⭐ Highlight
Big Buddha (Wat Phra Yai)
A 12m golden Buddha on a causeway islet, Samui's most famous landmark, visible far out to sea.
Typical duration
60 min
Price
Free; donation welcome
From port
21 km / 13 mi
Transfer time
40 min
Indoor / Outdoor
outdoor
Queue risk
medium
👨👩👧 Family friendly⚡ Good for short stops
🕐 Best time to visit
Early or late to avoid midday heat
Wat Phra Yai, the Big Buddha, is Ko Samui's best-known sight: a 12-metre seated golden Buddha raised on a small causeway islet off the northeast coast. A dragon-flanked staircase climbs to the statue, with sweeping sea and airport views and a cluster of stalls and shrines at the base. Dress modestly with shoulders and knees covered, and expect crowds when several tour groups arrive together.
Getting there from the port
Taxi, songthaew or tour van from Nathon Pier to the northeast cape
🚌 Best transport: taxi💶 Cost: ฿400-800 taxi