Practical information
- Location
- Bophut, Ko Samui, Surat Thani · 9.57164, 100.06664
- Dress code
- Dress politely: long sleeves, trousers or a knee-length skirt; no sleeveless, crop, tight or revealing tops. Take off your shoes before entering the chapel or other buildings. (source: thailand.go.th)
- Period
- Modern temple designed partly by artist Jarit Phumdonming
Opening hours and entrance fee: no reliable source found, so not listed. Ask on site or check the official website.
About Wat Plai Laem (Ko Samui)
Wat Plai Laem is a colourful modern temple on the northeast tip of Ko Samui, close to the Big Buddha. Its design mixes Thai and Chinese traditions and was partly created by Thai artist Jarit Phumdonming. The highlight is a huge white statue of Guanyin with eighteen arms, the bodhisattva of compassion, standing on a lake. A white laughing Budai and an ordination hall on a platform in the water complete the scene. Visitors feed the fish in the lake as an act of merit. Come early or late in the day, when the light is soft and it is less hot.
Highlights
- Eighteen-armed Guanyin A giant white statue on the lake.
- Laughing Budai A white Budai statue.
- Fish feeding Make merit by feeding fish.
Tips for Wat Plai Laem (Ko Samui)
- Cover your shoulders and knees and take off your shoes before you enter a temple building.
- Combine your visit with Wat Phra Yai (Ko Samui), about 1 km away as the crow flies.
More photos of Wat Plai Laem (Ko Samui)
Laughing Buddha statue, Wat Plai Laem (Ko Samui) Photo: Kirsten · CC BY-SA 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons 
Colourful temple hall, Wat Plai Laem (Ko Samui) Photo: Kirsten · CC BY-SA 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons
Wat Plai Laem (Ko Samui) on the map
Pinch to zoom; tap a point for more info. Open circles: approximate location.
Frequently asked questions about Wat Plai Laem (Ko Samui)
Where is Wat Plai Laem (Ko Samui)?
Wat Plai Laem (Ko Samui) is in Bophut, Ko Samui, Surat Thani province, in southern Thailand.
What is Wat Plai Laem (Ko Samui) known for?
Wat Plai Laem is a colourful modern temple on the northeast tip of Ko Samui, close to the Big Buddha. Highlights include Eighteen-armed Guanyin, Laughing Budai and Fish feeding.
How old is Wat Plai Laem (Ko Samui)?
Modern temple designed partly by artist Jarit Phumdonming.