Na Muang (interior) · Temples & Culture
Wat Pradoem
Believed to be Koh Samui's oldest temple, built around 250 years ago (late Ayutthaya era). It keeps an ancient wooden scripture hall with old carvings, several viharns and a drum tower. Almost no tourists. Free entry, daylight hours.
- Free
- Na Muang (interior)
- Checked 25 Sept
Insider tips
- Combine with Wat Khunaram (a few minutes away) and Na Muang Waterfall.
- The oldest wooden hall may be locked on weekdays - admire from outside.
- There is little English signage; this is a living local temple, not a museum.
The story
Wat Pradoem is widely believed to be the oldest Buddhist temple on Koh Samui. Tourism and travel sources say it was built around 250 years ago, at the end of the Ayutthaya era, making it the island's first temple. Its treasure is an ancient wooden hall used to keep Buddhist scriptures, decorated with old carvings, alongside several viharns (assembly halls), monks' quarters (kuti) and a drum tower.
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One visitor report notes that on weekdays not all buildings are open and the oldest wooden hall may not be accessible. The temple sits a couple of kilometres inland from the ring road: coming from Lamai, turn left onto road 4173 shortly after Wat Khunaram, and the temple is on the left after about 2 km (it is roughly 1 km from Na Muang Waterfall). Some older sources mention signs near the former Butterfly Garden.
Almost no tourists come here; locals visit mainly on Buddhist holidays, so on a weekday you may have the grounds to yourself. Note: an abbot of 'Praderm Temple' appears in the history of Laem Sor Chedi around 1908, supporting the temple's long role in island religious life. Entry is free; open in daylight hours.
Good to know
- Open daily in daylight hours.
- Free
- Weekday daytime for total quiet; Buddhist holidays for local ceremony atmosphere.
- 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 · 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.
