Asia
Thailand
Surat Thani Province
Ko Samui
Bophut
Plai Laem
Plai Laem Attractions
Wat Plai Laem
See all things to do

Wat Plai Laem

See all things to do
See all things to do
Wat Plai Laem
4.5
Tours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
Full view
What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Plan your visit
See all
The area
Best nearby
Restaurants
546 within 5 kms
Stop at Sopa
416
0.2 km$ • Asian • Thai • Soups
The Sunset Samui
451
0.6 km$$ - $$$ • French • Bar • International
Nahm Restaurant & Bar - Koh Samui
193
0.7 km$$ - $$$ • Seafood • European • Asian
Salefino Koh Samui
639
0.7 km$$ - $$$ • Italian • Seafood • Mediterranean
Mama Dang Bar & Restaurant
77
0.3 km$$ - $$$ • Bar • Seafood • International
Shakespeare Pub
63
0.4 km$$ - $$$ • Bar • European • British
The Summer House Samui- Restaurant & Bar
35
0.3 km$$ - $$$ • Italian • Bar • European
Supattra Thai Dining
743
0.9 km$$ - $$$ • Seafood • Asian • Thai
First Class Danny Bar & Grill
44
0.5 km$ • European • Asian • Thai
Maithy Pool Lounge Restaurant
29
0.5 km$$ - $$$ • Italian • European • Asian
See all
Attractions
53 within 10 kms
Big Buddha Temple (Wat Phra Yai)
6,797
0.7 kmReligious Sites
Choeng Mon Beach
546
1.7 kmBeaches
Samui Elephant Sanctuary
1,203
4 kmNature & Wildlife Areas
Bangrak Market
11
0.8 kmFarmers Markets
Art-samui
153
1.9 kmArt Museums
Central Festival Samui
883
4.3 kmShopping Malls
Pagoda Khao Hua Jook
209
3.8 kmPoints of Interest & Landmarks
Fisherman’s Village
8,027
4.1 kmNeighbourhoods
Maenam Beach
1,434
Beaches
Chaweng Beach
4,233
4.5 kmBeaches
See all
See what other travellers are saying
  • w_travel
    Johannesburg, South Africa154 contributions
    Good experience
    Definitely a treat if you're looking for design and culture aspects on the island. Situated in a large pond, there are three "islands" housing the main structures comprising the temple. Ponds are filled with carb which can be fed food bought at the site. Also a good spot to see the Buddhist monks going about their daily routine. The attention to detail in all the structures are incredible and there is lots to see, definitely recommend you spend around one to two hours here to soak everything up.
    Visited January 2020
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 3 March 2020
  • CKF
    2,201 contributions
    The Pride of Koh Samui
    While researching before our trip to Koh Samui, photos of Wat Plai Laem always appeared, and we knew we had to see this. We booked a 1/2 day tour to see the island's highlights. Of course, this statue was our favorite stop! First, you will be greeted by gorgeous red and gold Chinese temples. As you walk farther, you will discover that visiting this wat really gets you three for the price of one! Not only is there the famous 9-armed statue, but there is also the happy Buddha, which brings joy to every face, and a beautiful Ganesha. Each statue was more spectacular than the last. We truly enjoyed strolling the grounds, which are covered with a multitude Insta-worthy moments. Enjoy the Pride of Koh Samui!
    Visited November 2020
    Written 26 December 2020
  • BobH764
    Fareham, United Kingdom747 contributions
    Interesting
    Very impressive temples and the surrounding complex. It’s possible to go inside one of the Wats and interesting to see the paintings on the walls and ceiling. We spent about an hour here and could have spent longer looking at the amazingly detailed carvings. Lots of good photo opportunities.
    Visited March 2020
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 4 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Reviews may contain information about traveller safety at this business.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
1,539 reviews
Excellent
905
Very good
522
Average
94
Poor
14
Terrible
4
froggytracee@gmail.com
Walla Walla, WA99 contributions
Always beautiful
Aug 2023 • Couples
I spend about 6 weeks in Koh Samui every year and stay in an area that is fairly close to the beautiful Wat Plai Laem, so I visit the temple almost every day. This Wat area has three large temples, all situated on three different walkways over the water. There are no entrance fees. There are also other temple buildings on the land surrounding the entire complex. Sometimes a monk is sitting in an area close to the Laughing Buddha and he will give you a blessing in return for a small donation. Often, the Monk will wrap a woven bracelet around your left wrist at the end of the blessing. There are two areas where you can buy a small bucket of fish food for 10 Baht. There are a LOT of HUGE catfish and turtles swimming in the waters around the temples and it is fascinating to feed them. There are some tables and chairs situated in some shade under some trees that can be a nice place to get out of the sun. You must be sure that your shoulders are covered while visiting the temples (and the Monk). There is an area near the laughing Buddha where you can borrow a cover up in case you don't have one with you. There is usually someone selling some fruit and some basic food on a small cart near the area where the seating is. Well worth the visit.
It is also very close to the Big Buddha Temple so be sure to visit both temples! Wat Plai Laem in not commercialized so there are no shops to buy souvenirs where as at the Big Buddha Temple, there are many shops and a few food places. Wat Plai Laem is not as crowded as the Big Buddha Temple.
Written 20 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sy C
Lafayette, CA39 contributions
Go at Sunset. Easy to add this to a pre dinner itinerary
Jul 2023 • Family
Really nice complex with three large temple statues surrounded by a moat/lake. Super impressive to see, and doesn't really take that much time to view the structures, walk around the grounds, etc.

