Wat Plai Laem is a serene and vibrant temple complex situated on the northeastern coast of Koh Samui. It boasts a stunning lake adorned with an impressive 18-armed statue of Guanyin, the goddess of mercy and compassion. The influence of Thai-Chinese heritage is evident in this picturesque setting. Visitors can explore the intricate temples surrounding the lake, making for an unforgettable experience and capturing some of the most enduring images of Samui.
One of the most beautiful temples I've ever seen in Thailand. I'm not kidding. Okay, it needed some small renovations and bit of cleaning but it was so colorful and artistic 😍 also the monk was really friendly.We fed the big catfish and luckily I had my dog and catfood with me because there were lots of cats and dogs. The monastery takes good care of them though.
K D — Google review
What a beautiful place to visit! Let your imagination go wild and enjoy the site you see. Brilliant photo oportunitis to work on your photography skills. Easy to find just look in your GOOGLE maps. It will get you there no worries. Spend some time feed the fish and enjoy this place.
Gerhard W — Google review
Pretty large Temple, nicely built, surrounded by water. Kids can buy a good amount of food to feed the fish in the pond. Chickens are there too :) the temple itself is pretty large. Would recommend it totally if you want to see a Buddhist temple.
Stefan H — Google review
A great stop in if you are touring the local temples. Unbelievable architecture with such delicate design and very well kept. Each temple has its own very special feel. You would need to have 30-45 minutes spare to take in all this site has to offer.Dress code does apply, no short skirts or shorts and no showing of the shoulders.No entry fee and and wait to get in, you can just stroll around at your own leisure.Thousands of fish in the ponds that you can feed to stir up a huge feeding frenzy!Totally worth a visit to add to your list.
Paul K — Google review
Beautiful picturesque temple with a few different areas to see, be sure to feed the fish and turtles! The feed can be bought there for 10 baht.Coffee shop also on site.This has been my favourite temple so far in Thailand and you can spend over half an hour walking round to take it all in
Katie J — Google review
Beautiful temples with multiple Buddha's and excellent harmony with the Hindu gods and Mahayana as well. It is all floating on a lake so it adds to the beauty and peacefulness
Brandon K — Google review
Honestly one of the best sights I have ever seen. I was speechless. Such a stunning place & beautiful temples. Really breathtaking, would definitely recommend. Easy to get to aswell. You can also feed the fish as there are turtles and big cat fish and coy fish in the water! Around 10 baht for the fish food I believe - well worth it.There’s also chickens there running around, so cute!!
Becca S — Google review
What a lovely place to stroll around and enjoy the site. Spend some time to enjoy the beautiful fantasy in front of you. Brilliant opportunity to make beautiful pictures of the beauty created infront of you .Not forget to buy the food for the fish 🐟 to feed. It will bring you good luck they say. Enjoy
GERHARD W — Google review
Very picturesque and calm - beautiful on a nice day. Many things to see including the cuddliest cat, fish and many chickens/roosters/baby chicks. The temples/statues are on the water which is a nice touch.
Billie-Joe ( — Google review
Amazing attraction on the northwestern tip of Samui with a wide variety of Buddhist monuments nestled within a scenic lake.Free entry however donations are highly appreciated. While the temples itself seems to be kept in good conditions, the area in general is very dirty from the countless stray dogs and birds in the area giving the impression that the place is not that well kept.The water-based monuments are facing west and are therefore the best lit in the afternoon or just before sunset.
Sales W — Google review
Wat Plai Laem is a patchwork of spirituality, nature, and artistry in Koh Samui that has to be seen to be believed. It’s a place where Buddha smiles in statuesque grace, and amazing figures stand tall, casting their tranquil gaze upon visitors.Feeding the catfish? That’s more than a pastime here; it’s an experience. Watching those whiskered wonders gather and frolic is a show you never knew you needed to see.And let’s not forget the toads, amazing in their own right, content in their unique habitat, and eager to be part of your temple adventure.Now, about those toilets. They may not win awards for style or comfort, but they’re there, doing their job. In a place where the spirit soars, who cares about earthly matters like restrooms?Wat Plai Laem is an embrace of all things beautiful, spiritual, and uniquely Thai. Whether it’s the grandeur of the temples or the unexpected charm of the catfish and toads, it’s an experience that captures both the heart and the imagination.A must-see? Absolutely. A must-feel? Without a doubt. Wat Plai Laem is more than just a site; it’s a soul-stirring adventure that reminds you that the world is full of wonder—and occasionally quirky restrooms.
