Big Buddha Temple (Wat Phra Yai)
Big Buddha Temple (Wat Phra Yai)
Big Buddha Temple (Wat Phra Yai)
4
Tours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
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.
Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, learn more.
Plan your visit
The area
Best nearby
We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location.
Restaurants
631 within 5 kms
Attractions
53 within 10 kms
See what travellers are saying
- BalkrishnaShroffMumbai, India26,407 contributionsWorth seeing !!It is one of the main attraction in Koh Samui. This beautiful 40 feet tall statue was built in 1972 on Koh Fan island which was attached to Koh Samui subsequently. Buddha is religious GOD of Thai culture. One should dress properly before visiting. A little respect is expected. If you sit quietly for few minutes then mind becomes very calm in this serene ambiance.In the afternoon the steps become very hot. There are quite a few souvenir and local food stalls nearby in the temple complex. Not to be mised...Visited February 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 25 February 2024
- Aimie2793129 contributionsI would t pay for a trip to see it..I’ve noticed a lot of trips to see this on booking sites .. wouldn’t particularly pay money to see it. But thankfully our hotel was about 10 minutes away so we took a stroll to see it. It’s very beautiful , and big. But you’re in and out in 5 minutes. There’s shops below with clothes or souvenirs , drinks etc. I wore a long summary dress to cover up, my partner had a vest and shorts but was fine. You take your shoes off at the top of the stairs. There’s a bench to sit on too. And then we walked back down, grabbed a drink and left.Visited March 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 30 March 2024
- Daniel KHamburg, Germany17 contributionsNice view and breathtaking buddha with a lot of other touristsIt is a very nice place to visit when you are on samui. The big buddha is just breath taking and the view from up there is amazing. But you must be aware that this is a tourist spot, so don’t expect the serenity you find in other temples. There are a lot of shops and hawkers and other tourists around.Visited March 2024Travelled with friendsWritten 31 March 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
We perform checks on reviews.
Tripadvisor’s approach to reviews
Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
Learn more about our review moderation.
4.0
6,818 reviews
Excellent
2,211
Very good
2,569
Average
1,648
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 6 February 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 Netherlands183 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 17 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.
AUNGMIN T
Singapore, Singapore113 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 16 May 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, UK605 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 19 January 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
Lille, France1,920 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 29 August 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, UK195 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 15 October 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
CT2,158 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 27 December 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, Australia68 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 23 May 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, UK382 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 14 March 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, UK39 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 11 September 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.
What time does this attraction close ?
Written 9 March 2023
There are no barriers or anything and it's free, so I imagine it doesn't really close as such
Written 10 March 2023
Bonjour , savez vous à quel heure ouvre le temple s’il vous plaît ?
Merci
Written 5 March 2020
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.
Written 24 July 2018
Is there any taxi available from Big Budhha to Chewong area
Written 1 December 2017
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!
Written 2 December 2017
Is the big Buddha in walking distance of other temples
Written 1 April 2017
Are the steps very steep and unsuitable for people with arthritis
Written 29 January 2017
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
Written 29 January 2017
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..
Written 29 January 2017
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
Written 29 January 2017
are there any time restrictions and / or entry fee for this?
Written 11 December 2016
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
Written 20 January 2017
Showing results 1-10 of 15
Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, learn more.
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
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