Asia
Thailand
Surat Thani Province
Ko Samui
Bophut
Things to Do in Bophut
Big Buddha Temple (Wat Phra Yai)
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Big Buddha Temple (Wat Phra Yai)

See all things to do
See all things to do
Big Buddha Temple (Wat Phra Yai)
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The area
Best nearby
Restaurants
612 within 3 miles
The Sunset Samui
452
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • French • Bar • International
Nahm Restaurant & Bar - Koh Samui
243
0.4 mi$$ - $$$ • Seafood • European • Asian
Salefino Koh Samui
645
0.4 mi$$ - $$$ • Italian • Seafood • Mediterranean
Stop at Sopa
415
0.4 mi$ • Asian • Thai • Soups
Supattra Thai Dining
746
0.5 mi$$ - $$$ • Seafood • Asian • Thai
Foxtrot Bistro - Koh Samui
36
0.3 mi$$ - $$$ • International • Thai • Contemporary
First Class Danny Bar & Grill
44
0.2 mi$ • Asian • Thai • Burmese
Shakespeare Pub
63
0.3 mi$$ - $$$ • Bar • European • British
The Summer House Samui- Restaurant & Bar
35
0.3 mi$$ - $$$ • Italian • Bar • European
Olivers Steakhouse
45
0.3 mi$$ - $$$ • Steakhouse • Barbecue • Grill
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Attractions
55 within 6 miles
Wat Plai Laem
1,543
0.4 miReligious Sites
Bangrak Market
12
0.4 miFarmers Markets
Samui Elephant Sanctuary
1,218
2.1 miNature & Wildlife Areas
Choeng Mon Beach
546
1.5 miBeaches
Central Festival Samui
949
2.6 miShopping Malls
Fisherman’s Village
8,035
2.1 miNeighborhoods
Pagoda Khao Hua Jook
209
2.3 miPoints of Interest & Landmarks
Maenam Beach
1,435
Beaches
Chaweng Beach
4,235
2.8 miBeaches
Art-samui
153
1.6 miArt Museums
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See what travelers are saying
  • Zara A
    London, United Kingdom21 contributions
    Lovely to see
    It’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 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written December 31, 2022
  • theparentpassport
    London, United Kingdom81 contributions
    Buddha with a baby
    We 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 2023
    Traveled with family
    Written January 19, 2023
  • Taz
    Dublin, Ireland222 contributions
    Worth a visit
    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.
    Visited February 2023
    Traveled with family
    Written February 5, 2023
  • Dick Rogaar
    Nootdorp, The Netherlands191 contributions
    A 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 2023
    Written March 12, 2023
  • Chelsea W
    Kilsyth, Australia28 contributions
    Beautiful
    We 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 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written April 8, 2023
  • Jeff
    London, United Kingdom34 contributions
    Koh samui so wonderful
    Have 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 see
    Visited May 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written May 23, 2023
  • Love to Travel
    Dublin, Ireland17 contributions
    Big Buddha Temple (Wat Phra Yai Bofhut Thailand
    Went 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 2023
    Traveled with friends
    Written August 15, 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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
Nice place, but hard to enjoy any serenity
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.
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
Quite some stairs in the heat, but worthwhile!
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
Samui Big Buddha Temple
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. 😜
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
Koh Samui Big Buddha - very impressive
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.
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
The views from the top are amazing.
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.
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
It's not bad, but not a 'Must Visit'
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...
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
A Koh Samui Staple!
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
An interesting stop along the way
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
Good for a quick stop
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
Beautiful Buddha, beautiful views
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.
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.
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Big Buddha Temple (Wat Phra Yai), Bophut

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