Wat Laem Sor Pagoda Samui

South of Koh Samui island is the lesser visited temple Wat Laem Sor Pagoda Samui. Located at the most southern tip of the island sitting immediately on the rocky Bang Kao Beach. The pagoda is part of a larger area housing the Wat Laem Sor Temple situated a short walk away and Khao Chedi which replaced the original temple on the mountain.

Pagoda

Wat Laem Sor Pagoda Samui is an extraordinary temple. Perched on the rock of the stunning beach below with a smaller temple housing the bodies of two mummified monks. Gleaming in the sunshine the Pagoda has amazing unrivalled views of the beach, skyline and surrounding islands. On a clear day, the islands are visible. Sunrise at the Pagoda offers stunning views and changing lights of the skyline. Photographers can capture perfect shots with the unobstructed backdrop of the temple. A smaller temple housing the bodies of two mummified monks is within the grounds.

After the death of Pho Luang Dang, the Boat Hall Museum was built. Housing a boat with a glass case and the waxwork of Pho Luang Dang. Monks wander around the grounds feeding stray dogs who appear daily for their food.

Parking is available for both cars and scooters. A small forest to relax and meditate lies to the left of the pagoda. Refreshments are available from a small shop on site including fresh coconut. The location is a peaceful area with very few people. On festivals and holidays, the temple is busy with the locals visiting.

History of Wat Laem Sor Pagoda Samui

Wat Laem Sor Pagoda Samui was originally built in 1907 on a mountain at the most southern peak of Koh Samui. It took the locals 6 months forming lines of over 1000 people passing bricks up the mountain for the construction. Unlike normal baked clay bricks of honey and resin, the original bricks were made of coral. Buddhist relics imported from Sri Lanka were placed in the temple in 1908. Although the temple is not registered as a historical place it holds an interesting history. Records state a lighting strike in 1967 damaged the temple. Left abandoned and neglected for many years now replaced with many gold Buddhas surrounding a white Chedi. Restoring the temple to its original state was impracticable. The new Pagoda now sits majestically on the rocks of Bang Kao Beach below the mountain.

Built by Pho Luang Dang a Buddhist monk. He would visit other islands to meditate in solace, his only transport a boat. Bone chips of a Buddhist Monk are said to be buried within the foundations of the temple. Standing majestically guarding the entrance to Laem Sor Pagoda are two warrior statues. Known as ‘Yak’ meaning giant. The colourful warriors with menacing eyes and imposing swords guard the Golden Buddha statue behind the gate. The Pagoda is yellow tiles and not the gold as you might think when you approach.

Bang Kao Local Area

Nestled behind the forest stands the Wat Laem Sor Pagoda Koh Samui, the centre of the local community. Locals attend the pagoda daily offering prayers to Buddha. Surrounded by the beautiful beach of Bang Kao and small village it is an interesting area to explore. Untouched by tourism Bang Kao is a quiet area of the island to relax away from the busier tourist areas. Surrounded by the natural forest and jungles Bang Kao has many coves and back roads to explore and discover.

Temple Etiquette at Wat Laem Sor Pagoda Samui

• 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 point with your feet.
• Keep your head below the Buddha Statues.
• Do not touch the statues especially on the head.
• Do not Climb on the Statues.
• Refrain from physical contact and public affection.
• Stand up when a monk enters the temple.
• Donations are essential for the upkeep of temples. (Optional).

Note

Wat Laem Sor Pagoda Samui is located directly on the beach does not deter the temple from being a place of worship. Please ensure in the temple area you are appropriately dressed.