Wat Phukao Thong

Ko Samui


A dark Buddha is seated under a golden pavilion up a long flight of steps lined with glittering green dragon banisters at this quiet wát away from the main road. There's also a handsome main hall decorated in red, gold and green.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Ko Samui attractions

1. Mae Nam Chinese Temple

0.33 MILES

With four dragons coiling up its pillars, two inside and two outside, this very colourful temple in the heart of the village is worth a visit; the Chinese…

2. Hat Mae Nam

0.59 MILES

This 5km stretch of sand sees relatively low visitor numbers, making it easy to find somewhere to sunbathe or go swimming. It's a standout beach, with…

3. Mae Nam Viewpoint

2.01 MILES

It's quite a hike on foot, but a scooter can whisk you up most of the way to this viewpoint among the trees just before the Tan Rua waterfall. The…

4. Tan Rua Waterfall

2.05 MILES

A short walk up dilapidated wooden steps and past the Mae Nam Viewpoint is this lovely waterfall, spilling down through tendrils of green foliage…

5. Masjid Nurul Salsabeel

2.19 MILES

The lush jungle-covered hills surrounding the bright yellow onion domes of this tiny mosque is an idyllic picture. Built in 2013 by Imam Adam, for the…

6. Fisherman's Village

2.45 MILES

This concentration of narrow Chinese shophouses in Bo Phut has been transformed into cool boutique hotels, restaurants, cafes and bars. The accompanying…

7. Hat Bo Phut

2.57 MILES

Rather coarse and shelly, Bo Phut’s beach inclines quite steeply into cloudy water, but the views are scenic to Ko Pha-Ngan, an island that acts as a…

8. View Top

2.59 MILES

For the best views over the island, take your scooter up to the View Top near the Mae Nam Viewpoint. There are some pretty steep switchbacks, but you'll…