CityBuddy
Wat Plai Laem
Best time to visit
Early morning or late afternoon to avoid heat and tour-bus crowds; golden hour gives the best light for photos.
Budget tips
No official entry fee, donations appreciated; expect a small parking fee and optional activities like fish-feeding for 20–50 THB, skip packaged tours to save money.
Recommended for
Photography enthusiasts, Cultural travelers, Families, Spiritual seekers
Plan your visit
45-60 minutes
About
Quick facts: Gargantuan, vividly colored statues merge Chinese motifs with Thai iconography, standing around a reflective lake where prayer halls glow with red and gold. Feeding the koi from the pagoda-edge is a hands-on ritual, watch as dozens of fish and turtles surge for pellets and coins under floating lotus leaves.
Highlights: A towering, 18-armed Guanyin in white and gold seems to float above a lotus pond, the arms arranged like a halo so the statue feels alive when sunlight glances across the gilded surfaces. Visitors cross a painted red bridge to toss small coins and flowers into the water beneath, the soft clinking and floral scent making evening visits unexpectedly cinematic.
Insider tips
- Wear modest clothing that covers shoulders and knees, bring a scarf for shrine areas.
- Bring small cash for donations, parking, and buying fruit to feed the koi and carp.
- Head to the lakeside platform for close-up shots of the 18-arm Guanyin and the large white laughing Buddha.
- Avoid midday when tour buses arrive; aim for 8–10am or 4–6pm for fewer people and softer light.
Practical info
Book a FREE walking tour in Koh Samui, Thailand
The best way to experience a city with a local tour guide.
Tip: We strongly recommend a free walking tour on your first day to get to know the city with a local guide. They usually cover all main attractions and you can ask for personal recommendations based on your interests for the next days. Book early as spaces fill up fast!
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