Big Buddha
Twelve metres of gilded statue on an islet joined by a causeway.
Duration
30 min – 1 hr
Best time
Early morning
Open
Every day
Entry price
Free
The Big Buddha, or Wat Phra Yai, was raised in 1972 on an islet joined to Samui by a causeway. The statue is twelve metres tall and shows the Buddha in the earth-witness posture — right hand touching the ground, the gesture of the moment of enlightenment.
It is gold-leafed and visible from aircraft on approach: the airport is a few kilometres away. A naga-lined staircase climbs to it, and the platform looks over Bangrak bay and the island of Koh Phangan opposite.
Getting there
At the island's north-east tip, near the airport and Bangrak beach. Ten minutes by scooter from Chaweng.
What to bring
- Covering clothes
- Walking shoes
- International driving permit
Rules on site
Shoulders and knees covered, shoes off on the platform; sarongs are lent at the entrance. The steps are scorching underfoot in the middle of the day.