Secret Buddha Garden Samui

Otherwise known as the Magic Garden the Secret Buddha Garden Samui is located in Baan Saket north-west of Lamai Beach. Directly opposite Wat Khunaram Temple is the turning to the gardens. One of the highest points of the Island Pom Mountain also called Khun Nim Peak. Follow the ring road 4169.  Secret Buddha Garden is well sign posted. Driving to the Secret Buddha Garden Samui is not for the light-hearted. Scooter or 4×4 the hills are steep and advisable for experienced drivers only.

The roads to the Secret Buddha Garden Koh Samui have some impressive views as you hike the steep hills up to the mountain. Entrance fee is payable on arrival. Steep steps to the garden and rocky underfoot mobility is a challenge. At the entrance is a small seating area a shop selling refreshments and souvenirs.

History Secret Buddha Garden

Designed and built by a Durian farmer Nim Thongsuk. Spending his life farming durian fruit at the age of 77 years he began to build. He was famous in Samui for his durian farming. The gardens began in 1976. He chose to build the gardens for others to have a spiritual place to meditate at one with nature. The land belonged to his family with lush tropical forest and wild flowers some native to Koh Samui and to Thailand. The sculptures continued until his death at 91 years. A statue of Nim Thongsuk sits on a rock in a relaxed position. Sculpture at Secret Buddha Garden Koh Samui has a significance to Buddhist folklore and mythology. Surprisingly you will find sculptures hidden behind sculptures. The tomb of Nim Thongsuk is a short walk from the angel sculptures.

The Gardens

Steep paths and rocks guide you around the Secret Buddha Garden Samui. Amongst the lush vegetation and the sounds of nature, a perfect place to meditate or relax in the gardens with a book. A small rocky stream runs through the gardens creating waterfalls over the rocks under the coverage of the thick jungle. Two statues lie in the flow of the stream. Hidden amongst fern trees are many statues to explore. The Secret Buddha Garden Samui sculptures have intricate detail hand carved in stone a part of Samui’s history.

What looks like a stage hosts musicians playing their various instruments. A tiered collection of angels sits majestically on the mountain. Every turn a new statue to discover. Old houses and temples on stilts covered in foliage and greenery are dotted around the gardens. A sculpture of Nim Thongsuk and his father holding hands stands within the garden. Serpents, dogs, frogs and birds await your discovery in beautiful surroundings.  Sculptures show signs of wear but considering their age they are in good condition.

Statues at Secret Buddha Garden Samui

• Gods.
• Goddess.
• Birds.
• Frogs.
• Snakes.
• Angels.
• Musicians.
• People.
• Tar Nim Waterfall.

Flowing down the mountain at Secret Buddha Garden Samui is Tar Nim Waterfall. Climbing the waterfall is slippy underfoot in parts. The views from here are stunning surrounded by forest and real Thai heritage and culture. The water is cool and refreshing. Not the most spectacular of waterfalls in Koh Samui but worth a visit.

Advice

Be cautious under foot the rocks may be slippy especially over the tree roots and rock boulders. Check the water depth and the rocks under the water before jumping into any water pools. Fitness levels are important the climbs are slippy at times and steep.

What you Need

• Camera.
• Video.
• Towel.
• Sensible shoes (not flip flops).
• Drinking Water.
• Mosquito Spray.
• Swimwear (Optional).
• Money (Baht).
• Sunscreen.
• Hat (Optional).

Tourists buses come to the gardens as part of their island tours. When the tour buses arrive at Secret Buddha Gardens it is not a peaceful and calm place. Tourists groups can be very noisy due to limited time rushing about trying to get the photos they want. Avoid the tour groups and visit early in the morning or the late afternoon to appreciate the beauty of the Secret Buddha Garden and Tar Nim Waterfall.

Do not climb on the statues, this may not be a Wat or temple but it is a place of meditation and worship.