Big Buddha Temple (Wat Phra Yai)
Big Buddha Temple (Wat Phra Yai)
Big Buddha Temple (Wat Phra Yai)
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612 within 3 miles
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55 within 6 miles
See what travelers are saying
- Zara ALondon, United Kingdom21 contributionsLovely to seeIt’s always lovely to see a bit of local culture. Of course this a a little touristy as You would except! It wa a bit sad to see non residents being a little disrespectful like shouting at each other around the temple area. The local clothing shops and cafes are basic but good value for money with lovely hosts. Worth a visit for sure.Visited January 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten December 31, 2022
- theparentpassportLondon, United Kingdom81 contributionsBuddha with a babyWe visited the big Buddha with our 9 month old daughter in baby carrier. We walked to the site as we're staying fairly close by so finding it was not a problem. There is a lovely golden gate and a walkway out to the island where the Buddha sits. It's not the largest statue we have ever seen but certainly impressive. The area around the temple was fairly empty , we did go around 1300 so people might have been at lunch but had a lovely time climbing the steps , ringing the Bells and taking in the peace with our baby girl. A worthwhile 1hr or so out of your holiday and totally free so don't miss out.Visited January 2023Traveled with familyWritten January 19, 2023
- TazDublin, Ireland222 contributionsWorth a visitWent late in the evening, 530pm. The whole place was nearly empty. Plenty of shade. Lots of shops nearby. Steps are short and the views from the top are excellent. Wear sleeves and cover your knees. Beautiful views. Can be exceptionally busy during the day. Worth a visit in the evening as on the walk back you can sit and watch the sunset which was beautiful.Visited February 2023Traveled with familyWritten February 5, 2023
- Dick RogaarNootdorp, The Netherlands191 contributionsA must see for culture lovers.This temple complex is really amazing. The climb to the giant Buddha is amazing with large dragons on each side of the stairs. During midday it can be rather hot, especially when climbing the long stairs. A monk is selling 'holy' water to bring health and happiness ☺Visited February 2023Written March 12, 2023
- Chelsea WKilsyth, Australia28 contributionsBeautifulWe visited this beautiful spot today and were in awe of the beauty and architecture of the amazing big buddha! There is also great 360 views once at the top and some cute little souvenir shops at the bottom. Please just remember to dress appropriately and respectfully ;)Visited April 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten April 8, 2023
- JeffLondon, United Kingdom34 contributionsKoh samui so wonderfulHave had the past few days here could spend a month the people are so nice and the beaches snd views are out of this world. The view restaurant is the best place to visit. The team there are the best thank you to Beauty, Frong Nut and Queen made is so welcome you must visit them and see for your self. The staff are a credit to the hotel and deserve for more than just a review. Go and seeVisited May 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten May 23, 2023
- Love to TravelDublin, Ireland17 contributionsBig Buddha Temple (Wat Phra Yai Bofhut ThailandWent as part of a guided tour. You would need a guide to understand some of the history and symbolism. Found it very interesting, glad we included it in our trip to Thailand. Easy to book a tour at local hotels.Visited June 2023Traveled with friendsWritten August 15, 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
6,800 reviews
Excellent
2,201
Very good
2,565
Average
1,644
Poor
300
Terrible
90
Jay
1 contribution
Feb 2020 • Couples
A good sight to see, but it's hard to take in any serenity.
When you arrive, you have local Thai staff at the front telling people that what they are wearing is okay.
However, when you get in there, there is a very rude older European man running around shouting and yelling at women (who were trying to be respectful and ask about dress code) in a very disrespectful way.
When you arrive, you have local Thai staff at the front telling people that what they are wearing is okay.
However, when you get in there, there is a very rude older European man running around shouting and yelling at women (who were trying to be respectful and ask about dress code) in a very disrespectful way.
Written February 6, 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.
Dick Rogaar
Nootdorp, The Netherlands191 contributions
Mar 2020
Once decended the stairs to the Buddha, you will get impressed by the gigantic statue, the colours and the flowers offered to Buddha. From the platform you'll have a great outlook on the surroundings. Mind your head for the offer comming airplanes :-)
Written March 17, 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.
AUNGMIN T
Singapore, Singapore60 contributions
Dec 2019 • Friends
I don’t have so much review about this place. If you have been east and Southeast Asia, you know how the people of this region believe in religion.
But this place you can three big statues- 1) east Asia design 2) South Asia design (not included in the attached pictures) and Southeast Asia design.
Unlucky, On the day I went there is a rainy day. So I didn’t see a nice view but still a little busy with tourists.
Note: As usual when visiting the religious shrines, be sure the clothes you wear are not too short. If not, they won’t let you at the entrance. 😜
But this place you can three big statues- 1) east Asia design 2) South Asia design (not included in the attached pictures) and Southeast Asia design.
Unlucky, On the day I went there is a rainy day. So I didn’t see a nice view but still a little busy with tourists.
Note: As usual when visiting the religious shrines, be sure the clothes you wear are not too short. If not, they won’t let you at the entrance. 😜
Written May 16, 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.
iolite85
Port Talbot, UK595 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
Huge, easy to find your way on a scooter. Limited parking but easy for scooter and it was free of charge. Not too many tourists when we visited. Free to use coverups outside if you’re wearing shorts and vest top but I recommend giving a donation.
Beautiful panoramic views from up the top too. If you’re on your way to fisherman’s village it’s worth calling in for a wee visit.
Beautiful panoramic views from up the top too. If you’re on your way to fisherman’s village it’s worth calling in for a wee visit.
Written January 19, 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.
