As a major cultural icon on the island it was somewhat disappointing to find how run down the Big Buddha was. My son however thought it was amazing and spiritual so that has to be a good thing.

Besides the obvious big golden Buddha, there are other smaller curiosities to explore. Walk directly away from the temple to the opposite side of the parking and shopping area to find some very weird statues. Some of the tourist shops have very good quality products and fairly reasonable prices and if you need refreshments there are plenty of stalls and... More

Again another recommended site on Koh Samui. Worth a look, but nothing amazing. Expected to see more monks, but just lots of nic-nac stores which ruins it a little.

Awesome place for sunset shots (from the top and from the pier). Big Buddha is really interesting. Ring the bells around him for good luck (though I had bad luck and an ant bit me on the toe on the way down the stairs... STUNG so much for days so be careful where you step as you have to leave... More

Quite a nice place being built on a (I supposed) reclaimed land. The Big Buddha is not really as big as Hong Kong's Lantau Island's Big Buddha. I would say, it's just another typical temple in Thailand since there's hundred of thousands of wats (temples) in this country. The step are layed with tiles which are a bit slippery. So,... More

It is a nice place to visit with children because it dont take a long time. You can go upstairs for a nice vieuw at al the peaple prying There are a lot of verry large bells, wihch is impressive. You can walk along the bells and touch it with a stick. There are a vieuw little shops,and ofcourse you... More

Area has grown substantially in the last few years and is looking better than it ever has. Very peaceful ringIng the bells around the buddha and looking out over the ocean. Definately worth a visit

The statue is impressive in the sunlight and at a distance. Looking up the stairs at it does give a sense of awe. The temple is in need of repair but two of the buildings have been recently renovated. Entrance is free and I liked the idea of getting people to help pay for the restoration by writing on a... More

The Big Buddha itself is very impressive and there are some shops around. We spent an hour there and could have wrapped it up in 20 minutes. I would recommend a quick trip, a walk up the stairs and watching people pray or get blessed by a monk.