Hua Thanon · Temples & Culture
Wat Ratchathammaram
Wat Sila Ngu, the Red Temple
Koh Samui's striking 'Red Temple' by the sea south of Lamai: a red-clay ordination hall covered in detailed relief carvings, plus an older golden chedi (Phra That Sila Ngu) said to hold Buddha relics. Snake-shaped stairs lead down to the beach. Free entry.
- Free
- Hua Thanon
- Checked 25 Sept
Insider tips
- Combine with Hin Ta Hin Yai rocks, about 1 km away.
- Overlap Stone viewpoint is reached from near this temple - some visitors combine both.
- Morning light is best for photographing the red walls.
The story
Wat Ratchathammaram, better known to locals as Wat Sila Ngu ('Stone Snake Temple') and to visitors as the Red Temple, sits on the ring road by the sea between Lamai and Hua Thanon. Note: these names refer to ONE temple - many guides list 'Wat Sila Ngu' and 'Wat Ratchathammaram' separately by mistake. The site has two parts.
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The older sacred part is the golden chedi Phra That Sila Ngu on a terrace near the beach; according to Thai sources it was built to enshrine Buddha relics in 1935, and King Bhumibol and Queen Sirikit paid respects here in 1959. The local name comes from seaside rocks said to look like snake scales. The newer, famous part is the red ordination hall (ubosot), built over recent years from a red-tinted mixture of ground limestone and cement.
Its walls, inside and out, are covered in monochrome red relief carvings showing Buddhist stories, nagas (serpents), garuda birds and figures such as Ganesha and Hanuman - an unusual style said to blend Srivijaya and Bayon influences. A naga-guarded staircase leads down to the sea, and a sacred bodhi tree grows on the grounds. Construction details have been ongoing for years, so expect some work in progress.
Entry is free.
Good to know
- Open daily in daylight hours.
- Free
- Morning or late afternoon; sunlight brings out the red carvings and the sea view.
- 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.
