Wat Phra Yai should not be confused with Great Buddha of Thailand.
| Wat Phra Yai | |
| Native Name: | Thai: วัดพระใหญ่ |
| Map Type: | Thailand |
| Map Size: | 250 |
| Coordinates: | 9.5708°N 100.0598°W |
| Religious Affiliation: | Buddhism |
| Country: | Thailand |
| Year Completed: | 1972 |
Wat Phra Yai, known in English as the Big Buddha Temple, is a Buddhist temple on Ko Phan (also spelled Koh Fan or Koh Faan), a small island offshore from the northeastern area of Ko Samui, Thailand, connected to that island by a short causeway 3km (02miles) north of Samui International Airport. As its name indicates, it is home to a giant, 12m (39feet) gold-painted Buddha statue. Since being built in 1972, it has become one of Ko Samui's main tourist attractions and a major landmark.[1]
The Buddha statue depicts Buddha in a state of calm and purity and resolve, having overcome temptation and fear sent at him by Mara, Lord of Illusion. Known as the Mara posture, the left hand rests palm open and up in the statue's lap, the right hand facing down over the right knee, almost to the ground.[1]
There is a second, smaller Buddha statue, depicting the Maitreya of the Future[1] and a collection of bells around the temple's rear side.
The temple design has elements of animism, Brahminism and Buddhism in its architecture. As in many Thai temples, nāga statues line the staircase. There is a bazaar within the temple grounds selling tourist items as well as amulets and other Buddhist items.[1]
There are many restaurants and shops around the temple in the area known as Big Buddha Beach (Bang Rak).[2]
The Buddha is near a beachtown called Bang Rak, now often called Big Buddha Beach. It is 7.5km (04.7miles) northwest from Chaweng and 3km (02miles) east from Bophut. The temple is located on Thai highway 4171, which is a side route off of Highway 4169, the main route around the island.[1]