Jake S — Google review
So many sights to see here, a pleasure deep diving into the history and sheer beauty of the place and temples. We visited about 09.00 not busy, or hot so comfortable time of day to visit, only a few people around, a site shop for a cheeky cold drink ✌🏻
Natalie G — Google review
Beautiful Wat. It is big so you would need some time to explore between 30-40 mins. You can see a lot of fishes and feed them as well. Felt good to meditate in front of Buddha's statue. Can see a lot of Indian influence and Indian gods. A good wat to visit in koh Samui.
Chanchal J — Google review
This temple offers a great experience. There is convenient parking, so you can easily visit by car. The site features numerous statues placed in water, allowing you to walk around them and explore the temples inside. It’s best to visit on a cloudy day to avoid the heat. The temple is free to enter, and you’ll have the opportunity to take beautiful pictures. You’ll also see various animals, including cats, pigeons, and large fish and turtles.Pro Tip: There’s a machine that accepts 10 BAT coins and dispenses fish food, so you can feed the catfish and koi and watch them swim.
Maria P — Google review
Cool place to visit, Lots of HUGE fish, and you’re able to buy fish food to feed them - The place is well maintained but would advise giving a small donation to help them keep it up.Worth the visit as the statues are impressive.
Hugh — Google review
Amazing spiritual place. Lovely temples. Recommend spending 10 baht on fish food to see the catfish, turtles etc feeding. Experience topped by having a blessing from a Buddhist monk. Fruit smoothies /milkshakes from the small coffee shop well worth the 80 baht. Not very busy at all when we went on a Monday afternoon.
Donna W — Google review
Incredible experience, simply stunning. I visited at sunset and was met with a perfect time for photography and a cooler less busy time. I did visit in October (off season) so expect busier times between Jan - April. Dress modestly and always be respectful.
Trent ( — Google review
I really enjoyed my visit to Wat Plai Laem. The temples were stunning to look at and the colours were beautiful inside! So lovely and peaceful to walk around.It was great that you were able to use the free shawls if your shoulders weren’t covered. You can also buy food for the fish and feed them.I think it would be better to have clearer signage for the free shawls as I didn’t realise they were free and had to ask around.Overall I would 100% visit here again, it was stunning and great for photos.
Corrine — Google review
I'm not a Buddhist, but I always find peace when I visit this place. It's so worthwhile to spend an hour or two here just to relax. The ambiance inside the temple is truly calming. The murals inside will pique your curiosity about the story of Buddhism. As a Christian, I'm fascinated by how unique their religious story is compared to others. It's an amazing experience and a must-visit place.
John D — Google review
I visited many temples before but with this temple I had a strong connection. I just sat around 1 hour listening to the monk at sunset. Beautiful experience.
Mike A — Google review
Stunning place and free entry which is just amazing. The main statue with the 12 arms is under repairs atm as of the 21.04.2024 so there’s construction up around it. But the still a site to see! Loads of other statues and a huge Buddha around as well so definitely worth it! Can get your fortune as well in one of the little temples
Jarrod M — Google review
You might miss this temple complex if you only stay on the main road, but it is definitely worth finding. I would recommend coming here on a sunny day, if you had a choice, because they use those ultra bright and reflective colors all over, and it really pops in the sunlight! I didn't get pictures of the large coy fish in the lake because none of my shots turned out, but they are pretty cool. We were so distracted by the features of this large facility that we forgot to go in to the main temple. There are a lot of nice places to rest in the shade under trees here, in case you start to get tired. I highly recommend this stop. Less Snakes than some of the other places that we have visited today, for sure. More dragon aspects and bird aspects. Also, they have both male and female Buddha here, and the scale is simply massive. The light of day was not in my favor to get good shots however. Highly recommend. We also recommend making a small donation while you are here, as you should to most temples visited.
