The Thai island of Koh Samui has many attractions and one of these is the captivating temples and shrines to be seen here. As a predominantly Buddhist area, you will naturally see many picturesque and enthralling Buddhist monuments in this beautiful region of Thailand.
The splendid Big Buddha Temple should undoubtedly be on every visitor’s itinerary. Situated on a rocky islet, this intriguing shrine is dominated, as its name would suggest, by an immense, 12-metre-tall Buddha statue. Constructed in 1972, this spectacular figure is shown in the seated position, and its colossal proportions have made it a popular sightseeing attraction. Visitors will be able to observe the stream of devotees bringing offerings such as flowers, fruit and incense, which are proffered to the venerated statue. The huge Buddha is particularly resplendent at night, when it is highlighted by spotlights.
Another local temple, Wat Khunaram offers an intriguing sight of a very different kind. Here you may see the mummified remains of a revered monk as well as abbot who passed away in 1973; amazingly, his body shows few signs of decay. This holy figure is given great veneration by Thais, many of whom visit the temple. Meanwhile, the Hin Lad Waterfall Temple is renowned for its scenic location, tranquil ambience and attractive setting. At this tropical forest setting, you will see a beautiful garden, a number of Buddha statues, other sculptures, and a pedestrian path. It is a delightful place to explore at your leisure.
On the other hand, the Wat Plai Laem is a striking Buddhist temple that is especially noteworthy for its spectacular statue of Quan Yin, the goddess of infinite compassion and mercy. This sensational white 18-armed figure holds pride of place at the temple, which also features interesting architecture and artworks. Although this is a comparatively newly constructed temple, it depicts traditional artistic motifs and demonstrates an ancient belief system.
The array of temples to be seen and explored in Koh Samui means that a visit to the island will always be a memorable experience. If you are visiting the region and require a Koh Samui resort to host your stay, an outstanding selection would be the Anantara Lawana Resort & Spa Koh Samui. This attractive hotel in Samui offers appealing accommodations and attentive hospitality.
Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry.