What to Know Before Visiting the Big Buddha in Koh Samui

If you’re planning to visit Koh Samui, there’s one place you absolutely should not miss: the Big Buddha. It’s a massive golden statue sitting pretty on the island's northeast coast. Bring your camera, because you’ll encounter plenty of photo-worthy moments. Give yourself enough time to admire the local culture and traditions, too. From the best time to go, what to wear, and how to show respect, this quick guide will help you get ready for an unforgettable experience.

Getting There 

The location of the Big Buddha, just off the northeastern coast of Koh Samui, is amazing. It’s a small rocky island surrounded by the sea. Getting there from anywhere on the island is easy. The temple sits just off the main Thai highway, so you can drive or ride a bike. Plus, if you’re flying into Samui International Airport, the Big Buddha is only a short drive away.

Accommodation Nearby 

If you want to stay close to the Big Buddha in Koh Samui, there are many places to choose from. Your list of options includes hotels, guesthouses, and resorts. Some places are located right by the beach, so you can enjoy coastal views right from your hotel. 

Anantara Bophut Koh Samui Resort is about 10 minutes from the Big Buddha, and it’s one of the five-star Koh Samui resorts.

History 

Built in 1972, Big Buddha Temple has become a symbol of peace. The main attraction is the big golden Buddha statue, which shows the Mara posture – the position Buddha took when he defeated Mara, the representation of evil. It’s not just a tourist spot; it’s a place where Buddhists from around the world come to pray and meditate. If the local legends are to be believed, the statue was built to remember Buddha’s victory over evil forces.

Temple Grounds and Surroundings 

Spacious and well-maintained, the temple grounds at Big Buddha feature beautiful gardens and quiet places where you can meditate and reflect. Take a walk around to see the many beautiful statues and sculptures. 

One thing to watch out for is the steep staircase, which leads up to the big golden Buddha. It can get slippery, especially during the rainy season, so take your time and be careful on the way up. 

Besides the main statue, there are also smaller Buddha statues around the temple. Close to the temple are tourist shops selling Buddhist items and souvenirs, as well as restaurants serving delicious local Thai food.

Best Time to Visit 

The best time to visit the Big Buddha is early in the morning or late in the afternoon. Midday sun can be pretty harsh and makes walking around the temple difficult. Besides, visiting during the cooler hours makes the experience much more enjoyable. 

If you love taking photos, morning and evening are the best times. That’s when the soft golden light hits the temple, making it even more enchanting than it already is.

Dress Code 

Tourists are very welcome at the Big Buddha, but remember that this is, above all, a sacred religious site. Big Buddha has a basic dress code that all visitors need to follow. Shoulders and knees should be covered, and you should avoid wearing anything too revealing – remember, you’re not at the beach. 

There’s a large sign explaining the dress code, but some tourists seem to overlook it, and monks often have to turn people away for dressing inappropriately. 

Also, be careful how you use your feet. Never point your feet at Buddha statues or people. Always take off your shoes before entering temple buildings.

Can You Visit with Kids? 

It depends – how old are they? 

For younger children, the steep staircase can be tiring, and they might find it difficult to stay calm and quiet. If they’re older, visiting the temple might be a culturally enriching highlight.