William W — Google review
Honestly one of the coolest and most unique Buddhas I’ve seen in SEA. Really cool aesthetic also with the lake surrounding it which was filled with cool creatures. Saw many turtles and some really cool looking fish and even a giant lizard! (Wasn’t quite sure what it was but looked a bit like a small crocodile). You can feed the fish as well and it’s only like 10baht for plenty of food.
Kacper M — Google review
Place with nice views, no entry fees. But suggest to visit in early morning hours or evenings to capture sunsets because during the day time it is too hot and sunny and there is no much shade.There is an option to buy food for fish and feed them in the lake inside the temple.
Preethi R — Google review
Absolutely the coolest temple complex on Koh Samui. If you can only choose 1 to go to, go here. There is so much to see, and everything you see will blow your mind! Follow me on IG for more and send me a DM to say hi @nick.s.schafer
Nick S — Google review
Beautiful temple, learnt so much from our guide. Well worth a visit, ladies cover your shoulders, although they do supply a cover up.Very peaceful and some amazing carp in the lake.
Elaine U — Google review
Visiting the Plai Leam Temple at night in Ko Samui is an experience I wholeheartedly rate with five stars. This stunning site blends spiritual serenity with artistic beauty, surrounded by the night's calm, creating an almost magical atmosphere.The temple's illumination after dark reveals a different side of its beauty, hidden during the daytime. The artfully designed structures glow in soft light, highlighting the intricate details and vibrant colors of the temple complex in a spectacular manner. The light's reflection on the surrounding water enhances this effect, creating a deeply memorable image.What makes this visit special is the silence and tranquility that descends over the temple at night. Away from the day's crowds, the temple offers a place for reflection and inner peace. The spiritual atmosphere feels significantly more intense, immersing visitors in a world that feels both timeless and immediately present.Beyond the visual beauty, the cultural and spiritual richness of the Plai Leam Temple at night is a highlight. It provides a deeper understanding of Buddhist culture and the religious practices central to Thailand. The opportunity to participate in evening ceremonies or simply enjoy the stillness and peaceful ambiance makes the visit a profound personal experience.Overall, the nighttime visit to the Plai Leam Temple on Ko Samui is an unforgettable experience, essential for both spiritual seekers and lovers of art and culture. The combination of breathtaking beauty, spiritual depth, and cultural wealth makes this site a jewel that shines in the darkness, enchanting every visitor. I highly recommend a visit here and look forward to returning myself.
The T — Google review
Very nice and beautiful temple build on a boat like structure in the middle of a small artificial lake. So annoying to see other reviews in here with pictures from all over the temple area as this is NOT correct. I would recommend to go see this temple and THEN you can see all the other things this temple area has to offer
Kasper H — Google review
A really cool place to visit. It’s completely free. It’s hidden from the main road, so not everyone knows about it, which is a shame. Be considerate of the culture and do not enter the temple wearing shoes or indecent clothes. If your shoulders or knees are not covered, they have a selection of clothes next to the temple that you can borrow free of charge. You can also buy some food and feed the fish in the pond.
Anastasiia B — Google review
Tok a stop here on our scooter sighting around Samui. It’s a cool temple, 15-20 minute stop to admire the 3 structures surrounded by water. Some cute dogs there as well as good parking and easy to find.One of the structures was currently under construction April 2024
Svan — Google review
Also known as Wat Plai Laem, is a beautiful Buddhist temple located on the northeastern coast of Koh Samui in Thailand. This temple is known for its striking architecture, intricate decorations, and serene atmosphere.No entry fee. Shoulders must be covered. Knees optional, but modest attire is required as some more revealing ones may be turned away.Shoes must be removed before entering areas of worship.Can feed giant catfish in the water for 10 thai b.Drones not allowed.One of the highlights of Wat Plai Laem is the large statue of Guanyin, the Goddess of Mercy and Compassion, which is surrounded by smaller statues depicting various Buddhist and Hindu mythological figures. The temple complex also features a beautiful lake filled with fish, and visitors can purchase food to feed the fish as a form of merit-making.Aside from its religious significance, Wat Plai Laem is also a popular tourist attraction due to its peaceful surroundings and stunning architecture. It is a great place to learn about Thai culture and Buddhism while enjoying the tranquility of this beautiful temple.
R — Google review
Beautiful Buddha and temples set on a man-made lake with fish that can be feed , donations are the payment
Abraham S — Google review