
48 within 10 kms

Wat Plai Laem
1,493
0.7 kmReligious Sites

Bangrak Market
10
0.7 kmFarmers Markets

Samui Elephant Sanctuary
978
3.5 kmNature & Wildlife Areas

Choeng Mon Beach
533
2.4 kmBeaches

High Park Samui
189
3.9 kmWater Parks

Fisherman’s Village
7,923
3.4 kmNeighbourhoods

Pagoda Khao Hua Jook
203
3.7 kmPoints of Interest & Landmarks

Maenam Beach
1,422
Beaches

Art-samui
153
2.6 kmArt Museums

Chaweng Beach
4,171
4.5 kmBeaches
Contribute
Popular mentions
4.0
6,754 reviews
Excellent
2,179
Very good
2,548
Average
1,637
Poor
299
Terrible
91
Stephen B
Oak Park, Australia73 contributions
May 2022
We stopped here to visit on our way to another part of the island and it was worthwhile. The temple is impressive and a wonderful reflection of the local peoples faith. There are a number of cafes around the temple that offer authentic Thai food at very cheap prices. We had a great experience.
Written 23 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Les R
PL10 contributions
Apr. 2022
A place worth visiting, the statue is visible from all over the Bangrak beach. It is worth going up in the evening to see the sunset
Written 5 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Pascal
Sydney, Australia56 contributions
Jun. 2021 • Friends
There isn’t much to do in Samui when it comes to visiting cultural sites so Big Buddha is definitely recommended! Worth visiting
Written 30 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
bl0ndie72
Ko Samui, Thailand2,360 contributions
Apr. 2022 • Family
Visited Big Buddha temple today & it was beautiful. There are lots of steps up to the top so no good if you’re not able bodied. But the views from the top are stunning. Remember to dress respectfully (covered shoulders & knees covered - both men & women). Lots of ‘influencers’ there today, who clearly have no understanding of being dressed respectfully…..
Well worth a visit
Well worth a visit
Written 24 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Yvette F
Buckingham, UK218 contributions
Mar. 2022 • Couples
This is a nice temple with good views out over harbour of northern peninsula. You will need to be respectful and cover shoulders and legs to enter site which is free. About 20 or so shops at bottom with reasonably priced tourist fare
Written 14 March 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Dave G
Sydney, Australia88 contributions
Dec. 2021 • Family
Worth the visit, amazing structure and great views from the top. Lots of little shops at the site as well - must do when in Koh Samui
Written 7 January 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
fcplattner
Walker, MN86 contributions
Dec. 2021 • Couples
There were many nice shops around Big Buddha. We got a nice picture on the steps leading up to Buddha. Easy to get in and out of area
Written 20 December 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
International_Traveler
San Antonio, TX339 contributions
Nov. 2021 • Couples
While in Koh Samui during the rainy season we hired a driver and every time it stopped raining we visited temples and Instagram spots and during a one hour period when it was not raining we made our way to the Big Buddha and made payers by tapping the bells around the Buddha, nobody was here so it was very private and another stunning piece of architecture in Thailand not to be missed.
Written 15 December 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
David
Oxford, UK1,165 contributions
Aug. 2021
Wat Phra Yai is really quiet at the moment. So, if thinking of visiting - now is a good time.
The statue is cool to look at and the views from the statue's mesa are really amazing. It's the views, in fact, that are the highlight of this attraction.
Setting the place back is the fact that you must wind your way through numerous shops and outlets to get to the buddha. The place's focus on tourists is very evident.
Worth seeing - it's pretty iconic for Ko Samui.
The statue is cool to look at and the views from the statue's mesa are really amazing. It's the views, in fact, that are the highlight of this attraction.
Setting the place back is the fact that you must wind your way through numerous shops and outlets to get to the buddha. The place's focus on tourists is very evident.