David
Oxford, UK1,523 contributions
Aug 2021
Wat Phra Yai is really quiet at the moment. So, if thinking of visiting - now is a good time.
The statue is cool to look at and the views from the statue's mesa are really amazing. It's the views, in fact, that are the highlight of this attraction.
Setting the place back is the fact that you must wind your way through numerous shops and outlets to get to the buddha. The place's focus on tourists is very evident.
Worth seeing - it's pretty iconic for Ko Samui.
The statue is cool to look at and the views from the statue's mesa are really amazing. It's the views, in fact, that are the highlight of this attraction.
Setting the place back is the fact that you must wind your way through numerous shops and outlets to get to the buddha. The place's focus on tourists is very evident.
Worth seeing - it's pretty iconic for Ko Samui.
Written August 29, 2021
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.
Sixteen S
Tiverton, UK163 contributions
Jul 2022
This place is very basic and there is only about 20 minutes worth of viewing if that. It's just one set of steps up to the Giant Buddha.
They were saying women needed to cover their shoulders and legs, but only seemed to ask the foreigners. For some reason all the foreigners were covered but all the Thai were not!
It's quite interesting and just off a main road.
It's also free. So it's worth seeing if you're going past. But don't make the special trip...
They were saying women needed to cover their shoulders and legs, but only seemed to ask the foreigners. For some reason all the foreigners were covered but all the Thai were not!
It's quite interesting and just off a main road.
It's also free. So it's worth seeing if you're going past. But don't make the special trip...
Written October 15, 2022
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.
CKF
CT2,202 contributions
Nov 2020
Wat Phra Yai is one of the must-see statues on Koh Samui. The grandeur is astounding; large, imposing and beautiful, all at the same time. It will not take long to admire the statue and the rest of the property, but it is a worthwhile stop when visiting the island. Highly recommend!
Written December 27, 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.
Stephen B
Oak Park, Australia73 contributions
May 2022
We stopped here to visit on our way to another part of the island and it was worthwhile. The temple is impressive and a wonderful reflection of the local peoples faith. There are a number of cafes around the temple that offer authentic Thai food at very cheap prices. We had a great experience.
Written May 23, 2022
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.
Yvette F
Buckingham, UK246 contributions
Mar 2022 • Couples
This is a nice temple with good views out over harbour of northern peninsula. You will need to be respectful and cover shoulders and legs to enter site which is free. About 20 or so shops at bottom with reasonably priced tourist fare
Written March 14, 2022
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.
Kirsti W
Glasgow, UK34 contributions
May 2022 • Couples
Beautiful place to visit. The Buddha and surrounds were very intricate and the views out over the bay were beautiful. It’s definitely a good idea to go when it’s cooler (ie. early morning) or later in the evening. But even if it’s mid-day, the ice cream shop beside the Buddha is awesome.
Please remember to be covered up when you go.
Please remember to be covered up when you go.
Written September 11, 2022
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.
Winenfood123
Doncaster, UK16 contributions
What time does this attraction close ?
Sixteen S
Tiverton, UK163 contributions
There are no barriers or anything and it's free, so I imagine it doesn't really close as such
Typhaine S
Bayonne, France145 contributions
Bonjour , savez vous à quel heure ouvre le temple s’il vous plaît ?
Merci
Stefania
Milan, Italy29 contributions
Quanto tempo ci vuole a visitarlo?
ivanoromano89
Quarto, Italy72 contributions
ciao Stefania non molto, giusto il tempo di fare delle foto.
Considera che la visita al Wat PHra Yai faceva parte di un'escursione di una giornata che prevedeva il china Buddha il pranzo il giro sugli elefanti, la visita alla cascata e l'off road in jeep.
Dayanand S
Phnom Penh, Cambodia2 contributions
Is there any taxi available from Big Budhha to Chewong area
missinnocent91
Stockport, UK16 contributions
Hey
Yea there are taxis outside the temple itself and just ask for it to be on the meter you will probably pay about 250 baht on the meter to Chaweng beach!
Emily Stevenson
Lincoln, UK101 contributions
Is the big Buddha in walking distance of other temples
Trishnjarrod
Melbourne, Australia37 contributions
Not that I seen
benidorm9
Wakefield, UK32 contributions
Are the steps very steep and unsuitable for people with arthritis
Hans Christian T
Hillerod, Denmark425 contributions
Depends on the severity of your illness. There is about 60 steps, a little more than half way up there is a platform. However the steps are not steeper than regular steps I know of.
BR
Hans Christian
72florencew
Cardiff, UK9 contributions
What is the best time of day? I know people say to go early, but how early? I'd love to see some monks perhaps..
Hans Christian T
Hillerod, Denmark425 contributions
We went there in the morning (around 10 am) hired a taxi to first visit the big Buddha and then the Wat Plai Laem.
At this time there was other tourist but it was not crawling with them. One thing to remember is that the big Buddha is a stop on almost all the sightseeing tours, thus we wanted to be there before they came.
The monks was there as well, but only a few (you could pay them to get a blessing).
BR
Hans Christian
parikshit v
8 contributions
are there any time restrictions and / or entry fee for this?
KathandMuz
Sydney, Australia36 contributions
The only restriction is clothing as a mark of respect, woman must have there shoulders covered , men can't wear singlets,
Always remove your shoes
Khonthai100
24 contributions
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Big Buddha Temple (Wat Phra Yai) Information
Excellent Reviews | 2,201 |
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Very Good Reviews | 2,565 |
Big Buddha Temple (Wat Phra Yai) Photos | 5,596 |