Chaweng · Temples & Culture
Khao Hua Jook Pagoda
Wat Khao Hua Jook
A golden chedi on a 90-metre hill above Chaweng Lake, with a 360-degree view over Chaweng beach, the airport runway and out to Koh Phangan. Inside is a revered replica of the Buddha's footprint. Small fee/donation reported; one of Samui's best viewpoints.
- Free
- Chaweng
- Checked 25 Sept
Insider tips
- Do not fly drones here - the hill is directly on the airport flight path.
- Sunset is the most popular time; arrive a little before to get a good spot.
- You can see the Big Buddha and Wat Plai Laem's Guanyin statue from the terrace on a clear day.
The story
Khao Hua Jook Pagoda is a small hilltop temple on a roughly 90-metre hill just north of Chaweng Lake, between Chaweng and the airport. Its golden chedi (stupa), about 12 metres high, is visible from far away and is lit up beautifully at night. Inside the temple building at the base of the chedi is a prayer hall with murals and a replica of the Buddha's footprint, an object of deep respect for Thai Buddhists; one visitor account mentions a relic believed to be a bone fragment, but this is not officially verified.
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The main draw for many visitors is the wrap-around terrace: you can look east over Chaweng beach and town, south over the heart-shaped Chaweng Lake, west over the island's mountains at sunset, and north toward the Big Buddha and Koh Phangan. Because the hill sits beside the airport flight path, you can watch planes take off and land at close range. Bells hang around the terrace; ringing them gently is a local custom for good luck.
A steep but paved road leads to the top, with a staircase from the parking area to the terrace. Some sources report free entry, others a small fee or donation of about 20 THB - treat a small charge as possible.
Good to know
- Open daily, roughly 08:00–17:30.
- Free · Free or a small fee (about 20 THB) may be asked.
- Late afternoon to sunset for golden light and island views; morning for fewer people.
- 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 · 5 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 5 other references and local research.
