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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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