Wat Plai Laem Samui

Experience Thai culture at Wat Plai Laem Samui Thailand. The temple is north of Koh Samui a short drive from Big Buddha Temple on Koh Fan. Originally built in 2004. Despite its modern date, the temple is in keeping with the older temples in Samui. From the Big Buddha Temple head from Bang Rak towards Choeng Mon. Wat Plai Laem Samui is the most colourful temple on the Island. After the floods in March 2011, the temple was repaired and repainted to its original state.

Temple

Wat Plai Laem Samui houses two very impressive statues vying for your attention. The fat Chinese laughing Buddha with his huge stomach and big smiling face looking down at you. The eighteen-arm strong white goddess situated in the middle of the lake is the Guanyin statue. It is a breathtaking sight and according to Chinese mythology is the goddess of mercy and compassion. In addition there also statues and murals not found in any other temples. Many locals visit the temple to pay homage to Guanyin and Buddha.

Access to Statues

The approach to the statues is tiled bridges over a large lake teeming with super-sized fish waiting to be fed. For only 10 Baht you can buy a bucket of fish food. The water bubbles up as they fight their way to the surface to gorge themselves on the food.

It is evidence that the monks live at the temple with their distinctive orange robes on washing lines. A small school adjoins the temple this is not open to the public. Donations are gratefully accepted for the upkeep of the temple and the grounds.

The locals release turtles in the water as a deed of goodwill. Couples rent swan-shaped boats to paddle around the lake. The Wat Plai Laem Samui is an interesting temple to visit. There are a few stray dogs wandering around living at the temple. The chickens run free with their chicks. During Loi Krathong in November, locals float their homemade lotus-shaped krathongs on the lake.

Public transport the Songthaews use this route. There are no shops at the Wat Plai Laem. There are vendors selling refreshing drinks and snacks from their homemade carts.

Temple Etiquette

• Bow Your Head.
• Remove Shoes.
• Cover Shoulders (wrap or tee-shirt).
• Cover to below Knees  (not shorts).
• Keep 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.
• Donations are essential for the upkeep of temples. (Optional).