Ko Samui - Tropical Island | Big Buddha Temple

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Ko Samui - Tropical Island | Big Buddha Temple - Wat Phra Yai

Nestled within Bangrak Beach on north-east coast of Samui lies a Big Buddha or Wat Phra Yai - one of the popular attractions on the island. This famous landmark can be reached about 15 minutes from Chaweng Beach by road. From afar, the statue of golden Buddha dominates the view of a small promontory. After passing the causeway that is connected to big Samui Island, we finally arrived at the temple's entrance.
A peek of Big Buddha from speed boat jetty

A peek of Big Buddha from speed boat jetty

Intricate carving on the roof of Big Buddha Temple

Unlike a typical Thai temple, there are not many buildings with intricate Thai architecture. Instead, I would say there is some influence of Chinese judging from the large, colorful courtyard and a pair of dragons stairway.
The giant Buddha of Samui

The stairs lead you up to the platform where Big Buddha is. In a sitting posture, this gigantic Buddha statue is the highlight of this temple. Also known as 'Phra Buddha Kodom', this Buddha image is 12 meters high and the lap span measured about 5 meters length. If you arrive on a hot afternoon, shoes is allowed otherwise one is advisable to remove the shoes before ascending.
Colorful tiles made up the dragons' tail