Bang Kao · Temples & Culture
Laem Sor Pagoda
Laem Sor Chedi, Wat Laem Sor
A golden-tiled chedi (stupa) standing on rocks at the water's edge at Koh Samui's quiet southern tip. Two giant warrior statues guard the entrance, and a nearby glass 'boat hall' holds a wax figure of the monk who rebuilt the pagoda. Free entry, peaceful, few tourists.
- Free
- Bang Kao
- under an hour
- Checked 25 Sept
Insider tips
- Combine with the white Khao Chedi on the hill just west, for wide views of Bang Kao Bay.
- The small forest with seats next to the chedi is a good shady picnic spot.
- This is a real place of worship - locals pray here, so keep noise low even though it feels empty.
The story
Laem Sor Pagoda is a golden chedi (Buddhist stupa) standing right at the rocky shoreline near Bang Kao, at the southern end of Koh Samui. It looks golden from a distance but is actually covered in small yellow tiles that glow in the sun against the blue sea. The entrance is guarded by two large, colourful yak (giant warrior) statues with swords, with a Buddha image standing in the gateway behind them.
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The site is a holy shrine for local Buddhists, who come to pray, make offerings and sit in the small 'meditation forest' with tables beside the chedi. Sources agree the present pagoda is connected with the monk Luang Por Daeng Tisso, who is said to have arrived by boat and led its rebuilding; one detailed account says the chedi was destroyed by lightning and rebuilt on the beach in Srivijaya style, completed in 1974, while another says it was built in 1968 - treat the exact date as uncertain. A short walk away, a glass-walled 'boat hall' displays a wax figure of the monk seated in a small boat; locals place model boats there to give thanks when wishes come true.
On the hill to the west stands the white Khao Chedi, part of the wider Wat Laem Sor complex. The pagoda is quiet, rarely crowded, and free to visit.
Good to know
- Open daily in daylight hours.
- Free
- under an hour
- Early morning or late afternoon; sunset light on the golden tiles is beautiful. Buddhist holy days bring a lively local crowd.
- Hardly affected by weather
- Family friendly: Yes
- Good for couples: Yes
- Scooter access: Yes
- Car access: 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 · 7 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 7 other references and local research.
