Visiting a new country typically gives you expectations of visiting populated tourist destinations like malls, museums, and theme parks. However, not all travel destinations are all about urban places. Sometimes, the best locations to visit are the ones that are closer to nature with an ambiance of spirituality and calmness.
Adding Koh Samui’s temples to your Thailand trip itinerary
After seeing the sights near the city on your Thailand trip, you may want to take a detour to visit the infamous temples of Koh Samui. A widely marketed highlight of the holiday island, many tourists recognize it as the home of the well-known Big Buddha Temple.
If you’re planning to book a trip to Thailand, here are five must-see temple destinations to add to your itinerary!
1. Big Buddha Temple
The most famous landmark in Koh Samui, the Big Buddha Temple, boasts a towering 12-meter-high shining buddha statue. Located north of the island at Wat Phra Yai, it’s a short distance to another temple, making it convenient to connect your temple-hopping trip. Besides the beautiful temple buildings, you’ll have access to an overview of the neighboring island Koh Phangan. Once you set foot in the temple, you can get blessed by a monk by offering a small donation.
2. Wat Samret
Just nearby the Big Buddha Temple is the hidden temple of Wat Samret. Unlike the Big Buddha Temple’s statue’s towering presence, Wat Samret offers a more peaceful environment for quiet relaxation. It features an array of stone Buddha figures that create a feeling of peace and clarity.
3. Wat Khunaram Temple
The Wat Khunaram has a unique offering, unlike anything you will ever see on the whole island. It houses a mummified monk that sits inside a glass case, seemingly remaining preserved since 1973. Many people believe that the body’s condition is due to the healthy and simple lifestyle that the monk lived throughout his life. The locals regard the temple as a very sacred location, which will require you to observe specific rules when visiting as a guest.
4. Khao Hua Jook Chedi
Also known as the Golden Temple, the Khao Hua Jook Chedi presents a majestic combination of artistry and spirituality within its complex. With its prime location atop a mountain, you get an excellent view of the entire island from the terrace.
5. Guan Yu Shrine
A recent addition to Koh Samui, the Guan Yu Shrine is a Chinese temple that opened its doors back in 2016. It features a giant bronze statue of Guan Yu of 16 meters in height, a good 4 meters above the golden giant. Guan Yu Shrine is a popular destination for Chinese tourists, quickly gaining popularity as one of the busiest temples in Koh Samui.
Conclusion
Since Buddhist temples are more than your typical tourist destinations, you need to ensure that you’re a respectable guest. Although tourists are welcome, they need to observe proper clothing guidelines. Additionally, you need to walk barefoot and roam quietly to avoid disturbing the monks on-site. Doing so allows you to settle in and embrace the solemn atmosphere. This enables you to embrace the unique experience of being in the presence of generations of rich culture and tradition.
The best way to visit all the awesome temples on this list is to book the right place for your visit in Thailand! The Banana Fan Sea Resort is a beachfront resort in Koh Samui strategically puts you nearby these locations while giving you a relaxing home to return to. Book your trip with us today!