Tarnim Magic Garden: Koh Samui’s Secret Buddha Garden

A stone statues of people playing a flute.

Table of Contents

Looking for a little magic in the mountains of Koh Samui?

I’ve got just the spot for you. Peaceful, green, full of strange stone statues—and totally different from the usual beach vibes. Welcome to Tarnim Magic Garden. Also known as the Secret Buddha Garden, or just “that weird-but-wonderful sculpture garden up in the hills.”

We’re a family of four and have been living in Thailand since 2019. After spending some time away, we recently moved back to Koh Samui. And now? We’re re-exploring all our favorite places.

Here’s all you need to know about Tarnim Magic Garden – a hidden gem in the hills of Koh Samui.

A woman and two girls posing for a selfie at Tarnim Magic Garden.

What Is Tarnim Magic Garden in Koh Samui?

Tarnim Magic Garden—also called the Secret Buddha Garden—is a peaceful sculpture park hidden in the hills of Koh Samui. Moss-covered statues, jungle paths, and a little stream make it feel like a secret world tucked away from the beach crowds. It’s not a temple or playground, but a quiet, creative space filled with charm and mystery.

Opening Hours, Tickets & Tips

Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM, every day. I recommend visiting in the early morning or late afternoon for the best lighting.
Tickets: 100 THB per adult, kids under 11 are free
Parking: Available right on site
Footwear: Avoid flip-flops if possible
Bring: Water, mosquito spray (You’ll need a lot. Put it on before entering the garden!)
Location: Central Koh Samui, Pom Mountain – here’s the location on Google Maps

A statue in a forest.

The History Behind Tarnim Magic Garden

This place is a man’s dream project—Khun Nim Thongsuk, a retired durian farmer who decided to build a sculpture garden. He picked up some tools and started carving statues. He began building the garden in 1976, when he was already 77 years old. And he just… kept going. Year after year.

He filled this quiet corner of Pom Mountain with his personal vision. Some statues are Buddhist figures, others are Thai mythological creatures. You’ll see everything from meditating monks and gods to animals, angels, dancers, and even Khun Nim himself, sitting cross-legged in peace.

The layout of this private sculpture park is wild. It’s not like a manicured place with signs and explanations. It’s more like:
“Here’s a hidden staircase, there’s a frog next to a goddess, and oh—what’s behind that tree?”

A girl standing on a rock with a statue in the middle of it.
a building with a green roof and a green wall with trees in the background
The small parking lot right in front of Tarnim Magic Garden’s entrance.

Our Visit – A Jungle Adventure with My Girls

We went on a sunny Sunday morning in May. I took my two daughters—aged 3 and 7 at the time.

We left our place around 8:30 am and drove there in our Toyota Fortuner. No 4×4 mode needed. The road? Totally fine. Winding and a little narrow near the top, but nothing crazy. A few years ago, we even did it with a 150cc scooter. So no worries—you don’t need a big vehicle or mad driving skills.

On the main road, there’s a small sign pointing downhill to the garden. Just follow it. You can drive your car or scooter down a short slope and park right on site.

Right next to the parking area is a tiny wooden café with snacks and drinks. In front of that, there’s a little ticket booth. A friendly lady sold us our tickets.

A window with a sign on it.
A hand holding two yellow tickets.

Waterfalls & Wobbly Paths

The path starts with a staircase going down into the garden. It’s not long, but it is steep. And from the start, the ground is a bit uneven and can be slippery, especially with the humidity.

Two girls walking up stairs in a forest.
A statue of a dinosaur with a snake in its mouth.

Right at the entrance, you’ll see a sweet little waterfall, the Tar Nim Waterfall, and a stream running through the garden. My girls immediately ran over to spot frogs and turtles—stone ones, of course. The water flows all through the space, and gives it this peaceful jungle sound in the background.

A waterfall in a forest.

We carefully made our way along the mossy path, past overgrown trees and vines. There are ruined houses you can enter (well, climb into—stairs are steep). The girls thought they were haunted and turned it into a challenge. Who dares go first?

A girl running up a set of stairs.
A person walking on a path in the woods.

The statues are everywhere. Some hiding behind plants, others placed together like they’re having a quiet monk meeting. The girls didn’t get bored for a second.

A statue of a woman with a hand on her head.
A group of statues of people playing instruments.
An image icon with a checkmark symbol.
Get updates on the latest posts and more from Nomadmum straight to your inbox.
Get updates on the latest posts and more from Nomadmum straight to your inbox.

Real Talk: Slippery Surfaces and Small Kids

Let’s be honest: this place is magical, but not exactly kid-proof. 

We were all wearing plastic flip-flops. And while it was doable, I’ll admit—it wasn’t perfect.

My 3-year-old needed my hand most of the time. The mossy stones and uneven ground made me a bit nervous, especially around the water.
My 7-year-old ran ahead, slipped once, and scratched her ankle—nothing serious, but just enough to bleed.

A stream in a forest.

So if you’re coming with little ones:

  • Bring water
  • Watch your step
  • Maybe skip the flip-flops
  • Hold hands on the steep parts
  • And keep the running to a minimum

That said, for both of them—it was one big adventure. It wasn’t too long, and there was always something new to discover.

