Bophut (Fisherman's Village) · Temples & Culture
Wat Bo Phuttharam
Luang Pu Thuad Statue
A busy local temple at the entrance to Bophut's Fisherman's Village, founded in 1934, famous for a boat-shaped shrine on a man-made lake holding a large black statue of the revered monk Luang Pu Thuad (completed 2016). Free entry; a cremation temple, so be considerate.
- Free
- Bophut (Fisherman's Village)
- under an hour
- Checked 25 Sept
Insider tips
- Luang Pu Thuad amulets are among the most respected in Thailand - locals come especially for them.
- This is a cremation temple: if you see a funeral in progress, come back another time.
- Easy to combine with Fisherman's Village; watch for stray dogs around the grounds, especially after dark.
The story
Wat Bo Phuttharam stands at one of the busiest junctions on Koh Samui, just before the entrance to Bophut's Fisherman's Village, and most visitors drive past without noticing it. The temple itself was founded in 1934, but its landmark is newer: a large black statue of Luang Pu Thuad seated on a two-tier boat-shaped structure surrounded by a man-made lake, completed in 2016 (construction began in 2013). Luang Pu Thuad was a legendary monk of southern Siam from about 250 years ago, famous for the miracle of turning seawater into fresh drinking water to save shipwrecked sailors; he is one of Thailand's most revered monks, associated with protection and safe travel.
Read moreShow less
Worshippers come from across the south to pay respects, buy amulets and pray for luck and health. Visitors can walk inside the boat's lower deck, which holds a small museum, and climb to the deck for a view over the grounds. Note that Wat Bo Phuttharam is also a cremation temple: if a funeral is taking place, it is respectful to leave and return another time.
Entry is free; donations for upkeep are welcome.
Good to know
- Open daily; the temple grounds have no gates. Shrines are open roughly in daylight hours.
- Free
- under an hour
- Morning or late afternoon; avoid times when a funeral ceremony is underway.
- 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 · 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.
