A beautiful green, red and golden gate featuring a dharma wheel greets you at this temple famous for it's terrifying clay model scenes depicting the Buddhist vision of hell. The most terrifying of which shows several sinners being boiled alive in a huge pot decorated with skulls. One of them has a cockerel's head and another is being stabbed in the buttock by the guardian. There are also meditation sessions, so try to seek out the monks who speak English.
Wat Samai Kongka
Ko Pha-Ngan
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
Ang Thong Marine National Park
22.81 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,…
19.08 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…
-
6.04 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…
-
25.24 MILES
With crystal-clear waters and superb snorkelling, pretty Ao Tanot on the east coast also affords excellent rock-jumping opportunities from the huge…
-
13.05 MILES
This concentration of narrow Chinese shophouses in Bo Phut has been transformed into cool boutique hotels, restaurants, cafes and bars. The accompanying…
-
28.39 MILES
These three lovely islands off the northwest coast of Ko Tao are linked together by a sandbar, with superb views from the island's highest points. Boats…
4.74 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…
22.82 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…
Nearby Ko Pha-Ngan attractions
0.77 MILES
The oldest temple on the island, Wat Phu Khao Noi or 'temple of small mountain', near the hospital in Thong Sala, is believed to have been founded by…
1.89 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…
3. Shrine of Our Lady Guanyin Phangan
2.15 MILES
This colourful Chinese temple cascades down a serene jungle-covered mountainside overlooking the Island's green canopy. Dedicated to Guanyin, the Buddhist…
2.15 MILES
The terrific Domsila Viewpoint – offering a rocky perch with superb, panoramic views over the island – is a 15-minute, root-choked climb up from Nam Tok…
2.24 MILES
Linked to the Shrine of Our Lady Guan Yin Phangan by a small path at the back, this wát near the outskirts of Chalok Lam sits in a serene, forested…
2.44 MILES
This not-so-secret, palm-fringed, soft-sand cove (aka Hat Son) sits at the bottom of a steep road in the northwest of the island. It's a popular spot for…
3.02 MILES
This slim, pretty beach on the northwest coast is fronted by shallow, blue water – a clutch of photogenic long-tail boats tend to park at the southern end…
3.09 MILES
This temple is one of the less visited on the island, and is therefore a haven of tranquillity (bar the occasional growling canine). Highlights include a…