The Big Buddha — properly Wat Phra Yai — is a 12-metre gold-painted statue of the seated Buddha on Koh Faan, a rocky islet joined to the north-east corner of Samui by a short causeway. It was built in 1972 and has been the island’s emblem ever since; arriving passengers often spot it from the plane.
A staircase flanked by naga serpents leads up to the platform at the statue’s base, where there are bells to ring and wide views over Bang Rak beach, the piers and Koh Phangan. Around the courtyard below are shrines, smaller statues, souvenir stalls and cafés.
Top things to do at Big Buddha (Wat Phra Yai)
Climb to the statue
Shoes come off at the foot of the stairs, and the stone gets hot in the middle of the day — early morning or late afternoon is more comfortable, and the light is better for photographs.
Combine it with Wat Plai Laem
The colourful lake temple of Wat Plai Laem is only a few minutes’ drive away, and the two are almost always visited together.
Stay for sunset
The causeway and the beach bars of Bang Rak face west along the coast, and the statue is lit after dark.
How to get to Big Buddha (Wat Phra Yai)
- By road: the temple is on Route 4171 in Bang Rak, about 5–10 minutes from the airport and 15–20 minutes from Chaweng. There is free parking.
- On a tour: nearly every island highlights tour stops here.
Insider tips
- This is an active temple: cover shoulders and knees. Sarongs can usually be borrowed or rented at the entrance.
- Entry is free; donations are welcome.
- Do not climb on statues or pose with your back turned close to the Buddha — it is considered disrespectful.
Best tours & tickets for Big Buddha (Wat Phra Yai)
These top-rated experiences are the easiest way to see Big Buddha (Wat Phra Yai):
Sightseeing tour from €22 Koh Samui: Half-Day Highlight Tour + Elephant Camp Option
A quick, inexpensive orientation loop of the ring road’s best-known sights, ideal for your first or second day. We would skip the optional elephant-camp add-on and visit one of the island’s observation-only sanctuaries separately instead.
- The island’s main landmarks by air-conditioned minivan
- Temples, viewpoints and the famous rocks in one loop
- Low price and thousands of reviews
Jeep safari from €42 Koh Samui: Mr. Ung’s 4WD Wild Jungle Safari Tour with Lunch
The best-reviewed land tour on the island. An open-backed 4WD climbs tracks that ordinary rental cars and scooters should not attempt, linking the sights of Samui’s mountainous middle in one day. Expect a bumpy, dusty, fun ride; check the listing for the exact stops on your date.
- Open 4WD up steep tracks into the island’s interior
- Typically includes a waterfall, hill viewpoints and the Secret Buddha Garden
- Lunch included
Ferry ticket from €9 Koh Samui: High-Speed Ferry Transfer to/from Ko Pha Ngan
A pre-booked seat on the high-speed ferry between Samui and Koh Phangan, with options that add a road transfer at the Samui end. Useful in peak season and around the Full Moon Party, when boats fill up.
- Fast crossing between the two islands
- Options with hotel or airport transfer
- Thousands of reviews
