Bang Kao · Cultural Sites
Buddha's Footprint Shrine
Kaw Lae
A small, old hilltop shrine near Laem Natien holding four Buddha footprints engraved one inside the other - a quiet, sacred spot for locals. About 150-163 steps up; wide views from the top. Free entry; hard to find, few signs.
- Free
- Bang Kao
- Checked 25 Sept
Insider tips
- It is genuinely hard to find - use Google Maps and look for the small roadside platform and leaning sign.
- Dress modestly; locals and monks come here to pray and may turn away inappropriately dressed visitors.
- Leave a coin on the footprints as locals do, if you wish.
The story
5 km north of Bang Kao Beach in the south of Koh Samui. Inside the modest shrine building are four footprints of the Buddha engraved on top of each other - in Buddhist tradition such footprints symbolise the Buddha's presence and the path to enlightenment. One source claims the site and temple are over 300 years old, while another dates it to the early 20th century - the true age is not reliably verified.
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For locals it is a sacred, almost secret place, and monks visit regularly. For visitors, the reward after climbing roughly 150-163 steps is a quiet shrine and one of the south coast's best views. There are no proper signs: look for a small platform by the 4170 road, walk along the path by the wall and follow the leaning sign to the staircase.
Because locals and monks use the site, dress and behave as you would in any temple. Entry is free; visitors may leave coins as a donation.
Good to know
- Open in daylight hours; no gate or fixed timetable.
- Free
- Morning or late afternoon for the climb and the view.
- Family friendly: Yes
Plan a visit
Free route: you go by your own scooter, car or on foot and we work out the order. Private tour: a local driver picks you up and takes you.
Checked 25 Sept 2026 · 6 sources
Sources and last check
- Last checked
- 25 Sept 2026
- What was checked
- Details checked 25 Sept 2026
- Next check due
- September 2027
Official sources
No official source published yet for this page.
Plus 6 other references and local research.
