Thailand Tours & Travel Guide

General Information	Attraction	Festival
Local Products	How to get there	Dining
Hotels	Tours

Temple

Amphoe Koh Samui

Wat Phra Yai or Temple of the Big Buddha
Established in 1972, the temple houses a 12-meter high Golden Buddha, which has recently become a spectacular landmark of Ko Samui. The monastery has become a meditation center for both local residents and foreigners.

Wat Pradoem
Located approximately 12 kilometers on Route 4169 or 1 kilometer from Na Muang Waterfall is a monastery built at the end of Ayutthaya Era. The temple is believed to be the first temple on Ko Samui. At present, it is where an ancient wooden scripture hall used in storing Buddhist scriptures is located.

Wat Samret
This relatively old temple houses a marble Buddha image brought from Burma and many other old Buddha images.

Amphoe Koh Pha Ngan

Wat Khao Tham
Located on the hilltop of Khao Kao Haeng, Mu 1, Bang Tai Sub-district, the monastery is ideal for meditation amidst the unspoiled nature. Foreigners mostly visit the compound to learn how to practice meditation between September and November. To reach the monastery, take a chartered car or rent a motorcycle at Thong Sala Pier and drive for approximately 3 kilometers. From the entrance of the temple, drive approximately 1 kilometer up to the compound.

Wat Maduea Wan
Apart from beaches, sand and sea, Ko Pha-ngan also has cultural attractions such as Wat Maduea Wan, located at Mu 3, where the replica of the Lord Buddha's Footprint is enshrined on the hilltop Mondop. To reach the temple, take a songthaew from for a total distance of approximately 3 kilometers for a fare of 20 baht / trip / person.

Amphoe Chaiya

Wat Suan Mokkhaphalaram
Commonly known as Suan Mokkh (Garden of Liberation), the modern forest monastery was founded in 1959by the late Ajahn Buddhadasa Bhikkhu, one of Thailand's most famous monks. This 150-acre forest temple is formerly called Wat Than Nam Lai, and is located beside Highway No. 41, approximately 50 kilometers north from the Surat City. (or at kilometer 134 marker). Suan Mokkh is set in a serene ambience conducive for meditation or contemplation of the philosophy of life. The temple itself is nothing but a combination of natural sandy grounds and rocks, dotted with trees. There are no elaborate stupas and chapels like other temples, only a place that keeps one in truly in tune with nature.

Buddhadasa Bhikkhus philosophy is universal in nature. It's the combination of Zen, Taoist and Christian elements with the Theravada Buddhism. That's why his teaching has attracted many Thais and foreigners, especially those who are eager to look inward and realign themselves with nature.

The 'Spiritual Theatre' is an interesting attraction for casual visitors. It features art objects, drawings and poems related to Buddhas' teachings in which Buddhadhasa Bhikkhu describes a pictorial interpretation of Dharma. The building also exhibits a diverse mixture of Thai, Egyptian, Chinese, Indian, Japanese, Tibetan and European-style murals and sculptures.

An ideal place for meditation for serious visitors, Suan Mokkh offers meditation courses for foreigners every month from 1st 10th. The course is from 8.30 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. Call 077 43 1522, 077 43 1597 or visit www.suanmokkh.org for more information.