Explore the Iconic Temples of Koh Samui
Koh Samui has some of the most astonishing and colourful temples in Thailand. You might be wondering which ones to visit, right? Well, below are the iconic temples you should jet off to;
Big Buddha Temple
The Big Buddha Temple, or Wat Phra Yai, is a popular landmark in Koh Samui. Located on Koh Faan, it is connected to the main island by a bridge. The temple has a 12-meter-tall golden Buddha statue that was built in 1972. You can climb a staircase decorated with colourful dragon designs to reach the statue. The temple offers stunning views of the surrounding area and is a peaceful place for self-reflection. When visiting, it is customary to dress modestly out of respect.
Wat Plai Laem
Wat Plai Laem is a beautiful Buddhist temple situated on the northeast coast of Koh Samui. It is well-known for a big white statue of Guanyin, the Goddess of Mercy and Compassion, who has 18 arms. Not only this, but this place is also surrounded by a lake full of fish. You can feed the fish by donating to the temple. The temple shows a perfect combination of Chinese and Thai art and is considered a special place to visit for a calm and spiritual experience during your tour.
Wat Khunaram
Wat Khunaram is famous for housing the mummified monk, Luang Pordaeng, a reverted monk who passed away in 1973. He died while meditating in a seated position, and his body has been preserved in a glass case at the temple. This unique display serves as a powerful reminder of the impermanence of life and the Buddhist path to enlightenment. No matter when you plan your vacation to Koh Samui, you should go to this temple to learn about the island’s cultural history.
Pagoda Khao Hua Jook
Pagoda Khao Hua Jook is present on a 90-meter-high hill in Bophut. It is known to overlook the landing strip of Samui International Airport. So, if you like watching flight takeoffs and landings, this is a place to sit for a while. Most people come here to witness the breathtaking view of the Koh Tao, Koh Phangan, Koh Lum Noi, Koh Tao Poon, as well as Big Buddha Temple.
A Glimpse Into the Koh Samui Festivals & Celebrations
Experiencing the local festivals is a fun way to dive into the Koh Samui heritage. Festivals are full of happiness, colour, and traditions, and they bring people together for a special celebration. Whether you’re travelling with your family or friends, here are some festivals to know about.
Loy Krathong
Loy Krathong is also called the Festival of Lights. It is one of the celebrations you will really enjoy during your trip to Koh Samui. People make small floats (krathongs) using banana leaves and flowers, placing a candle on top. These floats are then sent into the water as a way to let go of negativity and bring good luck. You can better witness this festival around lakes and beaches.
Songkran (Thai New Year)
Songkran is the biggest festival in Koh Samui, Thailand, which is celebrated as the Thai New Year. It is a huge water fight where everyone from young children to grandparents throws water to wash away the old year. Adding more to this, the water usually symbolises washing away bad things and starting a fresh life. Songkran festivals are lively, especially around Chaweng Beach.
Full Moon Party
The Koh Samui Full Moon Party is a festival that you should explore. It is an all-night beach party that takes place on Haad Bin Beach on every full moon. If you’re thinking of heading to Thailand, it is advisable to plan when the Full Moon Party is near. This festival is characterized by dancing, music, and fire shows. You will genuinely fall in love with the lively ambience here.
Chinese New Year
You might have heard of the Chinese New Year. There is a large Chinese community that celebrates this event each year. The streets are adorned with red lanterns. You will hear firecrackers, see dragon dances, and find street performances. Moreover, you need to travel between January and February to avail the opportunity to be a part of this Chinese celebration.
Local Customs & Everyday Traditions in Koh Samui
Customs add to the Koh Samui cultural experience almost every day. Learning a bit about these traditions helps tourists connect with the locals and show respect. The following are some of the local customs and traditions you need to know to ensure phenomenal Koh Samui holidays.
Respect for Buddhism
Buddhism is an important part of people living in Koh Samui. When visiting temples on this island, you need to dress modestly in respect for Buddhism. Make sure to take off your shoes before entering sacred places. Besides, it is also a good practice not to point your feet toward Buddha Statues. Women should not touch monks as it is against the tradition of Buddhism.
Spirit Houses
You will see so many small, colorful houses on posts outside, businesses, homes, and even along roads. Well, these are spirit houses, where people offer flowers and food in order to keep the spirits happy. There is no specific time to jet off to such places. However, whenever you visit Koh Samui, don’t forget to bring your camera to take funky photos of strange things found here.
The Wai Greeting
The ‘wai’ is a traditional greeting, which is a small bow with hands pressed together. Thai locals greet each other with a wai. It is used to thank, greet, apologies, or express gratitude. It is an integral part of Thai culture that you should be aware of. If you love exploring the cultures of different regions, there could be no better place than Koh Samui for a great cultural experience.
The Final Thoughts
Last but not least, the rich culture of Koh Samui adds so much to the natural beauty of the island. It offers visitors an opportunity to learn about the local way of life. From festivals to temples and friendly greetings, the cultural side of this island is full of warmth and charm. If you want Koh Samui holidays that go beyond the beach and let you connect with the island on a deeper level, explore the cultural experiences listed above then do visit Virikson holidays for better experience. No matter when you plan to jet off to this wonder island in Thailand, Koh Sok’s culture promises to make your tour unforgettable.
