Wat Tham Yai Phrik


This Buddhist monastery is built around several meditation caves running into the island’s central limestone ridge and offers fine views from its hilltop chedi (stupa). Monks and mâa chee (nuns) from across Thailand come to take advantage of the caves’ peaceful environment. Someone is usually around to give informal tours and talk about Buddhism.

The body of a former nun is displayed in a small room within the grounds, a reminder of the impermanence of earthly life.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Hat Tham Phang

0.72 MILES

On the southwest side, Hat Tham Phang is the only sandy beach on the island and many day trippers make a beeline here (motorbike taxi from the main pier…

2. Phra Chudadhut Palace

0.8 MILES

This former royal palace was used by Rama V (King Chulalongkorn; r 1868–1910) over the summer months, but was abandoned when the French briefly occupied…

3. San Chao Pho Khao Yai

0.84 MILES

The most imposing sight on the island, this ornate dragon-infested temple dates back to the days when Chinese traders anchored in the sheltered waters…

4. Wat Ko Loi

7.62 MILES

This small Thai-Chinese Buddhist temple is on Ko Loi, a small rocky island connected to the mainland by a road at the northern end of Si Racha’s…

6. Ko Loi

7.67 MILES

Attached to the mainland via an 800m road, this rocky island is the ferry point for Ko Si Chang, and is home to an ornate Thai-Chinese temple and a…

7. Sriracha Clock Tower

7.74 MILES

The southern clock tower is a good place to get your bearings. Next to it is the main market; this is also a hub for local transport options. Note there…

8. Surasak Montri Suan

8 MILES

Locals fill this well-maintained municipal park every evening to practise yoga, t'ai chi and skateboarding. The park includes a coffee shop, a jogging…

  • placement: superzone
  • path: Destinations/POIs/superzone
  • possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [1, 1],
  • targeting:
    {
      "url": "thailand/chonburi-province/ko-si-chang/attractions/wat-tham-yai-phrik/a/poi-sig/1243132/357675",
      "position": "superzone"
    }