Big Buddha in Bang Rak—the place where Koh Samui begins

If Koh Samui had a heart, I would point right here without a second thought. A twelve-meter-tall golden Buddha sits on a small island off the coast of Bang Rak and is visible even from the plane as you come in to land. Many people first see him that way—through the airplane window.

The temple is called Wat Phra Yai; it was built in 1972, which means the statue is older than most of the hotels on the island. Climb the staircase adorned with dragons to the top—and there he is, the Buddha, with the sea and the entire bay spread out before you.

Monks often sit at the foot of the statue. If you’re lucky, you’ll catch a mini-ceremony: a monk recites a prayer and ties a thin string around your wrist. Then you walk around the island and notice—there are plenty of these strings everywhere, on tourists, on locals, on the barista at the coffee shop. Some wear it as a wish they’ve made, some for good luck, and some to ensure a safe journey home. Everyone has their own truth, and that’s the beauty of it.

Around the temple, there’s a scattering of souvenir shops and cafes—you can easily hang out here for a couple of hours. And in the evening, people flock here for the sunset: this part of the island is one of the favorite sunset spots for both visitors and those who have lived on Samui for years. Nearby are two cafes with telling names—See Sun and Sun Set. Grab something cold, sit facing the sea, and just watch the sun dip below the horizon.

Here’s a simple tip: come closer to evening, climb up to the Buddha, get your string, take a couple of photos as a keepsake—and stay for the sunset. You’ll understand why you won’t want to leave.