Worth seeing - it's pretty iconic for Ko Samui.
Written 29 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Ray Stone Studio
Surat Thani, Thailand7 contributions
Apr. 2021 • Solo
As a traveler photographer/ videographer, Big Buddha Temple in Samui has been a great place to visit with a great view over the ocean.
Written 19 May 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Typhaine S
Bayonne, France136 contributions
Bonjour , savez vous à quel heure ouvre le temple s’il vous plaît ?
Merci
Stefania
Milan, Italy29 contributions
Quanto tempo ci vuole a visitarlo?
ivanoromano89
Quarto, Italy72 contributions
ciao Stefania non molto, giusto il tempo di fare delle foto.
Considera che la visita al Wat PHra Yai faceva parte di un'escursione di una giornata che prevedeva il china Buddha il pranzo il giro sugli elefanti, la visita alla cascata e l'off road in jeep.
Dayanand S
Phnom Penh, Cambodia2 contributions
Is there any taxi available from Big Budhha to Chewong area
missinnocent91
Stockport, UK13 contributions
Hey
Yea there are taxis outside the temple itself and just ask for it to be on the meter you will probably pay about 250 baht on the meter to Chaweng beach!
Emily Stevenson
Lincoln, UK99 contributions
Is the big Buddha in walking distance of other temples
Trishnjarrod
Melbourne, Australia37 contributions
Not that I seen
benidorm9
Wakefield, UK32 contributions
Are the steps very steep and unsuitable for people with arthritis
Hans Christian T
Hillerod, Denmark425 contributions
Depends on the severity of your illness. There is about 60 steps, a little more than half way up there is a platform. However the steps are not steeper than regular steps I know of.
BR
Hans Christian
72florencew
Cardiff, UK9 contributions
What is the best time of day? I know people say to go early, but how early? I'd love to see some monks perhaps..
Hans Christian T
Hillerod, Denmark425 contributions
We went there in the morning (around 10 am) hired a taxi to first visit the big Buddha and then the Wat Plai Laem.
At this time there was other tourist but it was not crawling with them. One thing to remember is that the big Buddha is a stop on almost all the sightseeing tours, thus we wanted to be there before they came.
The monks was there as well, but only a few (you could pay them to get a blessing).
BR
Hans Christian
parikshit v
8 contributions
are there any time restrictions and / or entry fee for this?
KathandMuz
Sydney, Australia36 contributions
The only restriction is clothing as a mark of respect, woman must have there shoulders covered , men can't wear singlets,
Always remove your shoes
Khonthai100
24 contributions
מה רואים מנקודת התצפית של הביג בודהה?
What do you see from the Big Buddha view point?
dambreezi
Halifax, UK26 contributions
Hi we are visiting in October when our cruise ship docks in ok samui, , we will be there about 7 hours will we have time to visit the temple ? How far away is it and how much approx would it cost us in a taxi ? Thanks in advance
Cille67
Melbourne, Australia4 contributions
Hi there, it will probably take about an hour to get there and will cost about $10-20 AUS for a return trip. Get them to wait there for you but you can haggle and get the best price. ENJOY I think it's a wonderful place.
Frequently Asked Questions about Big Buddha Temple (Wat Phra Yai)
- We recommend booking Big Buddha Temple (Wat Phra Yai) tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 38 Big Buddha Temple (Wat Phra Yai) tours on Tripadvisor
- Hotels near Big Buddha Temple (Wat Phra Yai):
- (0.46 km) Tango Luxe Beach Villa
- (0.83 km) Samui Boat Lagoon
- (0.41 km) Tamarina Bed & Beyond
- (0.66 km) Deva Beach Resort Samui
- (0.80 km) Villa 86 - Perfect for couples very private with pool
- Restaurants near Big Buddha Temple (Wat Phra Yai):
- (0.06 km) Leonardo Ice Cream Big Buddha
- (0.10 km) Chez Isa - My small World
- (0.34 km) The Sunset Samui
- (0.31 km) First Class Danny Bar & Grill
- (0.58 km) Salefino Koh Samui
- Attractions near Big Buddha Temple (Wat Phra Yai):
- (0.06 km) Samui Explorer
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- (0.71 km) Wat Plai Laem
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