Koh Samui, Thailand

The Big Buddha Temple (Wat Phra Yai) – Koh Samui, Thailand

March 21, 2017

Posted In: Thailand | Travel

Back in July 2016 I met my high school friend Tatiana in Thailand for a Thai Island Hopper East tour with Contiki.

Our second day in Koh Samui was a free day, we decided to hire a taxi to take us to the Bang Rak Beach area and visit 2 colorful temples, ending the day with some time on another beach. The first temple we visited was the Wat Phra Yai, home to the other Big Buddha of Koh Samui (see post on the Mountain Big Buddha), and later the Wat Plai Laem, two of the most popular attractions on the island.

Wat Phra Yai:

Before walking up to the temple you must cover up your shoulders and legs if they are exposed, most of the time there are pashminas and/or robes available, but you should come prepared in case they don’t. Another thing you must do is remove your shoes; although from looking at this picture there are 2 people wearing shoes… Definitely try and be respectful of rules and customs while traveling, even if the floor is scorching hot. If you visit this temple during the summer, try walking on the red tiles, they felt much cooler to walk on than the white ones.

^^ I loved how colorful the Thai temples were! Especially enjoyed how they used those shiny tiles to give dimension! ^^

^^ being able to capture a place without people = a photographers dream! Perks of exploring early in the morning ^^

Temples (or Wat’s) in Thailand usually have a statue of Buddha standing, sitting or reclining; in some you will find seven or eight statues lined up. Each of these buddha statues represent a day of the week. You are supposed to pay respect to the one that symbolizes the day you were born. (A quick Google search will tell you which day you were born in.) Mine is Friday!

^^ Outside of the temple there is a market! ^^^^ Truck full of mangosteen, rambutan and durian (the smelliest fruit in the world) parked outside the temple!! ^^