Big Buddha Temple (Wat Phra Yai)
Big Buddha Temple (Wat Phra Yai)
Big Buddha Temple (Wat Phra Yai)
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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
6,782 reviews
Excellent
2,189
Very good
2,561
Average
1,642
Poor
299
Terrible
91
Sixteen S
Tiverton, UK156 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.
Dick Rogaar
Nootdorp, The Netherlands191 contributions
Feb 2023
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 ☺
Written March 12, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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.
w_cpt
Cape Town, South Africa146 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
Surrounded by a beautiful arts and crafts (read touristy) market, and up quite a few steps, sits the island's Big Buddha - in all the golden glory you can muster. The attention to detail and colour of the surrounding structures are incredible too. Absolutely incredible views from the upper deck across the ocean and the rest of the island. Although busy and bustling with tourist groups, there is definitely a peaceful feeling as you move around the space. I don't think a trip to the island is complete without stopping in here. Did find some of the stalls excessively overpriced though, especially food and drink (was charged 3 times the price for a bottle of water here compared to anywhere else).
Written March 3, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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.
David
Oxford, UK1,302 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.
Yvette F
Buckingham, UK245 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.
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.
Roslyn138
Wrexham, UK601 contributions
Mar 2020 • Couples
This was our last temple stop of the day - although it was around midday and very hot the walk to the top of the 70 plus steps was worth the effort
There are also a number of statues near the water front which are worth a look as well as the meditation centre.
Around the area there are a number of stalls that sell clothing, drinks and gifts.
As with other temple areas you need to cover shoulders as well as knees
There are also a number of statues near the water front which are worth a look as well as the meditation centre.
Around the area there are a number of stalls that sell clothing, drinks and gifts.
As with other temple areas you need to cover shoulders as well as knees
Written March 15, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Taz
Dublin, Ireland222 contributions
Feb 2023 • Family
Went 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.
Written February 5, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Winenfood123
Doncaster, UK15 contributions
What time does this attraction close ?
Sixteen S
Tiverton, UK156 contributions
There are no barriers or anything and it's free, so I imagine it doesn't really close as such
Typhaine S
Bayonne, France142 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, UK100 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
מה רואים מנקודת התצפית של הביג בודהה?
What do you see from the Big Buddha view point?
Big Buddha Temple (Wat Phra Yai), Bophut
Frequently Asked Questions about Big Buddha Temple (Wat Phra Yai)
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