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Wat
Phra Yai or Big Buddha
Most Visitors come to marvel at the sheer size and beauty
of this remarkable statue at some point during their holiday.
Big Buddha temple is the most popular center of worship
of Kho Samui.
This temple is the home of Koh Samui's most famous landmark
the Big Buddha Visible from several kilometers away and
even from the air when arriving on or leaving the island
, the 12 meter tall golden image stands proud. At the base
of the structure, several shops and restaurants cater to
the needs of devotees and tourists alike. Wat Phra Yai is
in the Northeast of Samui on route 4171 near the airport.
Wat Sila Ngu
Said to contain a relic of the Lord Buddha, the golden chedi
facing the temple's entrance is a popular place of worship.
Many local travelling shows and even visiting TV stars sometimes
use the temple grounds here for their performances. Wat
Sila Ngu is on the 4169 ring-road, one kilometer South of
Hin-Ta Hin-Yai on the beach side of the road.
Wat Kiri Wongkaram
The mummified body of the Buddhist monk, Loung Por Ruam
can be viewed here in a glass case. He was placed in it
upon his death 25 years ago and his body is still in remarkably
good condition. The temple can be located by following the
4170 road South from Ban Saket and then turning right between
tow giant elephant statues. It is a further kilometer along
this road on the right hand side.
Kunaram
Temple - Mummified Monk
The
body of Loung Pordaeng, Samui' s most famous mummified monk,
is on display here in a specially constructed building.
When he died more than 20 years ago, he was sitting in a
meditation position. He is still in that same position and
his body shows few signs of any major decay Wat Khunaram
is on the 4169 ring road between the Na Muang waterfalls
and Hua Thanon.
Coral Buddha
Formerly one of Samui' s main attractions, this small, dilapidated
statue is now only visited by Buddhist devotees. Although
it is in a state of disrepair, the Coral Buddha is still
revered and is a place of worship for the monks from nearby
Wat Sumret. The only direction sign is a small tatty board
parallel to the road which is easy to miss when driving
past. It is on the 4169 ring-road approximately 800 meters
West of Hua Thanon.
Sumret
Temple
Part of Wat Sumret, this building contains many different
Buddha images. One is in the reclining position and the
tallest, which stands three meters, was transported all
the way from India. Wat Sumret is down the second concrete
road on the left, 800 meters West of Hua Thanon on the 4169
ring-road.
The Leam Sor Chedi
In the grounds of Wat Laem Sor, this ornately designed Chedi
(Pagoda) sits at the rocky water's edge. Covered in countless
small yellow tiles, it appears golden when viewed from a
short distance. It's at the far South of the island off
the 4170 road between Ban Tale and Ban Pang Ka. Follow the
track with a sign that reads "Waikiki Bungalows",
and It's at the end of that.
Buddha's Footprint
There are actually four foot-prints here, super imposed
one on another. Each one is artistically en-graved. They
are housed in a modest shrine 150 steps up a steep hill,
which also offers a great view across the plains to the
mountains opposite, and to the sea over the tree tops. Buddha's
Footprint is not sign posted but can be found by going up
a concrete slope on the left, two kilometers West of the
turnoff for the Butterfly Garden on the 4170 road.
Wat Khao Chedi
Wat Laem Sor grounds, but a fair distance away
lies the Khao (mountain) Chedi. Until a few months ago,
this ruined monument had been forgotten about for many years.
Now, the overgrown path leading to the chedi has been cleared
and there's easy access. About 300 meters West of the Laem
Sor Chedi there is a hill. At the base of the hill a small
hut can be seen, and 100 meters to the right of this dwelling,
the path is visible. It leads to a stairway which takes
about 10 minutes to climb. At the top, the peaceful ruins
of the Khao Chedi greet the intrepid explorer. The panorama
of Laem Sor Bay and the nearby islands from here is breathtaking
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