The most arresting statue on the island is the thousand-arm Guanyin (Kwan Im), the Buddhist bodhisattva of compassion, displayed with 18 arms in a fan arrangement at this temple completed around 2004. Perched on an island in a lake, the colourful statue rises up next to a temple hall also constructed above the water. To the north is a statue of the jovial Maitreya Buddha (the Buddha to come). The setting is highly picturesque and photogenic.
Wat Plai Laem
Ko Samui
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
Ang Thong Marine National Park
26.85 MILES
Known officially as Mu Ko Ang Thong Marine National Park, this series of jungle-covered islands – the inspiration for Alex Garland’s cult classic novel,…
9.18 MILES
Spilling down from the island's highest points, this is the first of two waterfalls – close to each other – that are lovely in full spate, pouring frigid…
-
12.28 MILES
This lovely beach of leaning coconut trees has the royal seal of approval, literally. Behind the collection of shacks that line the sands and azure waters…
-
2.57 MILES
This concentration of narrow Chinese shophouses in Bo Phut has been transformed into cool boutique hotels, restaurants, cafes and bars. The accompanying…
15.32 MILES
This lovely, secluded cove has a stretch of soft sand overlooked by green hills and is a superb choice for a relaxing day of swimming and snorkelling…
27.33 MILES
This viewpoint might just be the most stunning vista in all of Thailand. From the top, visitors will have sweeping views of the jagged islands nearby as…
11.87 MILES
Nam Tok Phaeng is protected by a national park and is a pleasant reward after a short but rough hike. After the waterfall (dry out of season), it's a…
Shrine of Our Lady Guanyin Phangan
14.14 MILES
This colourful Chinese temple cascades down a serene jungle-covered mountainside overlooking the Island's green canopy. Dedicated to Guanyin, the Buddhist…
Nearby Ko Samui attractions
0.51 MILES
At Samui’s northern end is Wat Phra Yai. Erected in 1972, the modern golden Buddha (sitting in the Mara posture) stands 15m high surveying an area…
2.42 MILES
This golden pagoda – gloriously illuminated at night – sits on top of the hill north of Chaweng Lake, offering spectacular panoramic views over the island…
2.44 MILES
Rather coarse and shelly, Bo Phut’s beach inclines quite steeply into cloudy water, but the views are scenic to Ko Pha-Ngan, an island that acts as a…
2.53 MILES
The (high) entrance fee here reflects visitors desire to support a project genuinely caring for rescued elephants, and the half-day experience is more an…
2.57 MILES
This concentration of narrow Chinese shophouses in Bo Phut has been transformed into cool boutique hotels, restaurants, cafes and bars. The accompanying…
2.93 MILES
Lovely for sunrise, by evening this is the busiest and loudest beach on Ko Samui, and during the day it's often hopping too, thanks to the sheer number of…
4.23 MILES
The lush jungle-covered hills surrounding the bright yellow onion domes of this tiny mosque is an idyllic picture. Built in 2013 by Imam Adam, for the…
4.72 MILES
With four dragons coiling up its pillars, two inside and two outside, this very colourful temple in the heart of the village is worth a visit; the Chinese…