Wat Plai Laem

Wat Plai Laem – Koh Samui has some fascinating temples and shrines dedicated to Buddha., There is none more beautiful and memorable than the one called Wat Plai Laem – Koh Samui.

There are many temples in Koh Samui to enjoy like the Wat khunaram and Wat Laem.

When you arrive here you will notice instantly what sets this statue apart from the many others you may have seen in Thailand.

This pure white Buddha is around twenty metres tall and adorned with gold necklaces and amulets.

The Buddha has another quite special feature; it has many many arms and sits proudly in the middle of the lake.

The statue is of the God Guanyin, and worshiping Guanyin dates back to ancient China It is a testament to her influence which has spread throughout most of Asia.

Wat Plai Laem is a Buddhist temple complex on Koh Samui’s north-east coast. Its main feature is the stunning 18-arm image of Guanyin, Goddess of Mercy and Compassion.

Close to the Big Buddha temple, Wat Plai Laem offers visitors a view into Chinese-Thai religion as well as beautiful Buddhist art and architecture.

Guanyin

Guanyin is thought to be the foundation of unconditional love and is the protector of all beings on earth.

Her multitude arms are seen as her ability to reach out and touch people lives all over the world.

She is also a fertility goddess and many of those that come to worship here pray for her help in bearing healthy children. As well, Guanyin is also protecting all sailors at work on the seas of the world.

This is as with all other temples in Thailand, is a fully operational place of worship, and it is open to all who wish to visit.

It is free, but please remember to wear appropriate clothing and respect all the shrines you see.

You can also make a small donation if you would wish. Anyone making a donation will be given a small bag of fish food. Which you can then feed to the masses of fishes that swim in the lake.

The shrine was created by a very famous Thai artist by the name of Jarit Phumdonming. The shrine itself was created only quite recently, but the techniques used are centuries old.

Temples

All the temples on Koh Samui offer some fantastic sightseeing opportunities for photographs and memories of your stay.

The Wat’s of Samui and Thailand in general, are an integral part of the Thai way of life, culture and religious beliefs.

Thai temples are not only there for holding ceremonies and being places for worship and offer merit; these beautiful sites offer tranquility and teachings of Buddha too.

They are also the centre of each community and are quite frequently used to staged concerts, social gatherings, and even funfairs and markets.

Visiting these temples will give the traveler an amazing insight into the local way of life and the mentality too.

The serenity and calming effect that a Thai Buddhist temple has on the soul, cannot be described, you must go and feel it for yourself.

There are no issues with taking your cameras inside and taking photographs of the shrines and Monks.

Wat Plai Laem

At Wat Plai Laem, you will see many other Buddha’s too and this goddess is no different.

She is flanked on both sides by the beautifully designed mural and Buddhist frescoes depicting ancient stories of Thai life.

There is also a second temple set back in these grounds, there are also hundreds of small bells which are purchased for a small fee and offered to Buddha.

All the walls are covered with beautiful pictures and artwork describing this ancient religion.

A third statue has recently been completed and is more widely known, as it of the more famous Thai Buddha’s.

The lake that holds these magnificent temples, is not only filled with fish. So don’t be surprised if a small head belonging to a turtle pops out to say hello.

Best not to touch as they have been known to bite fingers.

Wat Plai Laem is located on the north of Koh Samui near Bangrak beach from Big Buddha to Choeng Mon Beach.

It is close to the other main Buddhist temple the Big Buddha.

Contact Easy Day Samui Tours