Highly recommend you go around sunset. There were so few people at this time. Also, as all the structures face to the west, the lighting is just perfect for a nice picture.
Written 10 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
186605Angel137
Dublin, Ireland17 contributions
Sureal ,beautiful,
May 2023
Another great day touring the Temples and Buddas the sizeof them is unreal we hired a taxi for four hours to take us around the temples which was great ask for price that suits your budget,
Written 5 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
belgianguy1
Bruges, Belgium11,271 contributions
Colorful temple
Apr 2023 • Friends
Nice and colorful temple (actually, it's a complex of several temples), it's very touristy but definitely worth stopping by...no entrance fee
Written 11 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Chris R
7 contributions
Amazing
Feb 2023
Incredible temples. A must visit. Easy to get to and free parking. The workmanship in the rooves and buildings is astonishig.
Written 15 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
PAS
Bolton, UK22 contributions
Beautiful place to visit
Mar 2023
You can’t visit Thailand without visiting a Buddha. This place certainly won’t disappoint. Definitely worth the short trip from Chaweng to take pictures
Written 13 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dick Rogaar
Nootdorp, The Netherlands191 contributions
A must see for anyone who loves culture.
Feb 2023
This temple complex is a lust for the eye. The different, giant, buddha's ae really amazing. The middle temple has a golden statue of buddha and on the walls are painting, telling the story of buddha.
Written 12 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Galoot2
North Haven, Australia72 contributions
A very pleasant way to while away a couple of hours at no cost.
Mar 2023
Beautiful and peaceful when we visited; it was also fun to see the children at play in the adjacent school. The catfish kept the young ones interested while the adults took advantage of the many photo opportunities.
Written 10 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MommaT2014
Düsseldorf, Germany293 contributions
Nice visit
Feb 2023
This was a nice temple complex to walk around. We spent about an hour. It was too crowded. Watch people feed the fish.... crazy.
Written 23 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
laney365
Southampton, England221 contributions
Interesting to see so much in one place
Feb 2023
Enjoyed looking round the complex as part of the island tour. It is a little run down in places and looks like it is still recovering after Covid. Nice way to spend and hour looking round at the different deities here.
Written 9 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
2
…
Showing results 1-10 of 714
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing

Wat Plai Laem

Frequently Asked Questions about Wat Plai Laem
We recommend booking Wat Plai Laem tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 28 Wat Plai Laem tours on Tripadvisor