Wat Khunaram and the monk who never left

A quiet village temple where the body of a revered monk still sits in meditation, wearing sunglasses.

Area

Interior & jungle

Start from

Lamai

Distance

about 10 km

Time needed

1 hour

Best season

All year

Difficulty

Easy

Transport

Scooter or taxi

Tickets & rules

None; donations welcome

Why go

Wat Khunaram is a village temple on the ring road in the south of Samui. Its fame comes from Luang Pho Daeng, a monk who died in meditation in the early 1970s and whose body is displayed in a glass case, still seated cross-legged in the lotus position.

It's not a tourist attraction in the usual sense. Thai visitors come to pay respect, light incense and ask for blessings, and the atmosphere is calm and reverent.

Many people find the visit surprisingly peaceful rather than macabre: a reminder, in very direct form, of the Buddhist teaching about impermanence.

The story

Before becoming a monk, Luang Pho Daeng lived an ordinary life on the island and raised a family. Later he ordained and became known for his discipline in meditation.

According to the story told at the temple, he sensed his death approaching and asked that, if his body did not decay, it should be displayed to inspire others to practise.

Over time his eyes sank, and the sunglasses were added out of respect for visitors. They've since become part of his image, and the reason many people have heard of him.

Getting there

The temple is on the main ring road between Lamai and Na Muang; it's easy to combine with the waterfalls and Hua Thanon.

A suggested plan

1. VisitRemove your shoes, enter quietly and spend a few minutes in front of the monk.
2. Temple groundsWalk around the grounds and the main hall.
3. OnwardsContinue to Na Muang waterfalls or the fishing village of Hua Thanon.

Where to stay

Lamai or the south coast.

Good to know

• Cover shoulders and knees.
• A small donation in the box is appreciated.
• Visit in the morning when local people come to make merit.