We’ve been living in Thailand since 2019, and I’ve seen loads of temples throughout the country. But Wat Plai Laem in Koh Samui? It’s something special!
We visited on a weekend in April 2025 with our two kids and my mother-in-law. Trust me when I say this is one of the most beautiful temples in Koh Samui. It’s super easy to reach, totally free, and definitely worth your time.
In this guide, I’ll share our visit, give you helpful tips, opening hours, costs, and a little deep dive into the history of the temple.
Everything You Need to Know About Wat Plai Laem
Wat Plai Laem is a beautiful temple located on the northeastern tip of Koh Samui, just 3 kilometers from the airport and about 12 kilometers from Chaweng Beach. It’s a relatively new sacred site, built in the early 2000s.
The unique part: its blend of Thai and Chinese Buddhist traditions. Having seen many temples across Thailand, this mix really makes it different.
The temple is very colorful with reds, golds, and blues everywhere. During our visit, we noticed a painter carefully renovating parts of the outside of one temple. This showed us that they’re always working to keep the temple beautiful, preserving its detailed artwork.
The designs and carvings tell stories from Buddhist teachings and show amazing craftsmanship.
Wat Plai Laem is an active temple where Thai people come to pray and make merit. You’ll likely see locals kneeling in front of statues and monks going about their daily routines.
Many visitors don’t know that the temple was actually built very recently, but it was made to look old and traditional. The builders used old techniques and designs to create a place that feels like it has been around for hundreds of years. This mix of old design with new construction makes it special.
When you walk around, look at how the buildings are placed. They all face the lake. This layout follows ancient feng shui principles from Chinese tradition, which is another example of how the temple blends different cultural elements.
The Amazing Statues at Wat Plai Laem in Koh Samui
The centerpiece that will take your breath away is the main Guanyin statue. This white statue of the Chinese Goddess of Mercy stands about 15 meters tall with 18 arms! The impressive statue sits in the middle of a tranquil lake.
Each of Guanyin’s 18 arms holds something different – tools and symbols that represent her many powers to help people. Some arms hold vases, books, prayer beads, and other important Buddhist symbols. If you look closely, you can see how detailed each item is. It’s amazing that artists could create something so detailed at such a large size!
Opposite Guanyin is the white statue of Budai (the Laughing Buddha). This jolly figure is believed to bring good fortune. Many visitors rub his belly for luck.
These giant statues perfectly showcase the temple’s Thai-Chinese style. They’re much larger than photos suggest and create a powerful first impression.
The Laughing Buddha statue is painted bright white. His big smile and round belly make everyone smile. My girls especially love this statue because he looks so friendly and happy.
The Temple’s Design and History
Wat Plai Laem was designed by Thai artist Jarit Phumdonming, who also worked on the nearby Big Buddha temple.
The temple combines elements from both Theravāda Buddhism (the main type in Thailand) and Mahāyāna Buddhism (common in China and East Asia). This is why you’ll notice Chinese architectural styles in many buildings, alongside traditional Thai elements.
The 18-armed Guanyin represents compassion in Mahayana Buddhism. She’s believed to hear the cries of suffering in the world and extend her many arms to help.
The Laughing Buddha (Budai) symbolizes contentment and wealth. That’s why visitors touch his belly for good fortune. These symbols and practices offer a glimpse into both Thai and Chinese spiritual traditions.
The Artificial Lake and Temple Grounds
One amazing thing about Wat Plai Laem is how the main buildings sit on a big lake. This creates a beautiful floating effect, especially pretty in the late afternoon light. The bright colors of the temples reflect in the water, which made a perfect photo setting for us. We got some really nice photos capturing these mirror-like reflections.
The lake is full of catfish, koi, and turtles. For just 10 THB (about $0.30 / €0.28), you can buy a bag of food to feed them at a nearby vending machine. This isn’t just fun – it’s actually part of Buddhist merit-making. Thais believe feeding these creatures brings good karma.
Beyond the main statues, you’ll find several smaller shrines and buildings with detailed carvings and colorful wall paintings that tell Buddhist stories. Take time to notice the details on doors and walls throughout the temple area.
Opening Hours, Costs and Location
The temple is open daily from 6 AM to 6 PM.
Here’s the link to the location on Google Maps.
