Apart from the beaches, Wat Phra Yai, aka Big Buddha, is Koh Samui's most distinctive attraction. The Big Buddha Temple rests on a small rocky island off Koh Samui's northwest edge. It is a golden 12-meter tall seated Buddha, built in 1972. Also, the Big Buddha in Koh Samui can be seen at a distance of several kilometers and is the first landmark people notice while arriving at Koh Samui by air.
Fisherman's Village is a historical part of Bophut with rustic-style buildings and boutique stores. You will also find some trendy restaurants and a small selection of hotels lining the narrow beach road. Every Friday, there is a popular market set up along the walking street. The roads are closed to all traffic, and stalls and vendors line on the street.
If you are planning for a day trip to Big Buddha Koh Samui and the Fisherman Village, here's what you need to know before the visit.
Big Buddha Koh Samui
The Big Buddha temple is a hotspot for tourists. The sole reason behind this is its architecture and gorgeously crafted idols. Remember to put Big Buddha in your priority tour checklist if you are in Koh Samui. Needless to say, it will be one of the most unforgettable parts of your trip.
Where is the Big Buddha?
You will find the Big Buddha to the northeast of Koh Samui, between Bophut/Bang Rak and Choeng Mon. However, Big Buddha is on its own island, called the Koh Fan. Earlier, the island was attached to Koh Samui by a causeway; however, that has been paved now and can be easily reached by a short walk. If you plan to drive down there is a small parking area on the temple grounds to park your car.
What is Wat?
Big Buddha sits inside Wat Phra Yai ('wat' means temple), which comprises extensive grounds along with buildings, quiet areas for thoughts, and a variety of tourist shops.
How Much Time do you Need to Visit the Big Buddha?
If you are unsure whether it is a full-day outing or not, well, it is not. You can visit Big Buddha and the surrounding temple at your own pace and roam about until satisfied. Whether it takes an hour or longer, it is up to you.
When is the Best Time to Visit Big Buddha?
It would be best to visit Big Buddha during the sunset, as the stairs get hot in the noon sun. However, if you choose to visit in the middle of a sunny day, remember to bring a pair of ankle socks to protect your feet from hot and slippery tiled stairs.
Temple Timings: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Fisherman Village Koh Samui
As mentioned earlier, the Fisherman's Village in Koh Samui is a historical place. Every Friday, the whole site becomes a market, thus, attracting a considerable number of shoppers from across the island.
This old part of Bophut beach takes its name from the thriving fish community. The fishermen have long moved out, and the central pier has collapsed. However, the old wooden shophouses remain with a warren of narrow alleys running between them. Hence, this gives the village a charming old look and feel.
Getting to Fisherman Village Koh Samui
A couple of entrances to Fishermans Village are marked with arches. The area broadly consists of Bhoput beach road that surrounds small streets. The Bhoput beach road is open to vehicular traffic most of the time, except Friday evenings. However, it is a one-way road, and only one car can barely pass through.
Features of Fisherman Village
Most of the beachside buildings are open at the back, offering beautiful views towards Koh Phangan. There are plenty of restaurants, specializing mostly in Thai food. Interestingly, all of them have tables spread onto the sand facing the beach. You can also find some great pubs and bars there.
With its pleasing appearance, a vast selection of shopping, dining, and accommodation options, and of course, the Friday weekly market, Fisherman Village is highly popular among visitors. Best of all, the picturesque main road is an attraction in itself and looks striking in the half-light of dusk on any day.
In Conclusion
No trip to Koh Samui is complete without a visit to Big Buddha and Fisherman Village. The relaxed atmosphere and the picturesque views all add up to make for a splendid vacation and also a great place to invest in pool villas in Thailand.
All of SKHAI's best pool villas in Koh Samui are located at prime locations close to popular attractions with lots of great places around to discover. If you are interested in exploring pool villa property investment in Koh Samui contact our team to avail yourself of the best deals on some of the most beautiful valley views properties close to the beach on the island.