We spent around 40 minutes there in total. That’s pretty much the max. It’s not a big place. You wander slowly, explore, take a few photos, climb a few ruins, and head back.

A stream in a forest.
Two girls standing on a rock near a statue.

The Good, The Weird, and The Broken

So, what’s the verdict?

Let’s start with the good:

  • It’s a unique experience, different from the beach clubs and temples.
  • The statues are beautiful and mysterious.
  • The whole place has a calm and magical vibe, especially if you’re there early.
  • It’s quiet, surrounded by lush vegetation, and super affordable.

But… it’s not perfect.

Tarnim Magic Garden is not well-maintained. It’s part of the charm—nature is reclaiming the space—but also, it feels a bit forgotten.
Some of the concrete paths are broken, and you’ll see spots where the steel rebar is sticking out of old structures.
We even spotted a few plastic bottles floating in the water stream, which was a bit sad.

So no, this is not a polished tourist attraction. It’s more like stumbling into someone’s overgrown dreamland. If that’s your thing, you’ll love it. But don’t expect clean paths or safety signs.

A group of statues in a forest.
A group of statues in a garden.
A girl sitting on a rock.

I’d only recommend it for:

  • People who are sure-footed
  • Families who don’t mind a bit of mud
  • Visitors looking for something off the beaten path

If you’re traveling with young toddlers or less mobile grandparents, it might not be the best fit.

Where to Stay in Koh Samui?

Ready to rest after your journey through Tarnim Magic Garden? Here are some fantastic family-friendly hotels:

A pool with trees around it.

Anantara Bophut Resort

  • From $250 (€232) per night (Premier Room)
  • Lush gardens, calm beach, close to the Fisherman’s Night Market, and a fun kids’ club.
A playground in a courtyard.

Holiday Inn Resort Samui Bophut Beach

  • From $136 (€125) per night (Family Room with Bunk Beds)
  • Beachfront property with amazing sunset views
  • Giant outdoor pool with slides, water features, and Kids’ club

Key Takeaways: Tarnim Magic Garden, Koh Samui

  • Peaceful garden in the mountains with jungle paths and stone statues
  • Also known as the Secret Buddha Garden or Heaven’s Garden
  • Great for families with curious kids (but not stroller-friendly)
  • Located near Khun Si Viewpoint, in central Koh Samui
  • Entry is 100 THB per person (cash only)
  • Best visited in the morning or late afternoon for cooler air
  • Wear proper shoes—the trails can be rocky and slippery
  • Not a religious site, but quiet and respectful behavior is expected
  • Combine your visit with other nearby attractions like Overlap Stone

👉 You might also like my other Koh Samui articles:
How to Celebrate Songkran with Kids
Na Muang Waterfall Koh Samui
Red Baron Sunset Cruise in Samui – Family Review
Is Samui Elephant Sanctuary Ethical?

Final Thoughts on Visiting Tarnim Magic Garden with Family

If you’ve done all the usual Koh Samui things—beaches, waterfalls, temples, coconut ice cream—and you’re looking for something different, go check out Tarnim Magic Garden.

It’s cheap, fun to explore with kids, a little strange, full of character, not too crowded, and only takes about 30-40 minutes.

But go in with the right expectations: It’s not polished. It’s not perfect. But it is peaceful, weird, and full of charm.

Would you dare explore Tarnim Magic Garden with your kids? Let me know in the comments!

Thank you for reading and for making me part of your day! Yours, Lulu

FAQ on Tarnim Magic Garden in Koh Samui

Are the statues based on Thai mythology or Hindu mythology?

Both. You’ll find figures inspired by Thai folklore, Buddhist imagery, and Hindu mythology. From meditating monks to mythical creatures like kinnaree (half-bird women), the garden reflects a mix of spiritual beliefs.

Is there any cultural significance behind the garden?

Yes. While it’s not a temple, many of the statues depict deities, monks, and sacred figures from Thai culture. Visitors are encouraged to show respect, especially near the burial site and statues of Buddha.

What is the ‘object type’ of most of the sculptures?

They’re stone carvings, many created from local materials. Some are standalone, others part of small group scenes or hidden within overgrown greenery.

Is it recommended during the rainy season?

Be cautious. The garden can get muddy and slippery. While the tropical climate adds to the greenery, rain makes the terrain harder to navigate—especially with kids.

Can I visit with limited mobility?

No. The terrain includes steep stairs, uneven ground, and narrow paths. There are no handrails or smooth walkways. Not suitable for wheelchairs or those with mobility challenges.

Is there anything to eat or drink nearby?

There’s a small wooden café near the parking lot with basic snacks and cold drinks. Don’t expect full meals, but it’s enough for a quick refresh after your visit.


Just a heads up: some links in “Tarnim Magic Gardenare affiliate links. If you click and buy, I might earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

A woman standing with her chin up, facing forward, against a backdrop of houses and buildings.
Lulu

Hi, I’m Lulu.

I’m a German journalist, mum of two, wife, and Digital Nomad since 2019. My mission is to help families explore the world with their kids—whether it’s a short trip or a longer journey. On my blog, I share practical tips and insights about family travel to make your trips smoother!

If you have any questions, leave a comment or send me an email. I’d love to hear from you!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

You may also like...

Share!

Join the inner circle!

Be the first to know about nomad news and exclusive offers!