The best thing? There’s no entrance fee! Many temples in tourist areas now charge, but this one remains free.
There are donation boxes around the temple if you’d like to contribute a small donation. This helps maintain the temple grounds and supports the monks. Even 20-50 THB (less than $2) is appreciated.
The only thing you’ll pay for is fish food if you want it (10 THB per bag).
Dress Code and Temple Etiquette
Since this is an active temple and sacred place, there’s a basic dress code to follow:
- Cover your shoulders and knees (both men and women)
- No short pants or revealing tops
- Remove shoes before entering any temple building
The rules aren’t as strict for kids, but it’s respectful to dress them appropriately too.
If you forget and show up with bare shoulders or short shorts, don’t worry too much. They have sarongs available to borrow at the entrance.
Beyond dress, remember to:
- Speak quietly
- Don’t point your feet at Buddha statues or monks
- Ask before taking photos of people praying
- Don’t touch or climb on any statue or altar
How to Get to Wat Plai Laem
There are several ways to reach this beautiful temple:
By Scooter or Car
Renting a scooter or rental car is the easiest way to get around Koh Samui. The temple is well-signposted and easy to find with Google Maps. There’s free parking right at the temple entrance.
By Taxi
Taxis are everywhere on the island. A ride from Chaweng to Wat Plai Laem should cost around 300-400 THB (about $10). Always agree on the price before getting in!
By Songthaew
These are those red pickup trucks with benches. They’re the cheapest option (about 100-200 THB per person). Just flag one down heading toward Big Buddha and tell the driver where you want to go.
From the Airport
If you’re coming straight from Samui International Airport, it’s just a 10-15 minute drive. Any taxi at the airport can take you there.
Best Time to Visit Wat Plai Laem
From my experience, I’d recommend coming either early morning (8:00-10:00 AM) or late afternoon (after 4:00 PM). These times are cooler and less crowded.
The lighting in the late afternoon makes for beautiful photos. But if you want to beat the heat completely, morning is your best bet.
If you’re visiting during high season (December-March), expect more people. But even then, this temple doesn’t get as packed as some other attractions on the island of Koh Samui.
Avoid midday visits during March to May – it gets brutally hot with temperatures over 35°C (95°F). Walking around in that heat isn’t pleasant, especially with kids!
Our Family’s Experience at Wat Plai Laem
We arrived around 3:30 PM, which was still pretty hot (April is the hottest month in Southeast Thailand!). The temple was quiet, with only a couple of other visitors there with us.
My kids were a bit tired by the time we got there. But they perked up quickly! There’s plenty of shade next to the temples and inside them. They absolutely LOVED feeding the big fish and turtles in the temple lake. We saw many Thai people doing this too.
My mother-in-law, who’s in her mid-sixties, had a blast. She especially enjoyed watching the monks and the peaceful ambiance of this sacred place.
During our visit, we observed monks in their orange robes going about their daily routines.
We spent about 30 minutes exploring, but you could easily stay for 45 minutes to an hour if you take your time.
Is Wat Plai Laem Kid-Friendly?
Absolutely! Our kids had a great time despite being a bit tired. The temple grounds are spacious, making it easy to navigate with children. What’s really nice is that it’s all separated from the road and parking lot, so our kids could run around freely and safely without us worrying about traffic.
The highlights for kids include:
- Feeding the fish and turtles (kids always love this!)
- The bright, eye-catching statues and buildings
- The open spaces to run around
- Lots of shade for breaks
It’s also a quick enough visit that kids won’t get bored. Just be ready to explain some of the statues and symbols if they have questions!
Practical Tips From Our Visit
Based on our family trip, here are some helpful tips:
- Bring water: There aren’t many shops right at the temple
- Wear comfortable shoes: Flip-flops or sandals work best since you’ll be taking them on and off
- Bring a hat and sunscreen: There are shaded areas, but you’ll still be in the sun quite a bit
- Carry small bills: For donations and fish food
- Allow enough time: Don’t rush – the details and peaceful feeling deserve attention
- There are clean toilets: Located near the entrance
Combining Your Visit With Nearby Attractions
Wat Plai Laem’s location makes it perfect for combining with other sites in the area. Here’s what we did and recommend:
Big Buddha Temple
Just 1 kilometer away sits the famous Big Buddha statue. This seated Buddha image is 12 meters tall and sits on a hill overlooking the sea. It’s an iconic Koh Samui landmark that pairs perfectly with Wat Plai Laem.
