Information: Formerly one of Samui’s main attractions, this small, dilapidated statue is now usually visited only by Buddhist devotees. Although it is in a state of disrepair, the Coral Buddha is still revered and is a place of worship for monks from nearby Wat Sumret. The only direction sign is a tatty little roadside board which is easy to miss when driving past.

Information: Wat Bophut or Bophut temple, situated to the north of the island is known for its unique elephant gate at the temple's entrance. Once you pass the red and golden gate, you'll find a large park bordered by many shade-providing trees, several wooden houses and the main two temples whose red colour contrasts beautifully with the tropical blue sky and the many palm trees surrounding the area.

Information: At Wat Khunaram in Ko Samui, the body of the most famous mummified Buddhist monk in Ko Samui is on display. There is a small temple here and a separate building which houses the mummified monk. Entrance to both edifices is free.

The mummified monk at Wat Khunaram in Ko Samui, sitting upright in a glass casket is a fascinating sight to watch. Outside the room containing the mummified monk you can pick up flowers and joysticks that you can bring in and offer to the Buddha.

Historically, this mummy is the undecomposed remains of the Buddhist monk named Phra Khru Sammathakittikhun (Dang Piyasilo), the revered ex-abbot of Wat Khunaram in Ko Samui. He became a monk at the age of 50 years, after which he became famous for his meditation practice. For about 20 years he had many disciples among Buddhist monks and laymen. He was also renowned for his ability to predict his own death, which happened in the year 1973.

After death his body remained undecomposed, so his relatives and disciples decided to place his body in an upright position within a glass casket as requested by the monk in his written instruction. This was done to preserve it as a symbol to aspire future generations to follow Buddhist teachings and be saved from suffering.

Information: This is a beautiful white temple building with the obligatory contrasting roof in red, green and yellow. There is a small Buddha statue sitting before the entrance.

The mummified body of the Buddhist monk Loung Por Ruam can be viewed here in a glass case. He was placed in it upon his death 25 years ago and his body is still in remarkably good condition.

Information: On the grounds of Wat Laem Sora, beautifully crafted and sumptuously ornated chedi sits on the rocks at the water’s edge. Covered in countless small yellow tiles, its golden shades shine in the distance and make it visible from very far away. You'll find this temple in the far South of the island, between the villages of Ban Tale and Ban Pang Ka.

Information: The Big Buddha of Koh Samui is housed at Wat Phra Yai (which in Thai, means Temple of the Big Buddha). The Buddha statue is called Phra Buddha Kodom. The 12m (39 ft) high Buddha image is seated in the Subduing Mara posture.

It was built in 1972. From Wat Phra Yai, one can see Phangan Island and the panoramic views of Bophut and Bangrak beaches in northern Koh Samui. Wat Phra Yai is located on the northeast of Koh Samui, in a small island called Koh Fan, where the Tambon Bophut meditation centre is located. Koh Fan is linked to Koh Samui by a causeway.

Information: The temple is famous for the hundreds of big fish enjoying their live in the lake of the temple and waiting to be fed (Food for the fish is available at the temple for a small donation of 10 Baht per pack). Wat Plai Laem is one of the most colorful temple on Samui and features an 18 arms strong Buddha statue set in the middle of the lake.

Information: A very quiet temple on the central road of Samui. Eventhough many temples look alike, each of them has it's own personality and history. The monks houses near the temples are often interesting, some of them even with a antique style. The place is usually very peaceful, unless there is a ceremony or a festival and you will always appreciate the shade provided by enormous and very old trees.