Wat Plai Laem
koh samui, thailand
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At Wat Plai Laem, you get to look at the 18-arm Goddess of mercy and compassion and spend some quality time observing and understanding the thai architecture.
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When to visit:
january - december
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Timing:
8:00 - 17:00 Everyday
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Duration:
1 hours
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Entry Fee:
Free
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Tips:
Since this is a sacred place, polite dress and conduct is a must. Be sure to wear shirts or scarves that cover the shoulders, trousers or long shorts, and avoid wearing beachwear. Worshippers often don white clothing when visiting the temple.
Wat Plai Laem is a Buddhist temple compound on Samui's north-east coast of Samui. This temple features a striking white 18-arm image of Guanyin, the Goddess of Mercy and Compassion. Here you will be able to understand the Chinese-Thai culture as well as admire the art and architecture of the temple. Wat Plai Laem is one of the most attractive temples in Koh Samui.
THE GODDESS, GUANYIN
Guanyin is the Goddess of Mercy and Compassion. In Wat Plai Laem you will see a giant colourful statue of this Goddess with 18 arms . Guanyin is much prayed in East Asia and is also referred as Phra Mae Kuan Im.
In Chinese culture, Guanyin is known as the protector of women and children, the sick and the poor and her many arms signify her ability to help many people at a time. The background of Guanyin statue there are beautiful buildings all covered in interesting murals. The complete setting is very soothing and calm.
STATUE OF CHINESE BUDDHA
Wat Plai Laem also features a statue of Chinese Laughing Buddha which represents Wealth and Prosperity. This statue is 30 metres high, covered in red, white and gold pain.
THE TEMPLE
Wat Plai Laem was built in 2004 and thus, has quite modern architecture. It has three temples styled in their unique way: Classic Thai, Chinese and Indian.
The main prayer room is located in the centre of a man made lake. The complete setup enhances the beauty of the prayer room. Inside the prayer room, there is a Buddha image and mural paintings depicting stories from the life of Buddha.
THE LAKE
This temple is also surrounded by a lake which is a home to a huge number of fish. Visitors who make a donation to the temple are given a bag full of food to feed these fish. As a kind gesture, Thai people also release fish or turtles bought in the market into the water.
HOW TO GET TO WAT PLAI LAEM?
Wat Plai Laem is located on road 4171 between Big Buddha beach and Choeng Mon beach. It is very close to Samui’s airport and the Big Buddha of Wat Phra Yai. Wat Plai Laem can be reached by Songtaeaw or Tuk-Tuk.
Location
ตำบล บ่อผุด อำเภอ เกาะสมุย สุราษฎร์ธานี Thailand 84320
City center:
Ko Samui
Nearest airport:
Samui Airport
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Frequently asked Question about Wat Plai Laem
Is the entry to the Wat Plai Laem temple free?
Yes, entry to the Wat Plai Laem temple is free.
Can you feed fish in the lake around Wat Plai Laem temple in Koh Samui?
Yes.You can buy fish food in 10 Bahts near the Wat Plai Laem temple.
Is there any dress code to enter Wat Plai Laem temple in Koh Samui?
You need to wear clothes that cover the shoulders, midriffs as well as legs. Wear trousers or long shorts and avoid wearing beachwear.
How far is Big Buddha from Wat Plai Laem temple in Koh Samui?
Big Buddha in Koh Samui is 1.3 km away from Wat Plai Laem temple.
How to get to Wat Plai Laem temple in Koh Samui?
The easiest way to get there from Chaweng, Lamai, Bo Phuket or Big Buddha beach is by songthaew(shared pickup truck) or tuk-tuk.