Wat Plai Laem and the eighteen-armed Guanyin

A white and gold temple floating on a lake, with a many-armed goddess of mercy and fish that crowd around your feet.

Area

North coast

Start from

Big Buddha

Distance

about 2 km

Time needed

1 hour

Best season

All year

Difficulty

Easy

Transport

Scooter or taxi

Tickets & rules

None; temple dress code

Why go

Wat Plai Laem is one of the most photogenic temples on Samui and a short ride from Big Buddha. Its buildings stand on platforms in a lake, connected by bridges, and the colours — white, gold, red, turquoise — are almost cartoonishly bright.

The highlight is a large statue of Guanyin, the Chinese goddess of mercy, shown here with eighteen arms, each holding a different symbol. It's a sign of how Thai and Chinese traditions blend in Samui, an island with deep Chinese trading roots.

Kids love feeding the huge catfish in the lake; you can buy fish food at the entrance and watch the water boil.

The story

The temple complex is relatively modern, but the ideas behind it are old. Guanyin is beloved across East Asia as a compassionate figure who hears the cries of the world, and Thai Buddhists of Chinese descent often worship her alongside the Buddha.

The many arms represent her ability to help many beings at once. Each object she holds — a lotus, a vase, a sword, a book — stands for a kind of help or wisdom.

Locals sometimes say that the lake around the temple keeps the place cool and calm, like the mind of someone who meditates. Sitting on the edge of a bridge at sunset, it's hard to disagree.

Getting there

From the ring road near Big Buddha, follow signs for Wat Plai Laem. It's on the same northern tip of the island, so it's easy to combine both temples in one morning.

A suggested plan

1. ArrivalWalk the bridges around the lake and visit the main hall.
2. GuanyinSpend a few quiet minutes at the statue; the details of the hands and objects are worth a close look.
3. Before leavingFeed the fish and check out the Chinese-style shrines at the edge of the complex.

Where to stay

Bangrak, Choeng Mon and Bophut are all nearby.

Good to know

• Morning light makes the white buildings glow.
• Respect people praying; keep your voice down inside the halls.
• Combine with Choeng Mon beach for a swim afterwards.