Wat Kunaram Samui

Wat Kunaram Samui houses the body of the mummified monk. The Loung Pordaeng Samui’s famous mummified monk is encased in glass at the Wat Kunaram Temple. The temple is located on the 4169 ring road between the Na Muang waterfalls and the Hua Thanon area.

The Mummified Monk Temple is popular with locals who come to pray and give worship with offerings for Buddha. The Thais believe the monk’s death is the next step to nirvana. The western visitors may be a little disturbed or uncomfortable with the open display of the monk’s well-preserved body. The monk is still sitting in the meditation position as he died more than 20 years ago.

Displayed are Buddha statues in eight positions. The Luang Pordaeng monk is dressed in the traditional orange robes of a monk. To ease what might be a disturbing sight Luang wears a pair of Ray-Ban sunglasses. A week before Luang died he did not eat or speak.

Luang Pordaeng was born in 1894. Like many of the men, he became a monk when he was in his early twenties. He had six children. Once they had grown he went to Bangkok to study Buddhist text and meditation. He then returned to Koh Samui where he remained until his death.

Buddha Statues Wat Kunaram Samui

The Mummified Monk is the most popular attraction at Wat Kunaram Samui. However, inside the Wat Kunaram Temple is interesting displays of Buddha statues in eight positions. There are two for Wednesday and one each for day and night of the week. The day of the week that you were born determines which image one should pray to. Apparently, the only unlucky time to be born is a Wednesday evening.

This isn’t Samui’s only mummified monk the other sits at the Kiri Wongkaram Temple in Taling Ngam.

Temple Etiquette

• Bow Your Head.
• Remove Shoes.
• Cover Shoulders (wrap or tee-shirt).
• Cover to below Knees  (not shorts).
• Keep the noise level to a minimum.
• Do not touch the statues especially on the head.
• Do not Climb on the Statues.
• Refrain from physical contact and public affection.
• Stand up in the worship area if a monk enters.
• Donations are essential for the upkeep of temples. (Optional).