Samui is rich in Buddhist culture and there's an interesting selection of sites to visit and sights to see on the island. Please remember to dress politely however (no beachwear or revealing costumes) and behave with the appropriate respect in temple grounds.

Buddhism plays an important role in the daily life of the Thai people. Approximately 95% of the people in the kingdom of Thailand are Buddhists. The first full moon of May, or Visakha Bucha Day, is the most important day in the Buddhist calendar. Buddha's birth, enlightenment and death were all said to occur on this day, which falls on Tuesday 7 May this year. It is an occasion for most Buddhists to go to the temple in the evening, hear the teachings of the monks and make offerings of flowers and candles. The monks lead a procession around the temple before offerings are placed around the temple's bodhi tree. The ceremony is extraordinarily beautiful, and respectful guests are welcome to observe or participate in most temples.

This temple is noted in part for the mummified body of the Buddhist monk Loung Por Ruam, which rests here in a glass case. This venerated monk was prepared for public viewing upon his death 25 years ago, and his body remains in remarkably good condition. Follow #4170 road south from Ban Saket, then turn right between the two giant elephant statues and look for the temple 1km farther along on the right.

This old temple is the guardian of the ancient White Marble Buddha, believed by many, including the resident monks, to be many hundreds of years old. It also harbours within its grounds the Secret Hall of Buddhas. This building houses a fine collection of revered and valuable Buddha images. So valuable are they that the temple has recently suffered a spate of thefts, and so the door now remains locked. A monk will open the hall for you on request. Wat Sumret is located 200 metres down the second concrete road on the left, west of Hua Thanon on the #4169 ring road.

This temple is the home of the Big Buddha, Samui’s most famous landmark. Most visitors, at some point during their holiday, come to marvel at the sheer size and beauty of this remarkable statue. Visible from several kilometres away, even from the air when approaching or leaving the island, the 12-metre-tall golden image stands proudly. It is especially impressive when lit up at night. At the base of the structure, shops and restaurants cater to the needs of devotees and tourists alike. Wat Phra Yai lies in Samui’s northeast on route #4171 near the airport.

Said to contain a relic of the Lord Buddha, the golden chedi facing the temple entrance is a popular place of worship. Many local traveling shows and even visiting TV stars sometimes use the temple grounds for their performances. Wat Sila Ngu is on the #4169 ring road, 1km south of Hin Ta/Hin Yai on the beach side.

Formerly one of Samui’s main attractions, this small, dilapidated statue is now only visited by Buddhist devotees. Although it is in a state of disrepair, the Coral Buddha is still revered, a place of worship for monks from nearby Wat Sumret. The only direction sign is a tatty little roadside board, easy to miss when driving past. It is on the #4169 ring road approximately 800 metres west of Hua Thanon on the right.

This ornately designed chedi (pagoda) sits on the rocks at the water’s edge in the grounds of Wat Laem Sor. Covered in countless little yellow tiles, it appears golden at a short distance. It lies at the far south of the island off the #4170 road between Ban Tale and Ban Pang Ka. Follow the track with a sign that reads “Waikiki Bungalows” to the end.

There are actually four footprints here, superimposed one upon the other, each of them artistically engraved. They are housed in a modest shrine 150 steps up a steep hill, which also offers a great view over the treetops and across the plains to the mountains opposite and to the sea. The Lord Buddha’s Footprint is not sign-posted. Go up the concrete slope on the left, 2km west of the turnoff for the Butterfly Garden on route #4170.

Bangkok Airways