Wat Khunaram is an otherwise ordinary village temple on the ring road in the south of Samui that houses one of the island’s most unusual sights: the mummified body of the monk Luang Pho Daeng.
A respected meditation teacher, he died in 1973, by tradition while seated in meditation. In keeping with his wishes, his body was placed on display in a glass case as a reminder of the Buddhist teaching on impermanence. It remains in the same upright posture, remarkably well preserved, with sunglasses covering the eyes.
Top things to do at Wat Khunaram
Pay your respects
The shrine is a place of worship, not an exhibit: local people come to make offerings and ask for blessings. Remove your shoes, keep your voice down and do not use flash.
Receive a blessing
Monks are often on hand to give a short blessing and tie a string bracelet in return for a small donation.
Combine it with the waterfalls
The temple is close to the turn-off for the Na Muang waterfalls and a short drive from Hin Ta & Hin Yai.
How to get to Wat Khunaram
- By road: on Route 4169 between Lamai and Hua Thanon/Na Mueang, around 10 minutes south-west of Lamai.
- On a tour: included in many round-island tours.
Insider tips
- Entry is free; donations are welcome.
- Dress modestly — shoulders and knees covered.
- A visit takes only 15–20 minutes, so it is best treated as a stop on a longer loop.
Best tours & tickets for Wat Khunaram
These top-rated experiences are the easiest way to see Wat Khunaram:
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
