Hua Thanon · Temples & Culture
Wat Samret
One of Koh Samui's oldest temples (over 200 years old per Wikipedia), known for a sitting Buddha carved from solid white marble in Mandalay (Burmese) style, and a locked 'Secret Hall of Buddhas' filled with many small statues. Quiet and off the tourist trail. Free entry.
- Free
- Hua Thanon
- under an hour
- Checked 25 Sept
Insider tips
- Ask a monk politely if you wish to see the Secret Hall of Buddhas; it is normally locked.
- Combine with Hua Thanon village, the Guan Yu Shrine and Wat Khunaram nearby.
- Luang Pho Daeng of Wat Khunaram fame studied here in his youth, according to a local guide.
The story
Wat Samret is an old, quiet temple west of Hua Thanon village in the south of Koh Samui. Wikipedia describes it as among the oldest temples on the island, more than 200 years old. Its best-known treasure is a sitting Buddha carved from solid white marble in Mandalay style - a common sight in Myanmar and northern Thailand but rare in the south; one travel source says the image was brought from Burma.
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The temple also keeps a 'Secret Hall of Buddhas', a small locked shrine containing many old Buddha statues, including, according to visitor accounts, a reclining Buddha several metres long. Because the statues are valuable, the hall's doors are usually locked and opened only by a monk on request; visitors report the doors are often open in the afternoon. Behind the main buildings is a small grove of old stupas (chedis).
Wat Samret is not on the main tour routes, so it keeps a genuine local atmosphere. Historical detail beyond its age and marble Buddha is thin in reliable sources, so treat deeper claims with caution. Entry is free; it is open during daylight hours.
Good to know
- Open daily in daylight hours. Not officially fixed.
- Free
- under an hour
- Afternoon, when the Secret Hall of Buddhas is reportedly more often open; mornings for quiet.
- 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 · 8 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 8 other references and local research.
