High in the hills of Samui’s interior, the Secret Buddha Garden — also known as the Magic Garden or Tarnim Magic Garden — is a shady hollow filled with statues of deities, animals, musicians and human figures arranged around a stream and small waterfalls.
It was the personal project of Nim Thongsuk, a local durian farmer, who started placing the sculptures on his family land in 1976, when he was already in his late seventies, and carried on until his death. Moss and tree roots have since softened everything, which is exactly its charm.
Top things to do at Secret Buddha Garden
Wander among the statues
The garden is small — half an hour covers it — but full of detail. Look out for the figure of Nim Thongsuk himself among the sculptures.
Enjoy the views on the way
The road climbs close to the highest part of the island, and there are viewpoints and simple cafés with long views over the coconut plantations to the coast.
Make a day of the interior
Most visitors arrive on a jeep safari that also takes in a waterfall and other hill stops.
How to get to Secret Buddha Garden
- By 4WD tour: the easiest and safest option. The upper road is steep, in places rough, and slippery after rain.
- Self-drive: possible in a suitable car with a confident driver, but not recommended on a rented scooter — the gradients are severe and accidents are common.
Insider tips
- There is a small entrance fee (around 80 baht at the time of writing — check locally).
- It is noticeably cooler up here than on the coast, and mosquitoes like the shade: bring repellent.
- Paths and steps are uneven and can be muddy.
Best tours & tickets for Secret Buddha Garden
These top-rated experiences are the easiest way to see Secret Buddha Garden:
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
Adventure activity from €48 Samui Zipline Fly & Fun Tree Bridge Jungle Cafe & Waterfall
A half-day in the hills for anyone who has had enough of the sunlounger: a series of ziplines and hanging bridges, with a café and a waterfall to cool off at afterwards. Check the listing for minimum age and weight limits.
- Zipline course through the forest canopy
- Tree bridges and a jungle café
- Waterfall stop