Choeng Mon Beach
After temple-hopping in the heat, head to Choeng Mon Beach. It’s only a 5-minute drive away and offers gorgeous white sand and gentle waters – perfect for families.
Fisherman’s Village (Bophut Beach)
The popular Fisherman’s Village is about 3 kilometers from the temple. It’s got great restaurants (my favorite being Beach Coconut Bowls with yummy smoothie bowls), shops, and a lovely Bophut Beach. If you visit on Friday, you’ll catch their amazing night market with food, crafts, and music.
Is It Worth Your Time?
100% yes! Wat Plai Laem offers something different from the beaches and viewpoints that dominate most Koh Samui itineraries.
The temple gives you a taste of Thai culture, great photo spots, and a peaceful break from typical tourist activities. It’s also completely free, which is always nice.
Whether you’re a temple enthusiast or just looking for one of the best attractions on the island, Wat Plai Laem delivers. Its unique Thai-Chinese style makes it stand out among Thailand’s many temples.
Key Takeaways
- Wat Plai Laem is a modern temple with Chinese and Thai Buddhist influences, built in the early 2000s.
- Features include a 15-meter 18-armed Guanyin, a giant Laughing Buddha, and colorful shrines surrounded by a lake.
- Entry is free, but small donations are appreciated.
- Dress modestly (shoulders and knees covered), and remove shoes before entering temple buildings.
- Best time to visit: Morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat and get better lighting for photos.
- Opening hours: 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily.
- Fish food available (10 THB)—feeding fish is a popular activity and a way to make merit.
- Easily accessible by car, scooter, or taxi; free parking available on-site.
- Great for families—kids love feeding the fish and exploring the colorful buildings.
- Combine with the nearby Big Buddha temple, Choeng Mon Beach, or Fisherman’s Village for a perfect half-day trip.
Where to Stay in Koh Samui
If you’re planning to visit Wat Plai Laem and explore the island, it’s worth choosing a place to stay that’s comfy, family-friendly, and not too far from the action. Here are five great hotels that I’d personally recommend – we’ve stayed at some of them ourselves or had friends rave about them.
1. Hyatt Regency Koh Samui
This is our favorite! We stay here almost every month. The rooms are spacious, the kids’ club is a dream, and the views of the sea are just stunning. Read my honest review here.
2. SALA Samui Choengmon Beach Resort
If you’re after something stylish and romantic (yes, even with kids!), this place is beautiful. It’s just a few minutes from the temple and set right on the beach. Private pool villas, amazing breakfast, and a peaceful vibe.
3. Melia Koh Samui
This one is very family-friendly! There’s a pirate-themed kids’ club, a lagoon pool, and direct beach access. The resort has a relaxed feel and sits near Choeng Mon Beach, making it easy to cool off after temple visits.
4. The Ritz-Carlton, Koh Samui
If you’re up for a little splurge, this is luxury at its finest. They’ve got a private beach, incredible food, and fantastic service.
5. The Stay Chaweng Beach Resort
This one’s a more budget-friendly pick if you want something simple but nice, close to Chaweng. It’s modern and clean. Great if you want a mix of temple visits and beach days.
👉 You might also like:
– Thailand’s Koh Madsum: Visiting Pig Island with Kids
– The 20 Best Koh Samui Luxury Hotels
– Hyatt Regency Samui with Kids
– How Much is a Trip to Thailand?
– The Best Months to Visit Thailand
Final Thoughts – Our Personal Experience
We’ve seen many temples during our years in Thailand, but Wat Plai Laem sticks in my memory. We’ll definitely be back – next time in the morning hours to experience it in different light.
If you’re planning a trip to Koh Samui, don’t miss this gem on the northeastern coast!
Have you visited Wat Plai Laem yet? If yes, how was your experience? Please let me know in the comments!
Thank you for reading and for making me part of your day! Yours, Lulu
Just a heads up: some links in the article “Wat Plai Laem” on Nomadmum.com are affiliate links. This means if you click and buy, I might earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
