Mae Nam · Temples & Culture
Wat Na Phra Lan (Maenam)
A small, peaceful temple on the ring road by Maenam pier, believed to be several centuries old. Traditional southern Thai style, old Buddha images, a sacred water well and a statue of King Rama V. Very few tourists; free entry.
- Free
- Mae Nam
- Checked 25 Sept
Insider tips
- An easy cultural stop if you are catching a boat from Maenam/Lomprayah pier.
- Dress modestly even though it is small - it is a working local temple.
- Combine with Maenam Beach and the Thursday walking street.
The story
Wat Na Phra Lan is a small Buddhist temple on the north coast of Koh Samui, on the ring road near Maenam pier (Lomprayah pier), where boats leave for Koh Phangan. A local temple guide describes it as one of the oldest temples on the island, believed to be several hundred years old, with old Buddha images and Srivijaya-influenced carvings that recall Samui's early maritime trading links - these historical claims come from a single local source and are not independently verified. Features mentioned across sources include traditional red and gold buildings with intricate carvings, a sacred water well, and a statue of King Chulalongkorn (Rama V), who is deeply respected in Thailand.
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The atmosphere is quiet and local; resident monks are described as friendly to respectful visitors. Because it sits beside a busy pier area, it makes an easy, meaningful stop before or after a boat trip. One accommodation site confusingly calls it 'also known as Wat Plai Laem' - that is an error; they are different temples.
Entry is free; open in daylight hours.
Good to know
- Open daily in daylight hours; not officially fixed.
- Free
- Morning, or before/after a ferry trip from Maenam pier.
- 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.
